London, the capital city of England, is renowned not only for its historic landmarks but also for its contemporary skyscrapers that contribute to its distinctive skyline. Below are five must-see towering structures when visiting London.
The Shard
The Shard The tallest skyscraper in both the UK and Western Europe stands at 309.6 meters tall. This tower boasts an elegant design composed primarily of glass and steel, resembling a shard or spinal column crafted from glass, which inspired its name. It is designed to mirror reflections of light and cloud movements. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a full-view observation deck located on the 72nd floor. nd floor, located 244 meters above ground level.
Launched in July 2012, The Shard was conceived by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, who also created the iconic Centre Pompidou in Paris. This structure forms an integral part of efforts to rejuvenate the London Bridge district. Within its walls can be found office spaces, a high-end Shangri-La Hotel, dining establishments, and exclusive residences.
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The Gherkin
Referred to as 'The Gherkin' due to its resemblance to the pickle, this architectural marvel stands at 180 meters tall. It features a glass exterior with a spiraling design that allows sunlight in, thus reducing energy consumption.
Finished in 2003, the iconic 'Gherkin'—formally known as 30 St Mary Axe—is the brainchild of Sir Norman Foster, a distinguished British architect celebrated for his innovative creations. This structure took the place of the old Baltic Exchange, damaged beyond repair during an IRA bombing in 1992. Today, it stands as a prominent emblem of London’s financial hub.
The Walkie-Talkie
Standing at 160 meters tall with its distinctive domed roof, 20 Fenchurch Street—dubbed the 'Walkie-Talkie'—is renowned for its Sky Garden, an interior botanical area complete with a bar and terrace that provides stunning vistas of London.
Designed by Rafael Viñoly, this skyscraper was completed in 2014. It was controversial because of its shape, which rumour says could reflect sunlight so intensely as to melt objects in the street. This problem was rectified with a special coating.
The Leadenhall Building
Boasting a distinctive slanted profile, The Leadenhall Building has earned the moniker 'The Cheesegrater' due to its trapezoidal form. Standing at 225 meters tall and encased entirely in glass, it exudes a modern and forward-looking appearance.
The skyscraper was opened in 2014 and was crafted by the architecture company Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. The tilted structure safeguards vistas of St Paul's Cathedral from various locations around town.
One Canada Square
Standing at 235 meters tall, One Canada Square held the title as the UK's tallest skyscraper for some time until it was overtaken by The Shard and subsequently by other structures. With its straightforward rectangular shape crowned by a silver pyramid, this building stands as an emblem of Canary Wharf. London's second-largest financial centre.
Open since 1991, this structure was crafted by the renowned architect César Pelli, who is particularly well-known for designing the Petronas Towers in Malaysia. This development signified the metamorphosis of Canary Wharf from an abandoned dockland into a significant financial center.
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