The Shard

Last Thursday was the inauguration of Europe’s tallest skyscraper the Shard standing at 310m (1,017ft) in a blitz of lazer light and music. During a period of austerity and cost cutting this building launched by the Qatari & British Royal family seems to be a little arrogant and overbearing at best.

While an amazing piece or architecture, its incredible impact on London’s gentle, archaic symmetry seems to break apart the essence of the city, overshadowing major landmarks including St. Pauls Cathedral and the Tower of London. Perhaps that is exactly the point? Shouldn’t we be embracing advances and the relentless pace of technology and innovation; seems to work just fine in Japan with modern and historic sitting side by side? Either way Londoners are clearly split down the line as to whether this will benefit or hinder architecturally and economically.

The developers Sellar Property have created 6.5 mn square feet of office space, a five star hotel, restaurants 6 shops and 10 apartments over the 53rd to 65th floor reportedly costing up to £50 million each. Lets hope the Shard is a great success, cos if it isn’t we are going to be stuck with it for a very long time!