> A city can and should decide what the "overall look and feel" is. London fails at that spectacularly.
London's skyline is one of the most iconic skylines in the world. The more recent additions like the London Eye (or whatever it's called these days), the "walkie talkie" and the Shard just add to its unique character IMO.
An iconic skyline sure. But unless you are one of the few who can afford renting/buying and apartment higher up you mostly notice how much shadow a cluster of high rise buildings casts onto the street level.
Walking from the tube to my office I noticed 3 story buildings next to 10, then 5 then 3 again. Old brick buildings next to soviet style apartment blocks. Even for the pavement they used 6 different materials or styles from the station to the office, around 400m.
It is not that hard nor expensive to make an attractive looking city. You just need the political will for it.
London's skyline is one of the most iconic skylines in the world. The more recent additions like the London Eye (or whatever it's called these days), the "walkie talkie" and the Shard just add to its unique character IMO.