The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. It was completed in 2004 and is the eighth-tallest building in the city.
The building’s distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “The Gherkin.” It is one of the most recognizable buildings in London and has become a popular tourist destination.
The Gherkin was designed by Swiss architect Norman Foster and is considered to be a masterpiece of modern architecture. The building is highly sustainable and has been awarded a number of environmental awards.
1. Height
The Gherkin is the eighth-tallest building in London, with a height of 180 meters (591 feet). This makes it one of the most prominent buildings in the city’s skyline.
- Vertical Presence: The height of the Gherkin gives it a commanding presence on the London skyline. It is visible from many parts of the city and serves as a landmark for navigation.
- Architectural Prowess: The Gherkin’s height is a testament to the architectural prowess of its designer, Norman Foster. The building’s unique shape and innovative design have earned it numerous awards and accolades.
- Engineering Marvel: The Gherkin’s height required innovative engineering solutions to ensure its stability and safety. The building’s core is made of reinforced concrete, and its exterior is clad in a double-glazed facade.
- Sustainability: The Gherkin’s height also contributes to its sustainability. The building’s aerodynamic shape reduces wind resistance, which in turn reduces energy consumption. Additionally, the building’s double-glazed facade helps to insulate it, further reducing energy costs.
The Gherkin’s height is an integral part of its identity. It is a symbol of the building’s architectural prowess, engineering marvel, and sustainability. The height of the Gherkin makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in London and a popular tourist destination.
2. Floors
The Gherkin has 41 floors above ground, with a total floor area of 110,000 square meters. The building’s floor plan is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, with a large central atrium that runs the full height of the building. The atrium is surrounded by a series of “skygardens,” which provide tenants with outdoor space and stunning views of the city.
The number of floors in the Gherkin is significant for a number of reasons. First, it allows the building to accommodate a large number of tenants, making it a more efficient use of space. Second, the height of the building allows for stunning views of the city, which can be enjoyed by tenants and visitors alike. Third, the large number of floors provides the building with a strong structural foundation, making it more resistant to wind and other environmental factors.
The Gherkin is a unique and iconic building that is instantly recognizable due to its distinctive shape and green color. The building’s 41 floors are a key part of its design, and they contribute to the building’s overall functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.
3. Architect
The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. It was designed by Swiss architect Norman Foster and completed in 2004. The building is 180 meters (591 feet) tall and has 41 floors. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “The Gherkin.”Norman Foster is one of the world’s most celebrated architects. He is known for his innovative and sustainable designs. The Gherkin is a prime example of Foster’s commitment to sustainable architecture. The building is highly energy-efficient and has been awarded a number of environmental awards.Foster’s design for the Gherkin was inspired by the shape of a gherkin, a type of cucumber. The building’s aerodynamic shape helps to reduce wind resistance and energy consumption. The Gherkin’s double-glazed facade also helps to insulate the building and reduce energy costs.The Gherkin is a landmark building in London and has become a popular tourist destination. It is a testament to Norman Foster’s architectural prowess and his commitment to sustainability.
The connection between Norman Foster and the Gherkin is significant for several reasons. First, Foster’s innovative design is largely responsible for the building’s iconic status. The Gherkin’s distinctive shape and sustainable features have made it one of the most recognizable buildings in London. Second, Foster’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Gherkin’s design. The building’s energy-efficient features and double-glazed facade make it one of the most environmentally friendly skyscrapers in the world. Third, the Gherkin is a testament to the power of architecture to create a positive impact on the environment. The building’s sustainable design has helped to reduce energy consumption and pollution in London.
The Gherkin is a landmark building that is admired by people all over the world. It is a testament to the architectural prowess of Norman Foster and his commitment to sustainability. The building is a reminder that architecture can be both beautiful and environmentally friendly.
4. Completed
The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. It was designed by Swiss architect Norman Foster and completed in 2004. The building is 180 meters (591 feet) tall and has 41 floors. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “The Gherkin.” The year of completion, 2004, holds significance for several reasons:
- Architectural Landmark: The Gherkin’s completion in 2004 marked a significant moment in London’s architectural history. The building’s unique and innovative design made it an instant landmark and a symbol of the city’s modern skyline.
- Sustainable Design: The Gherkin was completed in 2004, a time when sustainability was becoming increasingly important in architecture. The building’s design incorporates a number of sustainable features, such as its energy-efficient facade and natural ventilation system. These features have made the Gherkin one of the most environmentally friendly skyscrapers in the world.
- Economic Impact: The Gherkin’s completion in 2004 coincided with a period of economic growth in London. The building’s construction and occupancy provided a boost to the city’s economy, creating jobs and stimulating investment.
- Cultural Symbol: The Gherkin has become a cultural symbol of London. It is featured in numerous films and television shows, and it is a popular tourist destination. The building’s unique shape and green color have made it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
The completion of the Gherkin in 2004 was a significant event for London. The building’s innovative design, sustainable features, and economic impact have made it a landmark in the city’s architecture and culture.
5. Cost
The cost of constructing the Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, was 290 million. This significant investment reflects the building’s unique design, sustainable features, and prime location in the City of London.
- Architectural Complexity: The Gherkin’s distinctive shape and aerodynamic design required innovative engineering solutions, resulting in higher construction costs.
- Sustainable Features: The building’s environmentally friendly features, such as its double-glazed facade and natural ventilation system, added to the overall cost.
- Prime Location: The Gherkin’s location in the heart of the City of London, one of the world’s leading financial centers, contributed to the high land value and construction costs.
- Economic Impact: The construction of the Gherkin created jobs and stimulated investment in the local economy, offsetting some of the initial costs.
The 290 million cost of the Gherkin is a testament to the building’s architectural significance, sustainable design, and prime location. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of innovation and sustainability can come at a premium.
6. Tenants
The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. Its tenants include Swiss Re, Aon, and Deutsche Bank. These tenants play a significant role in the building’s identity, functionality, and economic impact.
- Prestige and Recognition: The presence of renowned financial institutions such as Swiss Re, Aon, and Deutsche Bank adds to the prestige and recognition of the Gherkin. These tenants are leaders in their respective industries, and their association with the building enhances its reputation as a prime business address.
- Economic Impact: The tenants of the Gherkin contribute significantly to the local economy. They employ thousands of people and generate substantial revenue through their business activities. This economic impact benefits the surrounding area and the city as a whole.
- Diverse Business Community: The mix of tenants in the Gherkin creates a diverse and dynamic business community. Swiss Re is a leading reinsurer, Aon is a global insurance broker, and Deutsche Bank is an international banking and financial services company. This diversity fosters collaboration and innovation within the building.
- Sustainability: The tenants of the Gherkin are committed to sustainability. Swiss Re has a strong track record in environmental stewardship, Aon is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, and Deutsche Bank has set ambitious sustainability goals. This shared commitment to sustainability aligns with the building’s own green credentials.
The tenants of the Gherkin, Swiss Re, Aon, and Deutsche Bank, play a vital role in shaping the identity, functionality, and economic impact of the building. Their presence contributes to the Gherkin’s prestige, diversity, and sustainability, making it a landmark in the City of London.
7. Awards
The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. Designed by Swiss architect Norman Foster and completed in 2004, the building has received numerous awards for its innovative design and sustainable features, including the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize and the Emporis Skyscraper Award.
The RIBA Stirling Prize is the United Kingdom’s most prestigious architecture award, given annually to the building that has made the greatest contribution to the advancement of architecture. The Gherkin was awarded the Stirling Prize in 2004, becoming only the second building outside of London to receive the award. The jury praised the building’s “distinctive and elegant form” and its “innovative use of sustainable technologies.”
The Emporis Skyscraper Award is an international award given to the best new skyscraper in the world. The Gherkin was awarded the Emporis Skyscraper Award in 2004, becoming the first building outside of Asia to receive the award. The jury praised the building’s “unique and iconic design” and its “exceptional environmental performance.”
The RIBA Stirling Prize and the Emporis Skyscraper Award are two of the most prestigious awards in architecture. The Gherkin’s receipt of these awards is a testament to the building’s architectural significance and its status as a global icon.
8. Nickname
The nickname “The Gherkin” is a reference to the building’s distinctive shape, which resembles a gherkin, a type of cucumber. The nickname was first used by construction workers during the building’s construction and quickly gained popularity with the public. The nickname has stuck, and the building is now widely known as The Gherkin, both in London and around the world.
- Visual Similarity: The Gherkin’s shape is very similar to that of a gherkin, with a bulbous base and a tapering top. The building’s green color also contributes to the nickname, as it is the same color as many varieties of gherkins.
- Humorous Appeal: The nickname “The Gherkin” is also somewhat humorous, as it is unexpected and playful. The nickname has helped to make the building more approachable and relatable to the public.
- Marketing Success: The nickname “The Gherkin” has been a marketing success for the building. The nickname is memorable and easy to remember, and it has helped to create a strong brand identity for the building.
The nickname “The Gherkin” is a key part of the building’s identity. The nickname is a reference to the building’s shape, it is humorous and appealing, and it has been a marketing success. The nickname has helped to make the building one of the most recognizable landmarks in London.
FAQs about the Gherkin
The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in London and a popular tourist destination. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Gherkin:
Question 1: What is the Gherkin’s nickname and why?
Answer: The Gherkin’s nickname is “The Gherkin” because of its distinctive shape, which resembles a gherkin, a type of cucumber.
Question 2: Who designed the Gherkin?
Answer: The Gherkin was designed by Swiss architect Norman Foster.
Question 3: When was the Gherkin completed?
Answer: The Gherkin was completed in 2004.
Question 4: How tall is the Gherkin?
Answer: The Gherkin is 180 meters (591 feet) tall.
Question 5: How many floors does the Gherkin have?
Answer: The Gherkin has 41 floors.
Question 6: What is the Gherkin’s address?
Answer: The Gherkin’s address is 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Gherkin. For more information, please visit the building’s official website.
The Gherkin is a unique and iconic building that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Its distinctive shape, sustainable design, and central location make it one of London’s most popular landmarks.
Tips for Visiting the Gherkin
The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in London and a popular tourist destination. Here are some tips for visiting the Gherkin:
Tip 1: Book your tickets in advance.
The Gherkin is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your tickets in advance. You can book tickets online or by phone. Tickets cost 15 for adults, 10 for children aged 6-15, and free for children under 5.
Tip 2: Arrive on time.
Tours of the Gherkin start on time, so it is important to arrive on time. If you are late, you may not be able to join the tour.
Tip 3: Wear comfortable shoes.
The tour of the Gherkin involves climbing several flights of stairs. It is important to wear comfortable shoes so that you can enjoy the tour without discomfort.
Tip 4: Take your time.
The Gherkin is a beautiful building, so it is important to take your time and enjoy the views. The tour will take you to the top of the building, where you can enjoy panoramic views of London.
Tip 5: Ask questions.
The tour guides are very knowledgeable about the Gherkin. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask.
Tip 6: Visit the gift shop.
The Gherkin has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and gifts. The gift shop has a wide variety of items, including books, postcards, and models of the Gherkin.
Tip 7: Enjoy the experience.
Visiting the Gherkin is a unique and memorable experience. Make sure to enjoy the experience and take plenty of pictures.
Tip 8: Allow enough time.
The tour of the Gherkin takes about an hour. However, it is important to allow enough time to get to the building, go through security, and take your time on the tour. We recommend allowing at least two hours for your visit.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to the Gherkin.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Booking your tickets in advance will guarantee your spot on a tour.
- Arriving on time will ensure that you don’t miss the tour.
- Wearing comfortable shoes will make the tour more enjoyable.
- Taking your time will allow you to appreciate the building’s beauty.
- Asking questions will help you learn more about the Gherkin.
- Visiting the gift shop is a great way to find souvenirs and gifts.
- Enjoying the experience will make your visit more memorable.
- Allowing enough time will ensure that you have a stress-free visit.
We hope these tips help you have a wonderful visit to the Gherkin!
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The Gherkin is a must-see for any visitor to London. Its unique shape, sustainable design, and central location make it one of the city’s most popular landmarks. By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to the Gherkin.
Conclusion
The Gherkin, officially known as 30 St Mary Axe, is a commercial skyscraper in the City of London. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in London and a popular tourist destination. The building was designed by Swiss architect Norman Foster and completed in 2004. It is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles a gherkin, a type of cucumber.
The Gherkin is a unique and iconic building that has become a symbol of London. It is a testament to the creativity and innovation of its architect, Norman Foster. The building’s sustainable design and central location make it a popular destination for both tourists and businesses.
The Gherkin is a must-see for any visitor to London. It is a building that is both beautiful and inspiring. It is a reminder of the power of architecture to create a positive impact on the environment and the city.
