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Tall buildings and the vertical growth of cities is a topic that is attracting more and more discussion in many regions of the world.

Tall buildings and vertical urban growth is a topic that is attracting more and more debate in many regions of the world, with cities facing ever-increasing population pressure and a lack of space. As Thodoris Karaoulanis writes in economix.gr, the issue has come to the fore in recent months on the occasion of the trial in the Council of State regarding the urban planning incentives of the New Building Regulation which allowed a greater height than what was foreseen in the planning for less ground coverage – and other relevant green incentives.

In Greece, the height of buildings is strictly limited by legislation, with the maximum permitted height reaching 32 meters in the majority of areas. Many areas have established a lower maximum height, combined with small building factors, but the maximum rule is 32 meters. This restriction is mainly concerned with protecting the landscape, avoiding congestion and restoring the traditional architectural identity.
On the contrary, in many European cities, vertical development is more common and necessary to serve modern needs. In London, for example, buildings are allowed up to 250 meters high, while in Frankfurt and Milan buildings can be as high as 100 meters. Some cities, such as Stockholm, despite their general trend towards low growth, have adopted specific zones where taller buildings are allowed to facilitate a sense of density and concentration in urban areas without compromising quality of life.
Vertical development offers several advantages for modern cities, especially in densely populated areas. One of the main challenges for large cities today is the need for more available space without affecting the quality of life of residents. Tall buildings offer the ability to create more square footage without taking up too much land, while at the same time, they can incorporate technologies that promote sustainability and energy efficiency. In many cases, modern buildings are designed in such a way as to reduce their energy consumption and generate energy through photovoltaic panels or other sustainable technologies.
This is also the case in Germany, where many cities, such as Hamburg, encourage the development of tall buildings, not only to meet the demand for housing and business premises, but also to help protect natural resources and contribute to efficient use of energy. The development of tall buildings has become an important part of urban strategies to achieve sustainability goals.
However, there are also challenges to consider when it comes to vertical development. Increased population density can have impacts on air quality, waste management and transport infrastructure, while population density can create the need for greater social support and better management of public space. In addition, some problems arise from the need to maintain a strong urban design, so that the buildings are harmoniously integrated with the surrounding area and the cultural and historical heritage is not altered.
One of the most popular goals of cities adopting vertical development is to avoid urban sprawl. In Greece, for example, the cost of land is high and the demand for residential and commercial space is constantly increasing. In the case of Athens, the development of tall buildings can reduce pressure on the ground and provide spaces for recreation and communal areas. If, at the same time, green technologies are adopted, these buildings can reduce CO2 emission, reduce the heat island and incorporate green spaces.
However, in Greece, restrictions in building regulations and a lack of political will prevent the development of tall buildings. Despite positive examples from abroad, such as Madrid, Barcelona and Paris, where tall buildings help to make better use of available land and reduce urban sprawl, in Greece the thought of height development remains a controversial issue. In particular, Paris is an example of a city that has traditionally avoided vertical development due to its historical heritage and cultural traditions. Nevertheless, the city has begun to adopt tall buildings in areas that do not affect its physiognomy, such as the La Défense business center, which hosts buildings 200 meters high.
European cities are advancing development strategies that incorporate vertical development in order to respond to modern needs. Despite some people’s natural aversion to urban density, many cities have realized that tall buildings are a necessary tool to support growth without compromising quality of life. Greece, although it remains conservative in vertical growth, is called upon to review its policy. Limited square meters and high housing needs require the adoption of new solutions. The proper integration of tall buildings in cities, with strict rules for the protection of the environment and cultural heritage, can be a sustainable solution for the future of Greek cities, without threatening the values ​​that define their identity.
Vertical development, when combined with smart technologies and sustainable infrastructure, can offer the right solutions for the Greece of the future.