Steve Watts: The Real Cost of Building London’s Skyline

About this episode

Steve Watts discusses the economics and challenges of building tall structures in London.

In this episode of Urban Forecast, Oli Lowrie and Jon Ackroyd sit down with Steve Watts, London-based cost consultant and Global Chair of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Steve shares a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the economics, design logic and delivery challenges of tall buildings, drawing on decades of experience working on landmark projects like The Shard. From why skyscrapers are “irreversible financial commitments” to why so many London towers are stall...

People in this episode

Hosts: Oli Lowrie, Jon Ackroyd

Guest: Steve Watts

Topics covered

• economics
• tall buildings
• urban development
• design challenges
• London skyline

Keywords

• skyscrapers
• cost consultant
• urban habitat
• building design
• financial commitments

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

Books & works: The Shard

Places: London

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