This is a familiar sight on the City of London skyline. It is commonly known as the Gherkin but after being built for the Swiss re company in 2004 it has now been renamed to its street address of 30 St Mary Axe in 2007 when it was resold.
There was some controversy when it was built as it is surrounded by low rise buildings in a very historical area with medieval streets. However the 41 story, glass and steel structure has won many awards for its design.
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I've always loved it. I think that it's one of London's most iconic, and attractive buildings.
ReplyDeleteIt is always difficult to mix old and new buildings. But you have to built new ones, otherwise the city would become a museum. It is the same discussion as in Amsterdam.
ReplyDeleteWhat would London's skyline be like without the Gherkin? Not so sure about the Shard though. I don't remember taking a photo of the Gherkin, but obviously I did. http://highriser.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/memories-of-london-pt-2.html
ReplyDeleteNice like the photos of the building, never seen it myself
ReplyDeleteIt DOES look like a gherkin! Thanks for introducing me to all the fine London architecture I never saw before. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a photo of the Tower of London with the City and gherkin in the background. So odd, isn't it. :-) Thanks for the photo this morning.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw it for the first time it made me think of a huge Easter egg half hidden behind the old buildings. It's obviously a matter of taste and fortunately we don't have all the same taste !
ReplyDeleteWell, that is a fascinating looking thing! I have never been to London, and it's good to see the other side of the world!
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like an amazing structure. The last picture with one of the original buildings in the street puts it in perspective.
ReplyDeleteWow - very interesting building.
ReplyDeleteIt made me think of an Easter Egg, too!!! An amazing building though and what great captures/post for the day!! Enjoy your week!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful building! I've never seen one like it. It certainly stands out!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful architecture!
ReplyDeleteI like the orginal name!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeletetruly eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteAn amazing structure and certainly different from its surroundings.
ReplyDeleteThe shape reminds me of a bullet. I hope the little heritage building amid the more modern ones manages to stand its ground.
ReplyDeleteThe white font against the blue background turns light blue on the page, by the way, making it difficult to read the print. But perhaps that only appears on my screen?
So interesting and great photos!
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting structure! It does remind me of a bullet. Thanks for sharing your world. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteI love how architecture is getting away from rectangular solids and into some very interesting shapes. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is interesting but I question the wisdom of building it where they did. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting contrast to the other buildings but I am ambivalent about it.
ReplyDeleteinteresting architecture...
ReplyDeleteI think it's a wonderful piece of architecture... It will always be known as the Gherkin, though, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteAmazing structure! Very eye catching!
ReplyDeletei like the sleek, modern design of this building...but it certainly looks out of place in a historical area.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is truly amazing! It's great to know that there are places of wonder like this in the world - so many places that I have yet given my eyes to see. Great post. Blessings to you & have a great week!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Allie @ Framed by God
http://framedbygod.blogspot.com/
It's really nice. There's a restaurant and bar inside this building. I hired a taxi in London and reached the gherkin from stansted.
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