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‘Vertical Expectations - The Shard’ by Simolab - Creative AV

From 2011 whilst it was still under construction, this documentary looks at Renzo Piano Building Workshop’s controversial ‘Shard’ tower in London.

“The Shard, is a skyscraper under construction in London Bridge, London. When completed in 2012, it will be the tallest building in the European Union and the 45th tallest building in the world.

Vertical Expectations is a 26 minutes documentary that explores the nexus between architecture, development and society through an ethnographic analysis of the current building of the Shard.

As a resident in the area I was particularly interested in investigating this phenomenon and the impact it will have in its surroundings and the city.

This documentary highlights some of the questions that can inform a more nuanced understanding of architecture’s social ramifications and the relevance space art and technology have on local people and the city as a whole. It raises questions about how architecture and space reflect social needs, the role of urban planning in the construction of public areas and the impact it will have on the community.”