The Shard, formerly known as the London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that was completed in 2012. It is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, and the sixth-tallest in Europe. The Shard was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, and its construction was funded by the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. The building is primarily used for office space, but it also contains a hotel, restaurants, and a public viewing gallery.
The Shard has been praised for its design and its contribution to the London skyline. However, it has also been criticized for its cost and its impact on the surrounding area. Despite these criticisms, the Shard remains one of the most iconic buildings in London and is a popular tourist destination.
The Shard is a significant landmark in London and has had a major impact on the city’s skyline. It is also a popular tourist destination, and its viewing gallery offers stunning views of the city. The Shard is a major contributor to the London economy, and it is estimated that it generates over 1 billion in revenue each year.
1. Height
The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the sixth tallest in Europe. Its height is a major factor in its iconic status and its contribution to the London skyline. The building’s height also has a number of practical benefits, including:
- Increased office space: The Shard’s height allows it to accommodate more office space than a shorter building. This is important in a city like London, where office space is at a premium.
- Improved views: The Shard’s height offers stunning views of London from its upper floors. This is a major draw for tenants and visitors alike.
- Reduced wind resistance: The Shard’s pyramid-shaped design helps to reduce wind resistance, which makes it more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The Shard’s height is a key factor in its success. It is a major landmark in London and a popular destination for tourists and businesses alike.
2. Floors
The Shard’s 95 floors are a key part of its design and functionality. The building’s height allows it to accommodate a variety of uses, including office space, a hotel, restaurants, and a public viewing gallery. The 95 floors also provide stunning views of London from the upper floors.
- Office space: The Shard’s 95 floors provide a significant amount of office space, which is in high demand in London. The building’s height allows it to accommodate more tenants than a shorter building, which makes it more efficient and profitable.
- Hotel: The Shard’s 95 floors also include a hotel, which is one of the tallest hotels in the world. The hotel offers stunning views of London from its upper floors, and it is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike.
- Restaurants: The Shard’s 95 floors also include a number of restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines from around the world. The restaurants are located on different floors, and they offer stunning views of London from their windows.
- Viewing gallery: The Shard’s 95 floors also include a public viewing gallery, which is located on the 72nd floor. The viewing gallery offers stunning 360-degree views of London, and it is a popular destination for tourists.
The Shard’s 95 floors are a key part of its design and functionality. The building’s height allows it to accommodate a variety of uses, and it offers stunning views of London from its upper floors.
3. Architect
Renzo Piano is an Italian architect known for his innovative and sustainable designs. He is the architect behind some of the world’s most iconic buildings, including the Shard skyscraper in London.
- Sustainable Design: Piano is known for his commitment to sustainable design. The Shard is a LEED Platinum-certified building, which means it meets the highest standards of environmental sustainability. The building’s design incorporates a number of features that reduce its energy consumption and environmental impact, such as a rainwater harvesting system and a solar-powered facade.
- Innovative Engineering: Piano is also known for his innovative engineering. The Shard’s pyramid-shaped design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also helps to reduce wind resistance and improve the building’s structural integrity. The building’s facade is made of glass and steel, which gives it a light and airy appearance.
- Attention to Detail: Piano is known for his attention to detail. The Shard’s interior is as impressive as its exterior. The building’s lobby is a soaring space with a grand staircase and a glass ceiling. The offices and apartments are also well-appointed and feature high-quality materials and finishes.
- Urban Context: Piano is also known for his sensitivity to the urban context. The Shard is located in Southwark, a historic district of London. The building’s design respects the surrounding architecture and contributes to the area’s overall character.
Renzo Piano is one of the world’s most celebrated architects. His work is characterized by its sustainable design, innovative engineering, attention to detail, and sensitivity to the urban context. The Shard skyscraper in London is a testament to Piano’s skill and vision.
4. Use
The Shard is not just a skyscraper; it is a mixed-use development that includes office space, a hotel, restaurants, and a viewing gallery. This combination of uses makes the Shard a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.
The office space in the Shard is some of the most prestigious in London. The building’s height and central location offer stunning views of the city, and the offices are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The Shard is home to a number of major companies, including Bloomberg, Google, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard is one of the most luxurious hotels in London. The hotel offers 202 rooms and suites, all of which have stunning views of the city. The hotel also has a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a spa and fitness center.
The Shard’s restaurants offer a variety of cuisines from around the world. The restaurants are located on different floors of the building, and they all offer stunning views of the city. Some of the most popular restaurants in the Shard include Aqua Shard, Oblix, and Hutong.
The Shard’s viewing gallery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. The viewing gallery is located on the 72nd floor of the building, and it offers 360-degree views of the city. Visitors can see landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London from the viewing gallery.
The Shard’s mixed-use development is a key part of its success. The building’s combination of uses makes it a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.
5. Location
The Shard skyscraper is located in Southwark, London. This location is significant for a number of reasons.
- Central location: Southwark is a central London borough, located on the south bank of the River Thames. This makes it a convenient location for businesses and residents alike.
- Transport links: Southwark is well connected by public transport, with several Underground stations and bus routes serving the area. This makes it easy for people to get to and from the Shard.
- Historic district: Southwark is a historic district, with a number of listed buildings and landmarks. This gives the area a unique character and makes it a popular destination for tourists.
- Regeneration area: Southwark is a regeneration area, with a number of new developments taking place. This is making the area more attractive to businesses and residents alike.
The Shard’s location in Southwark is a key factor in its success. The building’s central location, excellent transport links, and proximity to historic and cultural landmarks make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
6. Completion
The Shard skyscraper in London was completed in 2012. This date is significant for a number of reasons.
- The Shard was one of the first supertall skyscrapers to be completed in the United Kingdom.
At the time of its completion, the Shard was the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the sixth tallest in Europe. It was a major milestone in the development of the London skyline and helped to establish London as a global financial center.
- The Shard was completed on time and within budget.
This is a significant achievement for a project of this size and complexity. It is a testament to the skill and experience of the project team.
- The Shard has been a commercial success.
The building is fully occupied and has generated significant revenue for its owners. It is a popular destination for tourists and businesses alike.
- The Shard has had a positive impact on the surrounding area.
The Shard has helped to regenerate the surrounding area and has created new jobs. It has also made Southwark a more popular destination for tourists and businesses.
The completion of the Shard in 2012 was a major milestone in the development of London. The building is a testament to the skill and experience of the project team and has had a positive impact on the surrounding area.
7. Cost
The Shard skyscraper in London was built at a cost of 1.5 billion. This significant investment was necessary to cover the costs of design, construction, and materials. The building’s height and complex design required innovative engineering techniques and high-quality materials, which contributed to the high cost.
The Shard’s cost is also a reflection of its status as a landmark building. The building’s iconic design and central location made it a highly desirable property, which drove up the cost of construction. Additionally, the building’s sustainable design features, such as its rainwater harvesting system and solar-powered facade, added to the overall cost.
Understanding the cost of the Shard is important for several reasons. First, it provides insight into the financial investment required to create such a large and complex building. Second, it helps to explain the building’s design and features, which were influenced by the need to control costs. Finally, it demonstrates the economic impact of the Shard, which has created jobs and generated revenue for the surrounding area.
FAQs about The Shard Skyscraper London
The Shard is a 95-storey skyscraper in London, England, and it is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Shard:
Question 1: How tall is the Shard?
The Shard is 309 meters (1,014 feet) tall, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the sixth tallest in Europe.
Question 2: When was the Shard completed?
The Shard was completed in 2012.
Question 3: Who designed the Shard?
The Shard was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano.
Question 4: What is the Shard used for?
The Shard is used for a variety of purposes, including office space, a hotel, restaurants, and a public viewing gallery.
Question 5: How much did the Shard cost to build?
The Shard cost 1.5 billion to build.
Question 6: What are some of the sustainable features of the Shard?
The Shard has a number of sustainable features, including a rainwater harvesting system and a solar-powered facade.
The Shard is a landmark building that has had a significant impact on the London skyline. It is a popular destination for tourists and businesses alike.
If you are planning a trip to London, be sure to visit the Shard. You can take a guided tour of the building, or you can simply admire it from afar.
Tips for Visiting The Shard
The Shard is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and it offers visitors stunning views of the city. If you’re planning a visit to The Shard, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Tip 1: Book your tickets in advance.
The Shard is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. You can book tickets online or by phone.
Tip 2: Arrive early.
The Shard is a large building, and there can be lines to get in, especially during peak hours. Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to the viewing platform.
Tip 3: Take your time.
Once you’re at the viewing platform, take your time to enjoy the views. There are telescopes available to help you get a closer look at some of London’s landmarks.
Tip 4: Visit on a clear day.
The views from The Shard are best on a clear day. If you’re visiting on a cloudy or foggy day, you may not be able to see very far.
Tip 5: Be prepared for crowds.
The Shard is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds. If you’re visiting during peak season, you may want to consider visiting early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the worst of the crowds.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to The Shard and enjoy stunning views of London.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Booking your tickets in advance will help you avoid lines.
- Arriving early will give you plenty of time to get through security and to the viewing platform.
- Taking your time will allow you to enjoy the views and get a closer look at some of London’s landmarks.
- Visiting on a clear day will give you the best views.
- Being prepared for crowds will help you make the most of your visit.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The Shard is a must-visit for any visitor to London. By following these tips, you can make the most of your experience and enjoy stunning views of the city.
Conclusion
The Shard skyscraper in London is a landmark building that has had a significant impact on the city’s skyline. Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the sixth tallest in Europe. The building is used for a variety of purposes, including office space, a hotel, restaurants, and a public viewing gallery.
The Shard is a testament to the skill and experience of the project team and has had a positive impact on the surrounding area. The building has helped to regenerate the area and has created new jobs. It has also made Southwark a more popular destination for tourists and businesses.
The Shard is a must-visit for any visitor to London. The building’s stunning design and central location make it a popular destination for tourists and businesses alike. Visitors to The Shard can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the building’s viewing gallery.
