30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) — Attraction in London

The building was constructed by Skanska, completed in December 2003 and opened on 28 April 2004.4] The primary occupant of the building is Swiss Re, a global reinsurance company, which had the building commissioned as the head office for its UK operation. The tower is thus sometimes known as the Swiss Re Building, although this name has never been official and has more recently fallen out of favour, since the company's main headquarters is in Zurich and the Gherkin name has become more popular.[20]

The building uses energy-saving methods which allow it to use only half the power that a similar tower would typically consume.[20] Gaps in each floor create six shafts that serve as a natural ventilation system for the entire building, even though required firebreaks on every sixth floor interrupt the "chimney". The shafts create a giant double glazing effect; air is sandwiched between two layers of glazing and insulates the office space inside.[4]

Architects promote double glazing in residential houses, which avoids the inefficient convection of heat across the relatively narrow gap between the panes, but the tower exploits this effect. The shafts pull warm air out of the building during the summer and warm the building in the winter using passive solar heating. The shafts also allow sunlight to pass through the building, making the work environment more pleasing, and keeping the lighting costs down.

The primary methods for controlling wind-excited sways are to increase the stiffness, or increase damping with tuned/active mass dampers. To a design by Arup, its fully triangulated perimeter structure makes the building rigid enough without any extra reinforcements. Despite its overall curved glass shape, there is only one piece of curved glass on the building, the lens-shaped cap at the apex.[4]

On the building's top level (the 40th floor), there is a bar for tenants and their guests, with a panoramic view of London. A restaurant operates on the 39th floor, and private dining rooms on the 38th.[20] Most buildings have extensive lift equipment on the roof of the building, but this was not possible for the Gherkin, since a bar had been planned for the 40th floor. The architects dealt with this by having the main lift only reach the 34th floor, and also a push-from-below lift to the 39th floor. There is a marble stairwell and a disabled persons' lift, which leads the visitor up to the bar in the dome.

The building is visible over long distances: From the north, for instance, it can be seen from the M11 motorway, some 32 kilometres (20 mi) away,[20 while to the west it can be seen from the statue of George III...

30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as "The Gherkin," is an iconic skyscraper that stands as a distinctive symbol of London's modern skyline. Located in the heart of the city's financial district, this architectural marvel is renowned for its unique and unconventional design.

Designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, The Gherkin's sleek and curvaceous shape has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Its glass-panelled exterior reflects the ever-changing London sky, creating a striking visual effect that is both elegant and futuristic.

Rising 180 meters (591 feet) into the air, The Gherkin offers breathtaking views of the city from its upper floors. The building's top-level restaurants and event spaces provide a remarkable setting for dining or hosting corporate functions while enjoying panoramic vistas of the capital.

Beyond its remarkable exterior, The Gherkin embodies sustainability and energy efficiency. Its innovative design incorporates environmentally friendly features, such as natural ventilation systems and energy-saving technologies, making it a model for sustainable architecture.

The Gherkin's prime location in the financial district places it in close proximity to other notable landmarks, such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames. Its presence has transformed the skyline, adding a touch of modernity to London's historic fabric.

While access to the building's interior is limited to tenants and invited guests, The Gherkin remains a prominent landmark that captivates onlookers from street level. Its sleek and distinctive shape stands out amidst the surrounding historic and contemporary architecture, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

The Gherkin has become an iconic symbol of London's architectural prowess, innovation, and global significance. Its graceful form and modern elegance make it a must-see attraction for architecture enthusiasts and anyone seeking a glimpse into the dynamic and vibrant spirit...

The construction of the renowned English architect Norman Foster of 2004, shook the image of the city of London sustainable. The form quickly led to the nickname The Gherkin (Gherkin). It has long been naturalized in London to nick modern buildings with a nickname and thus to express the dry English humor. The nickname is not missed, the similarity with the type of vegetables is really given. It is an attractive building, if you look at it in isolation. The 180 m high skyscraper has 41 floors, so a voluminous construction. The structure of twisted helical strands, cylindrical steel spirals that wind around the mantle of a cylinder at a constant pitch, made this shape possible. The designers emphasize the sustainability and energy efficiency given in the building. The office space was ring-shaped, giving them their own characteristics. With atria up to six meters high, it allows natural-like ventilation, so that the air conditioning system regulates only in extreme weather conditions. The façade, set in glass, runs parallel to the structure with stained glass, creating a picture of streaks that are neutralized in the dome. In the financial district, modern buildings are increasingly gaining in popularity, yet there are still many older buildings in existence, such as T. Victorian-looking, so that architectural stark contrasts show. The boom to a modern district has started inexorably, but it is necessary to check what is worth protecting and architecturally wearable with fitting care. A juxtaposition is possible, but this will be well considered. This construction still creates a cleavage from an aesthetic point of view, but it must be clear what changes will be made in the future. Viewed in isolation, the building is a manifesto that is...