Millenium Gherkin, City of London
Two buildings, purvey each other from opposite sides of the Thames that typify this renaissance. Norman Foster's 30 St. Mary's Axe (better knows as The Gherkin) and Renzo Piano's Shard. Both stand near what could be considered hallowed London ground - that stretch of the Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, near the historic Tower of London.
Gherkin 30 ST Mary Axe, London is of recent creation
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Gone are the materials of the twentieth century - the pale concrete which mars so many of the twentieth century's monuments. In its place are multicolored glass, and sharp curved interior bands of steel visible through the glass to form an exquisite curved lattice. The building embraces curves, conveys motion, reflects its surroundings in interpretative style, and changes in the light as the day passes.
On Friday, April 10, 1992, London was rising with the electoral hangover of the newly elected Prime Minister John Major and a bomb by the IRA in the vicinity of the Baltic Exchange building and killing three people. The building should be rebuilt or demolished and after years of deliberation by the relevant authorities (the Government of the City, the Corporation of London and the Council within the Government which is responsible for preserving the historic heritage) it was decided to demolish the complex and create a new one.
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Tower Bridge Provides a Window to Norman Foster's Gherkin, Mixing Old and New London
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Nestled in among the buildings of the past stands the bold eclectic Millennium Skyscraper, Gherkin in the City of London. London is reinventing itself again right now, and is embracing a bold architectural renaissance seen in few other Western countries. A pub named after a maker of clay pots in Chelsea (Chelsea Potter), could be around the corner from a 12th century armor shop or a bookstore with volumes from Oliver Cromwell's day.
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Gherkin and the Tower of London play with each other in the night skyline of London
After years studying different designs by multiple architects, Norman Foster was commissioned to design the new Millennium Tower. Approved in 2000, the building was built in four short years. Thanks to a new natural ventilation system, the building uses only half the energy of others of its size.
(image)
Floors dedicated to offices, residential use and a restaurant designated for the building occupants, floors 38 and 39 boast a 360 degree view of London.
Gherkin from the Park
.
Gherkin 30 ST Mary Axe, London is of recent creation
(image)
Gone are the materials of the twentieth century - the pale concrete which mars so many of the twentieth century's monuments. In its place are multicolored glass, and sharp curved interior bands of steel visible through the glass to form an exquisite curved lattice. The building embraces curves, conveys motion, reflects its surroundings in interpretative style, and changes in the light as the day passes.
On Friday, April 10, 1992, London was rising with the electoral hangover of the newly elected Prime Minister John Major and a bomb by the IRA in the vicinity of the Baltic Exchange building and killing three people. The building should be rebuilt or demolished and after years of deliberation by the relevant authorities (the Government of the City, the Corporation of London and the Council within the Government which is responsible for preserving the historic heritage) it was decided to demolish the complex and create a new one.
(image)
Tower Bridge Provides a Window to Norman Foster's Gherkin, Mixing Old and New London
(image)
Nestled in among the buildings of the past stands the bold eclectic Millennium Skyscraper, Gherkin in the City of London. London is reinventing itself again right now, and is embracing a bold architectural renaissance seen in few other Western countries. A pub named after a maker of clay pots in Chelsea (Chelsea Potter), could be around the corner from a 12th century armor shop or a bookstore with volumes from Oliver Cromwell's day.
(image)
Gherkin and the Tower of London play with each other in the night skyline of London
After years studying different designs by multiple architects, Norman Foster was commissioned to design the new Millennium Tower. Approved in 2000, the building was built in four short years. Thanks to a new natural ventilation system, the building uses only half the energy of others of its size.
(image)
Floors dedicated to offices, residential use and a restaurant designated for the building occupants, floors 38 and 39 boast a 360 degree view of London.
Gherkin from the Park
.