News / Architecture

What role can tall buildings play in the future of our city?

By Martin Booth  Monday Sep 11, 2023

A new series of participatory debates begins on Wednesday with a lofty question.

Design West will host the first 6 O’Clock Session at The Architect bar on Narrow Quay, asking what role can tall buildings play in the future of Bristol.

Does building high provide answers post-Covid? Or does high-rise create more problems? And how do we avoid the design mistakes of the past?

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

Design West are particularly keen to hear from anyone living in a tall building in Bristol, to bring their lived experience to the debate.

The panel at Wednesday’s event will include architects, civic activists and academics.

Beacon Tower and the Radisson Blu tower are recognisable elements of Bristol’s skyline – photo: Martin Booth

Design West director, Dr Anna Rutherford, said: “Design West are known for thought-provoking, popular events that inform people about the built and natural environment we live in.

“We’re delighted to open up the conversation further, with 6 O’Clock Sessions; a new series of cafe-style debates that blur the line between expert and audience, sharing the microphone for much-needed topical discussion on the future of our city.”

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.designwest.org.uk/whats-on/tall-buildings

Bristol is not a city known for its tall buildings – photo: Griffiths

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Bristol24/7 is an independent media outlet and community interest company. We're not owned by a large corporation and your contribution will help keep it this way. It will also help us grow and improve our content. By supporting us you will:
  • Support young people, charities and environmental projects in Bristol
  • Shape a Better Bristol
  • Enjoy exclusive perks
  • Comment on articles

Related articles

Choose payment frequency
Choose payment method
Credit/Debit
Apple Pay
Google Pay
By signing up to become a member you agree to our privacy policy and terms & conditions.
Fill in this form or email partnerships@bristol247.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning