London's Changing Skyline

At certain points in its history, London must go through phases of rejuvenation. During the last 10 - 15 years skilled architects have designed an incredible range of contemporary buildings that have changed the city's skyline. These happily sit alongside the old as if they have always meant to be together. The view from the top of St. Pauls' Cathedral (yes, I managed all of those steps) revealed a skyline full of cranes.

The City of London Corporation that looks after the City on behalf of all who live, work and visit there, have put together a walking tour - Designs of the Times, discover the modern face of the city that leads the walker through the new, dynamic street-scapes of this city.

London has become so cosmopolitan, full of restaurants with state of the art fit outs and the photos below are what inspired me during my recent visit.

The City Information Centre, opposite St. Paul's

source

The Shard

View from the top the One New Change Building

The entrance to a Mark's and Spencer at St Paul's Churchyard

The Happenstance Bar and Restaurant, Ludgate Hill

Wasabi, sushi bar at One New Change Building

Rustic ambiance of Paul's Boulangerie at St. Paul's Churchyard

Feature lighting at Byron Hamburger, One New Change 

Okay, back to reality! Better get transforming spaces in Sydney!

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The Blue Trees in London

I've just recently returned from a trip to London and was so impressed with the vibrancy of the city. It helped that the weather was glorious (must have brought that with me from Australia!) as crowds of locals and tourists flocked to the parks and onto the streets to soak up some warmth.

We were staying very close to St. Paul's Cathedral and walked daily through the adjoining Festival Gardens. Imagine my surprise when I came across these Blue Trees and then found out that the artist Konstantin Dimopoulos, is Australian! This environmental art installation is a collaborative between the City of London, the City of London Festival, and Trees for Cities, and aims to highlight the ongoing decline of urban trees in major cities across the world. Parks and trees are essential for the well being and happiness of residents and need to be protected. A staggering 8 million people visit the City square mile for business or pleasure each year.

The artist, Konstantin Dimopoulos has brought art into the community with this installation and hopes to encourage social change by bringing this issue to a wide audience. 

Coming across something so unexpected in the middle of a well-tended London garden was delightful. 

By the way, the blue paint is a "biologically safe, water based colourant specifically developed for this project ... with no harm to the trees, wildlife, humans and waterways" says the artist.

You can find out more at:

www.treesforcities.org

www.kondimopoulos.com

www.colf.org

All photos above are my own

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