'Jenga' style skyscraper to be built in London
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) has won planning permission for a 50-storey mixed-use skyscraper in London.
Nicknamed the ‘Jenga’ tower, the 170m (558ft) structure will have higher storeys that are stacked on top of each other in a cantilevered fashion; giving the illusion of a game of Jenga.
KPF’s tower will contain 450 flats, office space, retail space, a gym, cinema, plus winter garden and will have approximately 60,400sq m (650,140sq ft) of space.
Prior to this, a scheme by Make Architects to occupy the same site was rejected by planners in 2011, following fears that the development would have been too overbearing.
There are some concerns that KPF’s tower might have a ‘negative visual impact on designated views and the outstanding universal value of the Westminster World Heritage Site’ from Westminster Council and English Heritage. Neighbouring residents are also worried about the lack of light that their existing properties will receive once the tower is complete.
Despite this, the build is going ahead and completion is expected for 2018.