The Shard: 32 London Bridge Street, London, England, SE1 Your Thoughts There are 101 comments. people are forgetting this building wasn't built for Londoners or the British it was built for foreign investors on foreign money. They don't want it to look like a traditional London building that tourists flock to see because of its history. they want it to look like every other skyscraper in the world to attract the wealthy. nikki j - Friday, April 3rd, 2015 @ 1:25pm I have fallen in love - with a building. I cannot get it out of my mind, it is so magnificent, so elegant, so clever. And it suits London perfectly. Thank you. Charlotte - Tuesday, August 5th, 2014 @ 12:23pm What a wondrous structure this is with much internal work to be completed. I look forward to seeing the opening of the restaurant(s) to be opened on the floors 31-33. Mike Higham - Friday, March 8th, 2013 @ 4:37pm The Shard is so perfect for London.

The historical side of London is enhanced by contrast with this stunning, modern beauty. Can't wait to visit! Liz - Sunday, February 3rd, 2013 @ 8:38pm It looks very impressive but you would not get me up there and I would not be too keen to get within falling distance should some nutter decide that he wanted to impress Allah! Gordon Eden - Sunday, February 3rd, 2013 @ 9:01am Looks good to me. The one critiscm I'd make, and it applies to all such buildings, Swiss-Re et al. They're all: look at me, each uping the ante on novelty, none really complement the environment in which they site, none do anything to complete or add to surrounding buildings. The area they're in starts to look like a junk yard, just a collection of unrelated shapes that look like some kid has randomly strewn an assortment of mis-shapes across the landscape. Roger M - Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 @ 9:56am Dull, dull, dull...

I survey buildings old and new for problems, many via roped access, so have an unusual view of how these things work (or not). I was surveying a building next door to the Shard last week, and from close up it's uninspiring, where is the thought or invention? Mr Piano has hit a bum note this time. If they'd built it upside down, now that would have been something... Stonetapper Baz - Sunday, February 12th, 2012 @ 3:23pm The project is cool, the location is cool. I was pleasantly amazed when I saw it, for the first time, in July 2010. Without tall towers and/or skyscrapers a metropolis is just a huge, flat, decrepit, sad, village. London is, definitely, my preferred metropolis of whole Europe. Moreno - Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 @ 12:56pm All the one-star ratings must be the typical mind-numbingly conservative Brits. London needs to change and become more modern; the gherkin was a world of good and a modern icon, the Shard is the next step.

An analogy is Jaguar cars: until recently they hadn't changed stylistically for decades and were losing money, now they are the epitome of modern and making massive profits. People need to let London adapt to the reality that it is the 21st, not 19th, century.However, it's position on the lower-rise South bank is slightly odd at the moment, but hopefully it may spark future development around it, because being a lone skyscraper it seems even bigger and more looming than it actually is, not helping to lighten the controversy about it's size! James - Monday, September 19th, 2011 @ 9:01pm I don't understand why people are so opposed to this building. As skyscrapers go, it really isn't a monstrosity as so many seem to think it is. It's quite a modest building when comparing it to the likes of others that are being constructed at this time across the world. It clearly isn't a building that's 'trying to be futuristic', it's a building of its time.It's much less intrusive than a building with a common square/rectangular shape (Canada One for instance).

I think it looks incredible and is a much needed addition to London's skyline. J Bacon - Friday, May 27th, 2011 @ 2:33pm Just another architect, showing how clever he is, or how clever he thinks he is, more like, displaying his fallic symbol.It is really an insult to the skyline of London, and should be only in place in somewhere like the USA. Paul Spinks - Saturday, April 16th, 2011 @ 7:30pm In my opinion, It is very ugly and unsophisticated, and an insult to the skyline of London Martin Roche - Friday, December 25th, 2009 @ 4:33am Great looking tower for the world's greatest city! andrew - Thursday, December 17th, 2009 @ 1:59pm I think this building is going to be the best thing that has happened in London - "A true beacon of Light" I pass this site every morning and am amazed at it's progress. I have been taking pictures � I�m sure these will be priceless � I am proud to be a Londoner..

Abel.De Souza - Saturday, December 12th, 2009 @ 4:15pm People who are saying that this does not look right for London clearly don't know London very well. This is located in the financial district - where I work - and is appropriate for that area. All London high-rises are located in these business areas such as The City and Canary Wharf where they are in context of their environment. London is not a city like many of its smaller European neighbours that one smallish centralised 'city centre' - it is sprawling with many different areas. The West End for example - the more touristy traditional part of London (Knightsbridge, Buckingham Palace etc) - practically has no tall buildings and none in the City or Canary Wharf can be seen from there. This building is in keeping with the requirements and architecture of this primarily business area and I for one think it�s great that we can have a city that has amazing historical architecture in the most part but buildings such as this where appropriate in the business districts which, for people who clearly do not know London, are separate. There is no reason we cannot do both.

Matt - Friday, December 4th, 2009 @ 3:17pm This is a fantastic building,and will start to rise above ground in the next couple of months.Those who oppose this oppose the future,evolution etc....and/or are jealous! Jon - Sunday, October 11th, 2009 @ 11:08am I think thi design is an extrodinary asset to the london skyline it will certainly bring london up to date with other major cities for once londons becoming modern BRILLIANT! Tom - Monday, October 5th, 2009 @ 3:50pm This will be a new symbol for London's Skyline. A Dynamic skyscraper for a futuristic city. Brent Kampert - Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 @ 5:29pm As someone who visits London only occasionally, I think it currently has one of the most amazing skylines. The mix of old and new is stunning and I think the Shard of Glass will be a spectacular addition.

Lynda Bullock - Sunday, August 9th, 2009 @ 10:10am As someone who has worked on Borough High Road, next to such great attractions as London Bridge, Borough Market and the Theatre land alongside the river, one has to say that this is a complete nightmare and god knows how they got planning permission for it. The shadow that it casts across these historic places is horrendous and personally I would like to see this building axed. Daniel - Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 @ 9:37am This building boggles the mind. I love it. We need something similar in Tokyo. Seiichi Mano - Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 @ 1:29pm The tower looks amazaing and it is a shame more stunning towers have not sprung up in other parts of london - it is ridiculous to limit the height on skyscrapers - we should be leading the way = buildings like this provide a positive message to the world Imraan - Thursday, March 19th, 2009 @ 7:49pm Go for it London. I think it's fab!

Just what we need and a few more as well to bring us in line with the other world class cities like New York. I love my Country but not it's politics and Government but they have got it right if they build this tower...definitely give my thumbs up to this sleek baby. Suzanne Tomlinson - Wednesday, December 24th, 2008 @ 6:20pm the structyure is ok, but why is it on the southbank, it looks abit odd just randomly placed, i think it should have some smaller, varied, skyscrapers around it otherwise it just looks ridiculous. tom - Monday, November 10th, 2008 @ 11:49am It is a mindblowing architect it just look wonder full i must say as we say in punjabi "chak te fatte" himanshu - Sunday, September 14th, 2008 @ 9:58am it'a lovely and a beauty full arcitect and it has alovely look navi - Saturday, September 13th, 2008 @ 3:18am Amazing!

More skyscrapers like these are needed to evolve London's skyline and prove that we can do classic architecture as well as these modern wonders!Keep them coming! And keep making them taller! We're the financial capital of the world after all, LET'S SHOW IT! Beth - Saturday, July 26th, 2008 @ 2:12pm It is time to move on London needs such a building so the world will know that London has a modern side to it! E.Erhuero - Friday, July 4th, 2008 @ 10:41am London requires more 12/14 level groundscrapers. not a building such as the shard. this is London remember not a fancy foriegn city. martin - Sunday, June 1st, 2008 @ 11:22am I love this building. A 21st Century icon, which will be a wonderful landmark for London and even the UK. With 40 towers proposed, Approved or Under Construction in Canary Wharf, and about a dozen around the City of London underway or approved, London will be absolutely fantastic come 2012 and beyond!

David - Saturday, May 31st, 2008 @ 10:47am London needs more high rise near transport hubs including lots of residential space. There are several other landmark buildings all being stalled for one reason or another. I must admit, this and the other buildings planned for City make Canary WHarf look a bit bland and unimaginative,all the best... sivaraman.c - Monday, May 26th, 2008 @ 2:10am London has great architecture from every era. I think it should have one for this era, for future generations to admire. There need more improvement. Biswa Raj - Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 @ 4:42am London is a famous international city.Its the 21 century london needs a proper skyline like american cities do filled with skyscrapers to make it much more exciting like New York jamie rigby - Friday, March 14th, 2008 @ 9:18am I do actually quite like this tower.. but it's not suited for London.

We need to preserve and create traditional architecture, instead of further scarring London with 'futuristic' 'innovative'buildings. Haven't we learn from the 60s and 70s that basically all modern buildings are a mistake? Either build it in Canary Wharf, or not at all- CLASSICAL/TRADTIONAL architecture is the way! Chris Walker - Thursday, March 13th, 2008 @ 4:40am I love the design, and the idea of building a London Skyline. But a building should be an extension of its environment. So this building should be in Canary wharf. It would look fitting next to other tall skyscrapers, but it looks out of place on its own. But I do like the design, and I appreciate what they are trying to do. Perhaps we could get more buildings like this outside of London, in cities such as Leeds, Birmingham, and Manchester. Joseph - Thursday, February 28th, 2008 @ 3:58pm A really nice building. but look at the energy crisis in all of this. london is a great city with lots of history.

we dont need another fantastic city turned into another new york or shanghai using tons of energy just to waste it. overall i like the building but i hope that we dont have to have lots of building like this in london because afterall london is extremely historic and deserves its rights to keep its most precious memories! Jake - Thursday, January 17th, 2008 @ 5:27am Oh my dear! The Gurkin is ugly already! London is a poor looking town and doesn't need more child like architecture. To bad England and London don't have more confidence in them self than these projects show. Jesper Björnstedt-Qvarsell - Monday, December 31st, 2007 @ 9:18am England doesn't need to look futuristic to attract the appreciation of others around the world. It is a nice building... but its just like every other skyscraper out there. The competition will never end and pretty soon cities will lose its unique attributes. This is not what England should strive for.

Luzia Santos - Tuesday, December 11th, 2007 @ 10:49am an amazing idea defiantly going to attract more people to come to london connor weller banks - Friday, December 7th, 2007 @ 7:27am It an amazing peice of artwork and it is so beautiful at night when the lights hit it tashia - Tuesday, December 4th, 2007 @ 10:38am Think, it's not bad - much better then some dull 1950-70 blocks in the City and Southwark. If you really want to unblock the St Paul's, just clear the space between the cathedral and the river. Nothing to do with the powerful spire on the other side. Mikhail - Monday, December 3rd, 2007 @ 10:05pm am adeel from pakistan and this is your very beautifull tower and buldings i prayer for god.god bless your country tower bulldings and all people.

Muhammad adeel - Monday, November 12th, 2007 @ 11:06am Really great building! But it would look better at City of London, not Southwark! oksana - Sunday, October 28th, 2007 @ 3:58pm from era to era london always will make great architects Jake - Monday, August 27th, 2007 @ 10:35pm I quite like this, at the moment London is lacking in tall structures/ skyscrapers and we have let the rest of the world surpass us! Its ashame it wasn't any taller! JasonA - Wednesday, July 25th, 2007 @ 5:09pm It looks ok if you were standing in an American city. Cities with tall buildings of glass and steel are just boring to me. Everyone just gets used to them and never, after a while stare at them in awe like the beautiful masterpieces London already has. London desrves better. This building in 50 years will look just like the nightmares the Architects of the 60's and 70's produced. Just awful.

Stephen Fletcher - Monday, July 23rd, 2007 @ 6:14am it reminds me of what everyone in 1954 thought the future might look like... its an absolute outdated vision of the future. Travis - Monday, June 25th, 2007 @ 8:09am I think the design is brilliant and that there should be more buildings like this in London and other major cities Wytze Wolthuizen - Friday, June 22nd, 2007 @ 6:04am Good job London! This is the 21st century. London has always been one of world's greatest cities. It is important to keep up with the fast changing world. Great design. You should have kept the 87 floors. kaisari - Thursday, May 24th, 2007 @ 10:22pm whaoh!!!this is a great piece of architectural edifice from a genius.watch out! this is amidst the best in 100years to come.thanks for thinking the unusual out for this generation and generations to come, to cherish and admire.

opeyemi ojo - Thursday, May 10th, 2007 @ 11:54am This is an atrocious, hideous subversion of the London skyline. Building new things simply to look futuristic is a perverse way to impose ugliness in the name of progress. London does not need this montrosity. Allen - Wednesday, May 9th, 2007 @ 2:30am It's a shame it can't be a bit taller but everything else is spot on. People keep banging on about our heritage but isn't our future also our future heritage. Just hurry up and build it and more of the same please. Michael Chambers - Monday, May 7th, 2007 @ 9:07am Its about time London started building supertall structures like this. I think its much better looking than the gherkin.i love the angular lines but i think they could of done a much better job. jake - Saturday, April 21st, 2007 @ 9:09am the london bridge tower is a showcase for for progress in architecture and humanity.

we all like progress in our lives and those who are against do not understand the need for improvements in the present way we live. The planning of the tower is ingenious and breathtaking and gives me confidence that humans can do the right thing to improve their quality of lives if do put on their thinking caps. I hope this tower is completed sooner than latter. TEMITOPE - Sunday, April 8th, 2007 @ 11:39pm The iconic images of new york, tokyo, sydney, chicago and now chinese cities and london looked dull - yes great vibe in the streets but as a statement it was low rise and dull. this is our generation and we need to mark our time on the planet with statements. Like many others - come-on lets create inspiring, soaring monuments to a great world city. It will be for future generations to demolish or keep as historic monumnets.

i think it will be the latter and our city needs room - up is the only place russell - Saturday, March 10th, 2007 @ 9:43am I am very interested in skyscrapers and i often research the plans they have for London (the greatest city in the world) and thety have about 20 planned this one being the tallest of them. I think this is exctly what London needs, an amazing skyline. It's Brilliant!! Adam Crawley - Saturday, February 17th, 2007 @ 3:15pm This is an ugly monstrosity that decades that will undoubtedly become a scar on the face of London, and an eyesore to the British public along with Bishopsgate jakob - Monday, February 12th, 2007 @ 1:37am It looks futuristic, and beautiful. It;s more like the next generation tower, rather than today's structure. Jamaica Miller - Monday, February 5th, 2007 @ 11:20pm Love it. A great addition to a great city.

NickW - Monday, January 29th, 2007 @ 4:50pm This is a perfect addition to the great city that is London! It will be an extra special icon for the 2012 olympic games. St Pauls cathedral? Pah. James - Wednesday, December 20th, 2006 @ 11:58am 5 Stars. We need more building of the future but which work with people because they are after all meant for people. Delvinos - Wednesday, December 20th, 2006 @ 9:40am This will be a great asset to London. About time London created a building to capture everyone's eyes.Londoners and tourist. I can't wait when it's been built.So that i can go to the top and see the London beautiful skyline especially from such a height. I am sure it will be amazing.London it's time to reach to the HEAVENS.Huntley Scott huntley scott - Sunday, December 17th, 2006 @ 12:10pm A beautiful shard of glass for a gem of a city. Well done London!

LDN - Tuesday, November 28th, 2006 @ 10:22pm Disheartened to see such a ugly, antipathetic shape. The style indictates an obsession with international capital, de-humanising and self congratulatory.Sad really. Mich - Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006 @ 3:15pm Its a monster,a greedy piece of speculative development that will damage Londons skyline for ever, completely out of scale and at odds with this cities unique character and its mixed low/mid rise street and square focused urban development. J Attwood - Wednesday, November 1st, 2006 @ 5:54pm Finally, a bit more modern design has been presented to Britain, this building along with the other great works of architecture among London will be one of the finest.

STROBE - Friday, September 22nd, 2006 @ 4:54am like everyone else ABOUT TIME ok so our heritage is important but so is our future.if we dont build now london will have no future andrew - Wednesday, September 20th, 2006 @ 2:28pm At long last. If there are any people who want pointless little 10 story-or-less rectangles, go live in a shanty town or anywhere other than the Megalopolis of London. This city was the greatest of them all, but (in my opinion) it is now an international embarrassment that puts Great Britain to shame. Thankfully this and other buildings, including Canary Wharf and others on their way, may put London, and the country, back on the map that we ourselves drew up. But this is not enough, its just a beginning. These buildings belong in clusters and all tall buildings should be built together in The City or Canary Wharf. This is not Uganda, this is a G4 country and the second financial centre of the World. Well done Ken Livingstone.

An Enlightened Prince Charles - Tuesday, September 19th, 2006 @ 3:56pm about bloody time:)i think most of london is still stuck between the victorian to 80s era.the future is now, and these new buildings that are going up just give you a uplifting feeling when you see them.remember,when st pauls was built (hi tec in its time)they said it was too large and blocked out a lot of things.BUT IT IS STILL HERE?? vince. - Monday, August 14th, 2006 @ 10:29pm I cant believe how long it is taking to even start construction on this building, build it now! London needs density, to increase walking and decrease journey times. London needs more high rise near transport hubs including lots of residential space. There are several other landmark buildings all being stalled for one reason or another. I must admit, this and the other buildings planned for City make Canary WHarf look a bit bland and unimaginative. mark - Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 @ 5:12am love it! just love it! london needs more like it!

colin hopper - Wednesday, May 17th, 2006 @ 3:58pm I think this building is fantastic. It would be better if it were a little taller but everything else about it is perfect.It is sleek and graceful and gives london the greatest city in the world (in my opinion)a new facelift.London has so much to offer but never had a good skyline,although canary wharf and all the new projects are fab.Now london can compete in the skyline competition.GO GO LONDON. shannon frankling (male) - Saturday, May 13th, 2006 @ 3:04pm A city is living breathing thing thats needs to grow or it will stagnate. This will be a sign to all that london is alive and vibrant. the design is fantastic and will be a wonderful addition to the london skyline patrick guthrie - Tuesday, May 9th, 2006 @ 12:45pm Britain must shed their international conservative image and move forward. London is one of the worlds foremost financial centres and it is time we began to show it. This building is the perfect vehicle to display London's wealth and international importance.

BUILD IT NOW! Geoff ashden - Saturday, April 8th, 2006 @ 5:49am A modern icon for a beautiful historic city. Brett Haase - Wednesday, March 29th, 2006 @ 7:12pm Beautiful! I would love to see it in the future. The design is simple, clean, modern, yet complementary to the overall scheme of the city. Its time London took its place along with Shanghai and New York. It needs a distinct modern tower, a new look into the future. Erratic Market Banger - Saturday, January 14th, 2006 @ 10:49pm ***** Wonderful building and unique addition to the London that need to move forward without listening to those old thinkers who they want our city to stay behind all others. S Plicio - Saturday, January 7th, 2006 @ 6:51am Beautiful Rui Salgueiro Sousa - Wednesday, January 4th, 2006 @ 6:39pm We dont need heritage, we need to move onto the future.

How could a country try to lead the 21 century whilst keeping their old memories, and britain too much memories, that no needs anymore. Look at china they dont go on about history, all there stuff hitech gadgetry and all that sort of stuff. alright be proud and all that, i think all that needs to be kept in text books not in our faces any more. Lee - Sunday, December 25th, 2005 @ 2:24pm THIS IS RUBBISH. Why can�t we give it a negative rate? When will they stop destroying London and its skyline? This is an anti-ecological, non-sustainable building. When the energy crisis will come, and it will come for sure, I hope someone oblige Ken Livingstone and Renzo Piano to climb by foot all the building stairs steps. Antonio Maria Braga - Sunday, December 4th, 2005 @ 10:37am A great idea..the design is one of great quality and architectural elements..and i admire renzo piano!!

Rita - Saturday, November 12th, 2005 @ 8:03am at last,we have a modern wonderful building coming to the old smoke william - Monday, October 31st, 2005 @ 6:26pm finally a building to take us into the 21st century and out of the 20th. forget the past and invest in the future of london. when st pauls cathedral was built there was an outcry. they said it was to big and would dwarf all around it. but they lived with it, so why cant we live with what we are building today?. vince - Sunday, October 16th, 2005 @ 9:52pm What a brilliant tower!!!!!!!! Finally london can compete with the big boys. Its just typicall that nieve people are complaining about it. sathesh alagappan - Friday, October 7th, 2005 @ 11:13am georgeous,fascinating,sexy and superb piece of architecture wilson - Monday, July 25th, 2005 @ 11:57pm What a fantastic tower!

Can't wait to hear more about the designs and see it when it is actually completed... HOPEFULLY! London is changing a great deal. I was in London about 7years ago... i mean canary wharf was nothing but one tower, and the city of London was quite unappealing! I visited London just 2 months ago and i was utterly amazed! Projects underway everywhere! New buildings completed and canary wharf looking fantastic, new, international and soo beautiful! I mean the Labour party cant be that bad, how London is looking the way it is today... astonishing! I hope to visit London more regularly! A spectacular city! Greatest in the world! I think skyscrapers are a symbol of wealth, prosperity, class and power! REACH FOR THE SKIES LONDON! :) S. P - Thursday, May 26th, 2005 @ 8:32am This is an excellent design. I think it will be a great asset to London. But, if it never gets built, we would be very happy to take this design and exchange it with the design for the "Freedom Tower" at the World Trade Center site!

Jason King - Friday, May 13th, 2005 @ 7:33am I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be a fantastic addition to London's skyline. Will Fox - Wednesday, May 4th, 2005 @ 10:29am It brings us Architects so much pleasure when ground is gained in advancing our built environment...what catches me on this one is the buildings camouflage that embraces the skies..becoming a part of the mysterious.Lets gain towards the irregular and put new ides in the sky... Wankumbu Sikombe - Friday, April 8th, 2005 @ 7:46am London has great architecture from every era. I think it should have one for this era, for future generations to admire. Graham - Saturday, March 26th, 2005 @ 7:44pm it's so fantastic.so beautiful,this is modern building and a great architecture. retno - Saturday, March 26th, 2005 @ 9:22am What a fantastic idea!

It will revive the centre of London - we are yet to have such a modern & iconic structure, which can be globally showcased, recognised and adored! This is our Sydney Opera House, our Empire State Building, our Sears Tower ... bring it on! London is already one of, if not THE most admired cities in the world and the 'Shard of Glass' can only add yet another 'weapon' to our armoury of beauty, status, pride and style - would our Great British Capital deserve any less? SO GET BUILDING!! Tom Kinsley - Tuesday, March 1st, 2005 @ 12:29pm This add a new dimension of excitement to London's architectural landscape. The design is graceful and tapers respectfully to dominate London's skyline. It's really beautiful. I think when completed, it will not only be tolerated but embraced. kwabena Oppong-Peprah - Monday, February 21st, 2005 @ 1:41pm Just what London needs. I love the new gherkin (Swiss Re tower). London as a whole is changing in it's opinion to modernity in all types of architecture. From galleries, museums and office towers.

I think it's time to give Prince Charles the finger and tell him to shut up about his bloody hate for modern architecture. No one cares anymore! This tower should be built, if not for London, then to aggravate Charles and English Heritage. Jamie - Thursday, February 3rd, 2005 @ 10:45am I'm in the middle on the design of this building. I feel there is nothing wrong with the overall idea of building big, London is after all, a very special unique city. Cities like New York and Toronto are relatively new in the scheme of urban planning and building, therefor the opportunity for building tall (and often) is increased. Because London 's street grid derives from a varied historic past, a tall building may be a hinderance to pedestrian and vehicular travel. One thing I have always appreciated about European design is the opportunity to showcase modern edgy architecture surrounded by ancient lived buildings. This design is beautiful - too bad such a design couldnt be found for NYC. Kevin - Sunday, December 26th, 2004 @ 11:37pm Excellent!! It's about time London had something like this. It is well overdue.

I love tall buildings and have been to both the USA & Canada. The skyscrapers over there are awe inspiring & when you come back to London (which is where I live), after seeing the huge skylines I think "hugh!". I know of 3 other tall buildings due to be built in the city & another at Canary Wharf but I feel we still need more of these types of buildings in London. If London is , as I am lead to believe, the financial capital of the world then why don't we have the skyscrapers to reflect that? All this hogwash about oh!, you won't be able to see St Pauls Catherdal etc. is complete and utter rubbish. This is now the 21st century, it's time to move on. Magnificent though St Pauls Cathedral is it will remain there forever and if pepople want to see it then they can as it will outlive all of us. St Pauls does not have to dominate the skyline forever. Wake up and smell the coffee.......London, oh how old and graceful you be - it's time to move on!!

Eddie Merry eddie merry - Friday, October 8th, 2004 @ 4:40am Name: _DSC5400 | London Bridge Tower - London, UK - 2000 - 2012 Re… | Flickr _DSC5400 London Bridge Tower - London, UK - 2000 - 2012 Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects in collaboration with Adamson Associates (Toronto, London) Consultants: Arup (structure and services); Lerch, Bates & Associates (vertical transportation); Broadway Malyan (consulting architect) The London Bridge Tower, also known as the Shard, is a 72-storey, mixed-use tower located beside London Bridge Station on the south bank of the river Thames. This project was a response to the urban vision of London Mayor Ken Livingstone and to his policy of encouraging high-density development at key transport nodes in London. This sort of sustainable urban extension relies on the proximity of public transportation, discourages car use and helps to reduce traffic congestion in the city. A mix of uses – residential, offices hotel, restaurants – creates a building that is in use 24 hours a day.

The slender, pyramidal form of the tower was determined by its suitability to this mix: large floor plates at the bottom for offices; restaurants, public spaces and a hotel located in the middle; private apartments at the top of the building. The final floors accommodate a public viewing gallery, 240 m above street level. This arrangement of functions also allows the tower to taper off and disappear into the sky. Eight sloping glass facades, the “shards”, define the shape and visual quality of the tower, fragmenting the scale of the building and reflecting the light in unpredictable ways. Opening vents in the gaps or “fractures” between the shards, provide natural ventilation to winter gardens. The extra-white glass used on the Shard gives the tower a lightness and a sensitivity to the changing sky around it, the Shard’s colour and mood are constantly changing. It required a particular technical solution to ensure the facade’s performance in terms of controlling light and heat. A double-skin, naturally ventilated facade with internal blinds that respond automatically to changes in light levels was developed.

The logic is very simple: external blinds are very effective in keeping solar gain out of a building, but unprotected external blinds are not appropriate for a tall building, hence the extra layer of glass facade on the outside. Done London Bridge - visitlondon.com London Bridge Email Facebook Twitter Google+ Spanning the divide between the traditional City of London and the more relaxed, creative Bankside, London Bridge is full of interesting attractions and surprises. Of all the bridges over the River Thames, London Bridge has the longest history. It was the only bridge over London's river until Putney Bridge opened in 1729. The famous Tower Bridge , a little further down the Thames, is often mistakenly called "London Bridge", however London Bridge does offer unparalleled views of its pretty counterpart. To explore the river by boat, take a Thames Clipper from London Bridge pier , or an evening City Cruise from Tower Bridge pier. The bustling area around London Bridge is full of hotels , bars , restaurants and attractions . The area is also well known for the medical services at London Bridge Hospital and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. From London Bridge it is just a quick walk to Bankside , or to the historic City of London on the north side of the river.

It's also just a short walk to the historic Tower of London . Travel to and from London Bridge London Bridge has excellent public transport links. London Bridge station is part of the overland rail network and from here you can access Kent, Sussex, and South London. You can also travel to Luton airport and Gatwick airport direct from London Bridge station. You can book train tickets from London Bridge in advance with thetrainline.com. If you're going to be in London for more than a day, it's worth buying a Visitor Oyster Card in advance. The Visitor Oyster Card is delivered to your home before you arrive in London. It is one of the easiest ways to get around London . If you do not have a Visitor Oyster Card, but still plan to travel around London for more than a day, buy an Oyster card at the Tube station. Learn more about Oyster Cards . Travelling across London from London Bridge Station is easy.

You can take: Overland rail to stations such as Cannon Street, Waterloo East and Charing Cross and St Pancras International The Jubilee and Northern Tube lines, connecting to North, South, East, West and Central London A huge selection of buses that will take you all over London On Duke Street Hill you can find a docking station for the London Cycle Hire Scheme if you’re feeling active and want to see London on two wheels. London Bridge is in Zone 1 of the London transport system. Find free London maps here . What to do and see in London Bridge The London Bridge skyline is dominated by The Shard , the tallest building in Western Europe. There are three levels near the top that offer the best views across London. Next to London Bridge station you will find a range of exciting attractions. Thrill-seekers will love the terrifying London Bridge Experience and the Old Operating Theatre, Museum and Herb Garret , where 19th century surgeons performed operations without anaesthetic. Borough Market , across the road from London Bridge Station, is UK’s oldest food market. Open Thursday to Saturday, the market has more than 70 stalls selling a variety of artisan cakes, cheese, meat, fish, vegetables and breads.

Next to the market you can see a full-scale replica of Sir Francis Drake's galleon The Golden Hinde , and discover the oldest Gothic church in London, Southwark Cathedral . No visit to the London Bridge area should go without a walk along the river. There are plenty of things to do on or above the Thames near London Bridge. Visit the Hays Galleria for spot of shopping in a remarkable space. Stop off at The Scoop to relax by the river and maybe catch one of the frequent special events , theatre performances or film screenings. HMS Belfast , the last remaining warship of its kind, is a great place to take the whole family for an interactive experience of Britain's naval history. Further downstream, the Tower Bridge Exhibition explains how the world-famous bridge works, and allows you to venture out along the high walkway to admire the stunning views over London. Fashionistas will love the exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum on Bermondsey Street. If you are travelling to London with kids , don't miss the brilliant Unicorn Theatre for Children , which presents shows for audiences aged 2 - 21.

Things to do in London Bridge: Bars and Restaurants Sampling delicious food and drink on foot in Borough Market is a must-do in London. Head to funky Bermondsey on a Saturday and you'll also find the Maltby Street Market , featuring excellent fresh produce and a chance to sample local beers from the Kernel Brewery. For more relaxed, seated dining, seasonal British cuisine can be found at Londinium , Roast , or Tanner & Co . For a restaurant experience with a view, book in at Hutong , Gaucho , Dim T , Le Pont De La Tour or the Blueprint Café . Bars and pubs around London Bridge offering something special include The Upper Deck Bar at HMS Belfast for its alfresco vibe; The Rake for its huge collection of world beers; Aqua Shard for its outstanding views; and The George Inn for its possible historical links with Shakespeare. Find more ideas about London bars and restaurants . Hotels and Hostels in London Bridge London Bridge is a great base for exploring the capital. You can book hotel rooms close to London Bridge Station at the Hilton London Tower Bridge , London Bridge Hotel , and Ibis Styles London Southwark Rose .

The five-star luxury hotel, Shangri-La at The Shard does not open until 6 May 2014 but it is possible to book rooms in advance right now. For cheap accommodation, book at the King's Venues Guys Campus London Bridge . For something a little roomier than a hotel or hostel, take a look at the Marlin Apartments - Empire Square . The Shard London | Nearby hotels, shops and restaurants | LondonTown.com Opening Times When it officially opened on Thursday 5th July 2012, The Shard became the tallest building in the European Union and the 45th tallest building in the world. Designed in 2000 by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect best known for creating Paris's Pompidou Centre in collaboration with Britain's Richard Rogers, the mixed use Shard building, visible from wherever you are in London, combines offices, three floors of restaurants and the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel with residential apartments - Europe's highest homes; yours for 30 to 50 million pounds - and London's highest viewing gallery.

Covered in 11,000 panes of glass, the 'vertical city' in the newly created London Bridge Quarter is well connected with London Bridge Tube and train stations ferrying people to and from the hard-to-miss London landmark. The public viewing galleries, way up on floors 68 to 72, offer stunning views across the city and up to 40 miles beyond. Vertigo sufferers need not apply. See our full feature on The Shard for further information. ï¿½ Shard London Bridge, London - SkyscraperPage.com Shard London Bridge 32 London Bridge Street, Southwark, SE1 London ENG United Kingdom Description â¢ Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop S.r.L. â¢ Europe's tallest building in January â March of 2012. Now it 's still European tallest hotel. â¢ The building will be situated on the site of Southwark Towers at the entrance to London Bridge Station on an island site between London Bridge Street and Railway Approach. â¢ Southwark Towers, a 100 m tall office building ocuppied by accounts PriceWaterhouseCoopers,will be demolished to make way for the Shard London Bridge.

â¢ The floor uses are as follows: - Floors B3-B1 - Basement/Sevice Areas. - Floors 31-33 - Mid level Viewing Gallery. - Floors 34-52 - Hotel. Aerial View / Map - Location within London Show marker Do you see any incorrect data on this page? Please let our editors know of any corrections you can make by posting them in the Database Corrections section of the discussion forum (open to the public). Terms & Conditions All content displayed on and contained within this page is subject to Skyscraper Source Media Inc.'s Terms and Conditions . No content displayed on this page may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior written permission by Skyscraper Source Media Inc. All content © Copyright Skyscraper Source Media Inc. © Copyright 2017 Skyscraper Source Media, All Rights Reserved. London Visitor's Guide - The Shard The Shard London Bridge The Shard London Bridge - Description: The Shard London Bridge (also known as the Shard of Glass) is a skyscraper next to London Bridge Station in Southwark.

It is to the south of London Bridge which crosses the River Thames from the City of London to the north to what has been deemed for centuries to be the somewhat bohemian areas of Southwark to the south. Click on Southbank for more information on the district. The Shard has 87 floors and at 310 metres (1016 feet) is the tallest building in the European Union. In the photograph you can see it slightly undressed. The building was formally opened on 5 July 2012 and a spectacular laser display was advertised to mark the event. Unfortunately this proved to be a bit of a damp squib - if bands like Yes in the 1980s could light up the entire hemisphere of the visible sky with amazing matrixes of laser light, why could this multi-million pound development only illuminate a few Victorian streets in Southwark with a zap or two? There may be two explanations for this - Bands like Yes and Hawkwind played with lasers and provided mega impressive displays. They could do this because they were not playing underneath one of the most heavily used air corridors in the world.

Under an air corridor any laser pointing up is potentially hazardous to the safety of incoming airplanes (it has the potential to blind the pilot(s)) and is consequentially potentially hazardous to the many properties under the corridor. Secondly, at a music venue the audience is concentrated in one location which makes it easier to illuminate their entire sky. A recording of the display is here: Hmm, not sure how long I'm going to keep this on my site - it comes up with a bunch of adverts at the end. The public viewing galleries are not due to open until February 2013, however tickets are now on sale on this official website: . The latest official information regarding the viewing galleries is: "The View from The Shard is a unique encounter with The Shard and London. Arrive at the cloudscape, 244m (800ft) above the Earth in high speed 'kaleidoscopic' lifts and enjoy a 360 degree view for up to 60km (40 miles) over one of the greatest cities in the world. Our 'digital telescopes' enable you to experience London unfurled beneath you like never before." Tickets for adults cost £25.

The Shard London Bridge - Layout: Lobby: (floors 0 and 1) Office space: (floors 2 - 28) - according to the Financial Times (5 July 2012) the going rate is £50-£55 per square foot Floors 29 - 30 service floors Restaurants (floors 31 - 33) these are at 121 metres The 195 bedroom five star Shangri-La Hotel (floors 34 - 52) A spa (floor 52) This is a part of the hotel and will have panoramic views over London Luxury residences (floors 53 - 65 (186 metres to 224 metres)) - some of these will take up an entire floor and are likely to cost up to £50 million.

The Financial Times has reported that these will not be marketed for a few years as the developer wants "the brand of the building to be established first" Service Floors (floors 66-67) Viewing galleries (floors 68 - 72 with the highest being at 244 metres) Floors 73 - 74 service floors Floors 75 to 87 are within the spire. They will not be occupied but used to radiate away the heat generated by the building. Unusually for a tall building in London many of the floors will be open to the public. These include the viewing galleries and of couse the restaurants. Each use of the tower - hotel, restuarants, appartments, viewing galleries and offices - will have its own separate entrance. The entrance to the viewing galleries is on Joiner Street. The Shard London Bridge - History: The Shard was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano who is said to have been inspired by sailing ships on the Thames (hmm - big ships) and the spires of London's churches (they are nowhere near that tall!).

The history of the building dates from the purchase in 1998 of the site - formerly the location of a building called Southwark Towers - by a property developer called Irvine Sellar. In 2000 Mr Sellar, in the hope of gaining planning permission for a major development in this sensitive location, travelled to Berlin to meet architect Renzo Piano for lunch and advice. Renzo Piano is acclaimed in some circles for architectural feats such as the Pompidou Centre in Paris and the Lloyds building in London. Both of these buildings have key services on the outside which makes them look different, however this approach to building design exposes the critical services of the buildings to the weather and makes them costly to maintain. Perhaps interesting to look at - but raises the question of what it is for apart from the glitz? Maybe it was this sort of fairground architecture that Mr Sellar was looking for to convince the planning authorities of the case for an immense building on the London Bridge site. Mr Sellar apparently met architect Renzo Piazo in a restaurant in Berlin to discuss the design of a tall building.

It has been widely reported that Mr Piano at this meeting first dismissed tall buildings as "statements of arrogance" but immediately relenting (what a pussy cat), turned the menu over and sketched an outline for the Shard. This scenario raises three questions: Who, in their right mind, would fly to Berlin to discuss the design of a tall building with an architect before settling with the architect that they would be interested in taking on the commission. Lovely story guys - but please pull the other one! If you are to meet with an architect to discuss the design of a building with a construction cost of £450 million, would you really arrange to meet in a restaurant where the architect could simply flip over the menu and draw on the blank reverse side? I think not. Any establishment worthy of the name of "restaurant" nowadays (and then) has classy bound menus. That's especially true in Berlin where they take a pride in doing such things properly. Wouldn't the serving staff have something to say about the menu being written on? The Shard London Bridge - Height Relative To Other Buildings: The Shard - 310 metres; St Pauls Cathedral - 111 metres.

The Shard London Bridge - Construction: The Shard is built around an extremely strong concrete core which houses all of the key services including escape routes and 44 lifts including dedicated lifts for firefighters. The office floors are serviced by double decker elevators to increase the efficieny of the use of the lift shafts. In case of emergencies there are three sets of stairs and these are supplemented by high capacity evacuation lifts, this approach is common in cities such as Hong Kong. The core is designed to withstand the massive lateral forces exerted by the wind. Even with the central core the Shard is intended to move by up to 20 inches in high winds. The design utilises a steel frame for the lower office floors and a post tensioned concrete frame using steel tendons made tense with hydraulic jacks for the higher hotel and residential floor plates. The steel allows for long column-free spans in the office areas and the concrete of the upper floors helps to soundproof the living areas. The upermost levels are steel and a "hat truss" system is utilised which stabilises the building by binding the building's perimeter columns together.

The Shard London Bridge - Sustainability: To increase energy efficiency the temperature regulation of the building is aided by the design: the outer layer is triple glazed with sun shielding located between an inner double glazed sheet with controlable louvre windows and an outer single glazed sheet. An intelligent blind control system tracks the position and intensity of the sun and moves the shielding into place when and where necessary. The sides of the elevational planes of the outer layer of glass do not meet resulting in non-mechanical ventilation and the top 15 floors in the pinacle are used to dump any excess heat. The building is clad with a special white low iron content reflective glass intended to enhance the building's crystalline appearence. The Shard utilises a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generator which burns gas on-site to generate both heat and power. CHP can be extremely efficient when both heat and power are required at the same time. This is because CHP eliminates the losses associated with the transmission of electricity from a remote power station and in addition, the heat generated which would normally be a waste product in a power station, can be put to good use in the building.

The Shard is also served by two dedicated 20kV high voltage electrical cables from Bankside substation. The Shard London Bridge - Associated Infrastructure: At ground level agreements (under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act) have been forged between the developer and the London Borough of Southwark to fund regeneration in the area. The concourse of London Bridge Station is being upgraded and linked to the Shard under a new glass roof. Retail units in the ground floor of the Shard will face out onto the concourse. The development also includes a new public piazza and a bus station. The Shard London Bridge - Base Jumping: Base jumpers have successfully leaped from the structure at least 4 times having bypassed the security measures put in place by the developers. Check out the video here (sorry about the advertisement logo in the corner): The Shard London Bridge - The Controversy: The Shard London Bridge was originally known as London Bridge Tower, however its detractors (which included English Heritage) shot themselves in the foot - they dismissed it as a "shard of glass" and the name stuck.

The Shard is a highly controversial structure mainly because of its proximity to so many listed buildings and ancient monuments, and its height relative to the surrounding buildings. It was opposed by English Heritage and local authorities (although not by Southark where the building is located - Southwark stands to gain substantially by hosting such an iconic building which will generate substantial rewards in what are called Section 106 planning agreements, these include regeneration of the concourse of London Bridge Station and the construction of a new piazza outside the building). John Prescott (who was Deputy Prime Minister in 2002 when the planning decision was made) called in the planning application and it was approved by Mr Prescott after a planning enquiry. UNESCO is reconsidering the status of the Tower of London as a World Heritage Site because of the tall buildings around it and the Shard may be the final nail (or sliver of glass) in the coffin (see picture below). There are also issues about whether the local infrastructure will be able to cope with the massive increase in footfall that the building will generate - for example many of the pavements in the area are very narrow and congestion is already a problem at peak times. Love it or leave it you can't get away from it!

The Shard London Bridge - Website: The Shard London Bridge - Getting There: Address: The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street SE1 9RL Nearest Underground Station: London Bridge (2 minute walk) (click on station name to find other places to visit nearby)

Question: What building is located at 32 London Bridge Street?
Answer: The Shard