The Gherkin is now mostly an office structure. It is the headquarters of numerous significant corporations, including Swiss Re and some of Sky News' offices. Today, some of the most popular television and radio shows are filmed here or nearby. The building was designed by Sir Norman Foster and constructed in 1975. The exterior is covered in black granite with gold accents. It has been called "the world's most expensive cup of coffee". The interior features a large atrium surrounded by floors of glass that provide views out over the city. There are several restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the office. The Gherkin is part of a development called Bankside which also includes two other skyscrapers named the Refrigerator and the Iceberg. These three buildings form what is known as the Bankside Tower Estate. They were all designed by Foster and built between 1975 and 1990. The Gherkin got its name because it resembled a gherkin (then unknown in Britain) when it was first proposed. It was also one of the first high-rise buildings to be permitted in London. At the time, many people feared it would be too tall and ruin the view from the Thames River. However, it has become one of the most identifiable landmarks in London. As you can see, the Gherkin is not actually made of gherkins!