"Vertical Forest" For Docklands Tower

Dean Nicholas
By Dean Nicholas Last edited 168 months ago
"Vertical Forest" For Docklands Tower

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Architects are wont to co-opt the language of nature and the tropes of the tropics for the buildings or projects they work on, as seen recently with the titanium leaves at Stratford. So one has to use a pinch of imagination to pretend that this collection of hanging window boxes is in fact what the designer, Studio RHE, is calling it: a 'vertical forest'.

The 24-storey tower, proposed for a site in Royal Victoria Dock, wears its green credentials literally and figuratively: the topiary wraps around one side of the building, while photovoltaic panels cover the two other sides. Plans for the 161-unit tower have just darkened the door of Newham council, who will determine whether the "Silvertree", as it's been incongruously called by the developer, will be built.

As for calling it a forest? Come on, let's be realistic: you get better window boxes hanging off the low rise blocks in the Barbican.

Last Updated 16 March 2010