10 Most famous skyscrapers in London
London, like most Western European capitals tempted by the wind of change in the 20th century, could not deny the pleasure of acquiring its own skyscrapers.For a city with a rich architectural heritage, the appearance of lanky newcomers was a serious test.The British were looking for a balance between the old and the new not without problems, but judging by the modern panorama of London, we can say that in most cases they achieved success.
Who are these monsters of glass and concrete, impudently casting a shadow on ancient London? Meet the 10 tallest skyscrapers in the British capital, from the legendary Shard (with its stunning observation deck) to the lesser-known but curious skyscrapers.
The Shard “Shard of Glass”
It is an expensive and very ambitious project that has beaten all the bar heights not only in his homeland, but also in the European Union (only Moscow “Mercury” overtook him).The huge, futuristic skyscraper, piercing the sky like a thorn, was built with the participation of powerful investments from Qatar, whose ruler became bored of implementing large-scale projects in his native sands.Despite the fact that London has managed to get used to skyscrapers tightly over the past 30 years, the size of the Shard has raised serious doubts among the authorities and residents of the city, especially its “overhang” over the Tower, which is very close, on the opposite bank of the Thames.
One way or another, supporters of the project won and the new giant, filled with prestigious offices, now adorns (or disfigures, which is also a point of view) the panorama of London.The building is equipped with the latest lighting systems and lasers and can arrange a real show for the whole city at any time.The observation deck at the top of the skyscraper boasts the best view of London.
Height – 306 m, 87 floors, commissioned in 2012.
Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom.
One Churchill Place
The headquarters of the large English financial company Barclays, featuring a discreet, but modern design.
The building is interesting in that its construction was greatly influenced by the events of September 11, 2001 year.When a terrorist attack was launched on the United States.Inside, behind the glass of the facade, there are serious “fortifications” of four massive support columns designed to withstand air rams and protect people inside.
In addition, with the naked eye it is noticeable that the building is rather squat for its class – this is an attempt to make it less attractive to terrorists, it was originally planned to be one and a half times higher.
Height – 156 m, 32 floors, opened in 2005.
Address: 1, Churchill Place , Canary Wharf; London, E14 , United Kingdom.
Broadgate Tower
One of the novelties of London’s skyscraper park.A beautiful, modern complex of buildings whose design is saturated with sharp corners and has something to communicate with the blade.Two buildings are connected by a jumper made of massive steel beams, which, according to the authors’ intention, carry both a constructive and decorative function.Massive steel beams, located diagonally, also adorn (and strengthen) the glass facades of the building.There is an interesting detail related to the construction of the Broadgate Tower – unexpectedly archeological excavations.During excavation work on laying the foundation, workers discovered valuable historical artifacts.
Height – 165 m, 33 floors, opened in 2009.
Address: 201 Bishopsgate , , London EC2M 3AB, United Kingdom.
30 St Mary Axe, “The Gherkin”
One of the most recognizable modern buildings in London.The skyscraper is “average” for its growth class, but has a unique look of a glass cucumber directed into the British sky, consisting of triangular segments.Although not all Londoners appreciated the daring design (there are always such grumblers), the international architectural community welcomed Cucumber warmly – Mary Ax won many industry competitions.The building enjoys the well-deserved attention of photographers and tourists, and filmmakers fell in love with it as a vivid symbol of London, having already managed to “star” in several films, including the adaptation of “Harry Potter”.The building looks especially good at night when light plays in its transparent interiors.On the top floor of the skyscraper there is an indoor observation deck.
Height – 180 m, 41 floor, opened in 2004.
Address:30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF, United Kingdom
St George Wharf Tower
An elegant cylindrical skyscraper located on the banks of the Thames, inside there are 223 apartments (from “modest” to penthouses), the prices of which are not just bite, but are able to eat a mere mortal alive.The building, following the latest trends, is trying to be environmentally friendly – a wind turbine is installed on its top, providing a certain amount of renewable energy, and in the basements – modern equipment for rational heating of water.Despite all these innovations and a pleasant appearance, the building caused great criticism for its appearance near the Palace of Westminster.
Height – 181 m, 52 floors, opened in 2014.
Address: St George Wharf, London, SW8 2BW, United Kingdom
Tower 42
Representative of the early generation of British skyscrapers, Tower 42 is valuable as a symbol. It was who fought with the conservative forces of London, opposed to high-rise construction in the distant 60s, and managed to soar high into the sky, paving the way for his brothers. The building has three curly edges of different heights and a protruding middle trimmed with darker material.In 1993, the skyscraper was severely damaged by an explosion by Irish terrorists, but was preserved and restored.Basically, there are offices of financial institutions and a high-rise restaurant.
Height – 183 m, 47 floors, opened in 1980.
Address: 25 Old Broad St, Cornhill, London EC2N 1HN, United Kingdom
HSBC Tower
Very concise, neat skyscraper in bright colors.It was conceived and built as the new headquarters for the HSBC group of companies at the turn of the millennium, when the need ripened after the loss of Hong Kong by Great Britain.In the lobby there is a peculiar museum of the company – a wall where its achievements are recorded (no doubt significant).
Height – 200 m, 45 floors, opened in 2002.
Address: 60 Fenchurch St, Tower, London EC3M 4BA, United Kingdom
Citigroup Centre
A skyscraper of moderate ambition and a restrained appearance, albeit of a decent height, the main filling of which is the offices of British financial tycoons from Citigroup.The building is part of the complex, adjacent to it is the “stunted” comrade Canada 33, which has a passage on the 25th floor, and all together they are connected by underground passages to the metro station and a large shopping center.Be careful, because it’s easy for an inattentive visitor to get lost in this anthill.
Height – 200 m, 45 floors, opened in 1998.
Address: 33 Canada Square. Canary Wharf. London E14 5LB, United Kingdom
Leadenhall Building
One of the newest, most innovative London skyscrapers, embodying the implacable aspiration up.Leadenhall Building is distinguished by its modern design and ingenious engineering invention – it is an impressive geometry that plays with the corners of surfaces, the aesthetics of glass and steel structural parts.The building, like most of its colleagues, is a home for companies that can afford expensive offices.
Height – 225 meters, 48 floors, the opening is planned for May 2014.
Address: 122 Leadenhall St, Lime Street, London EC3V 4AB, United Kingdom
Heron Tower
One of the newest skyscrapers in the high-rise family of London, organically combining elegant architecture and high-tech filling.Although the building is occupied by offices, it has many attractive oases for non-working visitors.The first attraction is a huge aquarium in the center of the lobby with more than a thousand fish inside.One of the last floors of the Heron Tower there is a restaurant that can please not only delicious food, but also an impeccable view of London. The building also meets the latest environmental standards and renewable energy, which is another achievement of the creators.
Height – 230 m, 47 floors, opened 2011.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, United Kingdo
One Canada Square
It’s quite conservative, and to the taste of strict critics, even a boring one, a skyscraper, the brainchild of engineering from the late 80s. It is crowned by a large glass pyramid, inside of which there are special lighting devices for navigation signals to airplanes and helicopters.For almost 20 years (from 1990 to 2010), One Canada Square maintained the primacy of the tallest building in the UK. Like many famous buildings, the skyscraper came under the gun of cinematographers, playing roles in “28 weeks later,” “And the World Is Not Enough,” Bourne Supremacy”.Access to visitors to most of the building is closed, with the exception of the lower and underground floors, where a large shopping center is located.The latter is connected by crossings to the two nearest metro stations.
Height – 240 m, 50 floors, opened in 1991.
Address: 1, Canada Square, E14 5AB, United Kingdom
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