From Ground Level to the Top Floor: An Indoor Solution to Europe’s Growing Skyscrapers
If you have ever been to Europe or had the chance to explore the continent, you may have noticed that European cities have a very different urban form compared to cities in Asia or North America. In Europe, it is rare to see the towering skyscrapers that are common in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, or New York.
As of the year 2023, there are fewer than 100 buildings in the entire continent exceeding a height of 190 metres, and most of them are clustered in just five cities — London, Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, and Istanbul. In comparison, cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Shanghai may have more skyscrapers than the entirety of Europe combined.
This begs the question — Why this continent with such ancient history chooses not to follow the trend of embracing skyscrapers like other major cities around the world?
Historical Factors
In the late 19th century, as skyscrapers began appearing in the United States in cities like Chicago and New York, European cities with a rich history were already full of traditional and historic buildings. These cities had narrow, winding streets, with little room left for new structures. Additionally, many European cities were zoned evenly and did not have a high demand for vertical space in certain areas compared to North American or Asia-Pacific cities.
Moreover, with the increasing power and influence of North America, a cultural competition arose between Americans who deemed Europe’s class system obsolete and Europeans who perceived some American principles as undermining traditions and the European lifestyle. Consequently, each continent became cautious about embracing the other’s ideas. North America strived to set an example for a new era, while Europe endeavored to conserve its legacy.
However, these reasons only explain why European cities did not join the trend of building skyscrapers in the late 19th century. Why are there still very few skyscrapers in European cities today?
Post-WWII Reconstruction
During the post-World War II reconstruction period, many people believed that European cities would follow North American cities and begin building skyscrapers as a sign of modernization. However, in Western Europe, many cities had lost famous landmarks and historic buildings. Therefore, restoring and rebuilding these destroyed buildings became the mainstream idea at the time. Additionally, the populations of European cities were smaller than those in North American cities, and there was less demand for vertical space and higher floors.
At the same time, in Eastern Europe, the expanding Soviet Union built many repetitive buildings that could accommodate a large population, composed of a series of square-shaped structures. This was the first time Europe began developing skyscrapers, but not for the purpose of development or prosperity. Rather, it was to showcase the power and influence of the Soviet government.
Changing Attitudes Towards Skyscrapers
In the early 21st century, the design of skyscrapers became more unique, and the European attitude towards skyscrapers began to change. Commercial centres in cities like London, Paris, Moscow, Istanbul, and Frankfurt also began to have some high-rise buildings. However, smaller European cities are still dedicated to environmental protection and improving the quality of life for their residents.
However, in today’s society, skyscrapers exist not only for business or economic growth. By 2030, 60% of the world’s population will live in cities, and the demand for skyscrapers will continue to rise, especially in North America and Asia. As many traditional industries become automated, millions of people will migrate to cities, and the demand for living space in cities will increase accordingly. In this global trend, Europe is no exception. Therefore, in the foreseeable future, we may see a large number of new skyscrapers appearing in Europe. However, achieving urban development and cultural preservation at the same time will be a challenge for European cities in the coming years.
Navigating the Future of Skyscrapers with Mapxus’s Indoor Mapping and Positioning Technology
As skyscrapers become more prevalent in Europe and other continents, navigating and accessing the building’s interior becomes more challenging. Mapxus’s indoor mapping technology can provide accurate, detailed, and interactive maps of the building’s interior, making it easier for visitors and workers to find their way around. Also, Mapxus offers a range of languages for their indoor maps, making it accessible to a global audience. This multilingual capability is crucial for European cities, where multiple languages are spoken and used daily.
On the other hand, Mapxus’s indoor positioning technology can enhance this experience further by providing real-time information about a person’s location within the building. Wi-Fi Fingerprinting technology is used to locate a person within the building accurately. It can be used for a range of applications, from providing turn-by-turn directions to emergency services locating people in need of help.
Mapxus’s technology is based on a cloud-based platform that enables seamless integration with existing software systems. This flexibility allows for the easy deployment of indoor mapping and positioning solutions across multiple sites, making it a scalable solution for large-scale indoor environments. Mapxus’s solution has been used in various projects across different countries, including large shopping malls, transportation hubs, and commercial buildings, demonstrating its scalability and adaptability to different indoor environments.
In conclusion, while the rise of skyscrapers presents a challenge for European cities, indoor mapping and indoor positioning technology can help mitigate some of these challenges. By providing accurate and real-time information about a building’s interior, this technology can enhance the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of these buildings. As Europe continues to grow and develop, it is essential to embrace these technological advancements to ensure a bright and sustainable future.
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