Where should landmark properties be located?

London is home to a myriad of incredible architecture, including stunning homes, commercial properties, and public buildings too. The latter two are mainly found in central areas in the city with suburban areas seeing less investment of this type. The suburbs are home to many wonderful examples of residential architecture though. Influential architect Renzo Piano, the mind behind the Shard, recently called for more future landmarks to be built in the suburbs beyond Zone 2. He referred to the process as "fertilising" peripheries. The change in focus would ease a lot of pressure on central areas, reducing the squeeze and the demand for space.He believes that suburban areas would benefit greatly from being chosen as the home of new landmarks, including libraries, concert halls, and universities. The suburbs tend to lack these, leaving people commuting to central areas. This creates a lot of problems including traffic congestion and harm to the environment. If more of these properties were located in suburbs it would lessen density in city centres.Building in existing suburbs is also seen as essential because it is immensely difficult and unwise to create new ones. These can eat into the Green Belt and put even more pressure on infrastructure. Enhancing the existing suburbs would be a better solution.The big thing to keep in mind is that landmark properties like universities and libraries can result in an increase in demand for homes in the areas. Their presence in suburbs would shift attention to building more homes in these locations.At Coffey Architects we have a big passion for buildings that enrich their surroundings. The idea of locating more landmark buildings in the suburbs is definitely an interesting one and it could bring an array of benefits to both commercial and residential architecture. It could work exceptionally well in London and other cities where space is limited in central areas.If you are considering a project, whether it involves commercial or residential architecture, and would like help from an experienced team of architects please consider us. We have a fantastic track record and strive to offer the best service for every client.