IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

Relying on examples from London and New York, this paper will investigate the death of the high street and the general decline of the city centres. Higher urban populations and mass tourism continue to increase the pressure on public space making many losing their vitality and some urban centres unliveable. Initially through London’s Oxford Street we will provide a brief overview of the current demise of the global high street, and the associated urban furniture. The eponymous British red phone boxes, at best tourist selfie attraction, at worst, filthy adage in our already polluted environment, will be debated. More current phenomenon of the proliferation of American Candy stores will be included. Curiously, during the pandemic, these shops opened in vast numbers, with their merchandise classed as essential foods, despite what they sell being toxic. Through exploiting legal loophole, disguised as child-friendly colourful sweet packaging they sell junk. Seminal Adolf Loos’ statement on Ornament and Crime will be connected to these instantly recognisable anomalies, forming necklace-like (or noose-like) rings around our cities, and literally and conceptually strangling them. The latter parts of the paper will consider strategies to increasing liveability. Projects such as Outernet and the sky pool –Camden Highline, and its more famous built predecessor – New York Highline – will be examined as functioning as an ever-present imagery yet beyond reach for most. The final argument will offer vindication of projects such as the Mound by MVRDV, and others that can help us reclaim spaces and opportunities enabling true urban living.