Hmm yes, Strata...what a pile of dufus that is. They just found out they can only run the turbines at 1/3 speed as the noise an vibration is affecting the penthouses at the top. Surprise surprise. I wouldn't live in that henous, poorly clad lump if you paid me a 1990's bankers bouns to do so. A classic example of a Borough approving a fad design to tick some sustainability boxes and make them feel all progressive.

UNLIKE the Shard...which is stunning....and pointy :)

Couldn't disagree more, it's a revolutionary design, and even if the turbines don't provide that much energy, they will be a visual icon of green living and forward thinking.

Think I'll take a stroll over to the Strata pages, see if there's any mention of the Shard over there.

What I don't understand with the crane that's just been re-installed is surely it would have been better to make it higher. At the current height, and with the information previously advised to us that a climbing frame can't be added, they are going to need to remove the machine deck, weights and boom in another 4 floors time.

yes , you are correct , the top will need to come off the crane again shortly... the tower has been "tied in" to the building on level 11 , this is because thats the last floor that has currently been concreted, which is needed to carry the weight of the tie... the addition of 2 tower sections has now put tc2 back to maximum height before it needs to be tied in again , also , if they had added anymore tower sections , tc3 would not of had the head room (been high enough) to have put the top back on..... as i have said before , this crane ia expected to go to a final height of approx 140mtrs , so a few more climbs yet , time consuming , yes , but the only way round the problem... it has also been confirmed that tcs 2 & 4 will both eventually get their jibs extended by 15mtrs , to their maximum of 55mtrs , because they will be doing the new station roof... hope this has shed a little light on things..:soapbox:

cheers big H

because they will be doing the new station roof... hope this has shed a little light on things..:soapbox:

0.o interesting... does this mean the station revamp is looking imminent? Or is it a preparetory measure for the long term future?

Thanks allot big henrik. Your post are some of the best on this forum.

Hey Peeps, has anyone else noticed that the core has started to rise again. At least a foot higher this morning - a bit more space between slipform and number 32.

Really? The mystical 'they' huh? You might be right, but I think you should put up a source for that don't you? It sounds a little "Bloke down pub said, so must be true!" to me.

Only, a reasonable sized group of us were just there last week and the turbines weren't even operational yet. Trust me, I wouldn't have stood on the top of the building if they were.

Lady not bloke, not in a pub, and she's taking the affordable housing on behalf of a certain family-oriented RSL. I actually bid for the affordable units on behalf of MY RSL....kinda glad we didn't get them!.....too much info :)

Annnnyway....might be time for another cheeky Maccy D's on ST Thomas St at lunchtime to check out aforementioned 'pointy thing'. Looked busy on top of the core this morning so, even though it doesn't seem to be!...might start rising again.

Only another 3 more floors until the core steps in then (L38). Core currently 127 metres.

Only another 3 more floors until the core steps in then (L38). Core currently 127 metres.

Is'nt the core taller than guys yet. I thought it was and guys is 153m. the core is definately not 25m shorter than guys. hoe did you get to that figure.

Depends which bit of guys you're on about....it's higher to the South and lower to the North....Shardy appears to be somewhere inbetween at the moment.

Guy's is just under 143 metres.

Superstructure and Cladding

Duration: to Spring 2012

The main central core has reached Level 34 and continues as a 12 hour daytime operation only.

The next key milestone for the core is level 38 in mid July at which point the cores changes shape internally. The internal steel staircases need to be completed up to this level before the core launches again – expect an approx. 2 week pause in significant concreting works while this is occurring.

Passenger Lift installations also continue within the central core. Late July sees the installation of the first Jump Lift on the project – another first for the UK construction industry.

Structural steelwork has reached Level 18 and the concrete floor infills are following on up to level 15 The external glass cladding has now started on Levels 5 and 6 along the St Thomas Street elevation. The Shard of Glass now has some glass.


http://www.betterbankside.co.uk/news/development-news/1837-the-shard

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/126/l_67f7c9a2fac94fd5b659bf88aeaef2ac.jpg http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/121/l_5665cd140e1e41cb9f9eaeb3cc01846c.jpg http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/121/l_1c7e5303da0b47f5abf6cdb100ba1c11.jpg

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/121/l_1c7e5303da0b47f5abf6cdb100ba1c11.jpg http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/121/l_ecbac2409a024af893e705c19aea46e2.jpg http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/137/l_5bb72763a10f4271bfa679cffafe12e1.jpg http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/139/l_5ce415336e614d2faa520e6b334b647c.jpg http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/120/l_9e551062630d4f86bb3f7c4637b28a15.jpg

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.

I hear the parisians feel the same way about the eiffel tower ;)

I know I'm in the minority here

Yep.

it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it

Yep.

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.

Ever considered a course in social skills? :lol:

33 now just starting to peep out from under the slipform. Concrete pumps are moving around on the top of the core like a pair of mechanical scorpions.

A few pics from yesterday, more to be found here (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard)


http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106717-2/20100701_0068.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106711-2/20100701_0065.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106687-2/20100701_0059.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106663-2/20100701_0054.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106591-2/20100701_0038.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106531-2/20100701_0024.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106537-2/20100701_0025.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106507-2/20100701_0016.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106561-2/20100701_0031.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106477-2/20100701_0011.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106459-2/20100701_0008.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106465-2/20100701_0009.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106471-2/20100701_0010.jpg

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.

:lol: Fair enough. But I think you may be in a minority of one.

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.

cough Cathedral Cities, cough the citadel etc etc ad infinitum

to appreciate the full scale of something you need a known value to compare it with such as an old town house or London bus if really desperate. Such drama is a very human fetish and certainly expected in a 'city'. I think you worry too much!

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.


It seems you are not alone.

Extract from an article in this morning's Times:

Go to London Bridge and look at Renzo Piano's "Shard", which is rising above poor little Southwark Cathederal and will be the tallest skyscraper in the EU. Ken Livingstone secured its future four years ago, when it was looking uncertain, by announcing that Transport for London (TfL) had pre-let 200,000sq ft.

Two weeks ago TfL pulled out, claiming to have made a profit by selling its lease, although it will not release the figures. On paper the Shard is a striking building, but it is also an astonishing overdevelopment, out of kilter with the landscape and just too big for its boots.

NIMBYism. The Shard is the kick start Southwark needs, just like 1 Canada Sqaure was the start of the Canary Wharf cluster. However I for one think The Shard looks BETTER alone so it can be greater appreciated as the work of art and world class icon it will be.

Londoners, British people and foreigners will by and large love this building.

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.

A landmark 21st century tower of world class design, with a tapering profile, directly over a major transport node, in the middle of Europe's largest city?

I can't think of a better place for this building to be.

Within the streetscape it is massive but some of that bulk will surely be mitigated when it is fully-clad, reflecting its surroundings. And you only have to look at the astonishing photos on this site to see how, with an admiring eye, even the skeleton of the building and the roughness of the core can look breathtaking when viewed down narrow streets, peeking from behind buildings, around corners, over rooftops.

The spire effect, the soar, hell the damned pointyness of the thing is its virtue. It sits alongside Southwark Cathedral, it doesn't smother it. Its position on the river's edge, sufficiently far away from any meaningful high-rise cluster but close enough to other landmark buildings and clusters to accent them is not incongrous but rather the point of it (if you excuse the pun). The sight lines argument is often used as a means of preserving views but here, the building has been placed so well that, with regard to the hallowed sight lines of the best the city has to offer, it enhances the skyline from every angle.

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion of course but I can only see this being a triumph and that London and the world will view it with great affection. The epitome of a tour de force.

oh well it's being built and no one can stop it!

The cathedral will be just fine.

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww14/lightparade1960/copley-square1.jpg

Pic of Copley Square in Boston by Jesper Garde at http://www.jespergarde.com/

I lived in Boston, so I do know whereof I speak!

know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.

Hilarious..

...and shush

http://i47.tinypic.com/x51dmv.jpg

The only thing wrong with the location IMO is Guy's Tower. I've tried to get behind the train of thought that it will create a nice contrast, but I just can't do it. It's as if Tour Montparnasse had been built 30m from the Eiffel Tower. And been twice as ugly to boot.

Guys Tower is deliciously ugly in the way only London Brutalism can be. Personally, I'd have no problem with a re-clad to gel a little more with its new supertall cousin, but I'd be equally happy for it just to stay as it is for the time being.

It's destined to be re-clad.....as so...

http://media.photobucket.com/image/guys%20recladding/supertek/DSC02016.jpg

I know I'm in the minority here but I think The Shard is in the completely wrong place. I work near London Bridge and have seen first-hand the sheer scale of the project and it's fair to say it will completely dwarf everything around it, and will stick out like a sore thumb. I don't see how it was ever approved in its current location.I know exactly what you mean.

I've have said many times on this forum that I'm dead against against tall buildings (or really any buildings) so close to the Thames. I'm viscerally against 20FC and RS for this reason and the fact they look horrid.

However, as someone who worked in the Shard's predecessor building for several years and the fact that there is a mainline station there, really the location is ideally suited for a tall building. Plus, the fact there were other skyscrapers there too, although of course New London Bridge house is going, somewhat dilutes the argument against it.

I think due to the design of the building and the loss of New London Bridge House will make the building stand out as you say, but in this case I think that's a good thing. Although we are yet to see what the cladding looks like high up in the full glare of the sun/or full dull winter day clouds. So I remain cautious about gushing about it too much for now until it's finished.

Try to think of it as a new Southwark Cathedral, although cathedral to money rather than soul and it might make you feel a bit better.

There is some truly superb architecture in the immediate area near the Shard, but also some of the worst rubbish ever seen. Once the station is redone and it was designed with the Shard in mind, I think the whole area will be enhanced assuming the cladding looks good on the Shard.

Ever considered a course in social skills? :lol:Hilarious. Talk about calling the kettle black. :bash: :ohno:

peek-a-boo

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard1-6.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/shard2-5.jpg

33 now fully exposed, ready for the weekend.

I am sooo pished. My boss's leaving party ran on and on and on.....

I love you, you're my besht matesh.............

It seems you are not alone.

Extract from an article in this morning's Times:

Go to London Bridge and look at Renzo Piano's "Shard", which is rising above poor little Southwark Cathederal and will be the tallest skyscraper in the EU. Ken Livingstone secured its future four years ago, when it was looking uncertain, by announcing that Transport for London (TfL) had pre-let 200,000sq ft.

Two weeks ago TfL pulled out, claiming to have made a profit by selling its lease, although it will not release the figures. On paper the Shard is a striking building, but it is also an astonishing overdevelopment, out of kilter with the landscape and just too big for its boots.

Mello dramatic crap journalism, completely ignoring the fact that Guys tower( possibally the most ugly building in the world) already towers over the surrounding area, and then the cheap shoot conspiracy theory about TFL sellng their lease.
An article written by a twat, for twat's:bash:

33 now fully exposed, ready for the weekend.

I am sooo pished. My boss's leaving party ran on and on and on.....

I love you, you're my besht matesh.............

Just look at it! the core at level 33 and the steel work at level 19! and just look at those images on the previous page! i bet people walking round london seeing this will give it a second look! :cheers: :banana: :bash: :nuts:

:tiasd::tiasd:does anyone know what those red sheets are on the core attached to the steel work? :ohno: :tiasd:

:tiasd::tiasd:does anyone know what those red sheets are on the core attached to the steel work? :ohno: :tiasd:

I think it is to protect the glass cladding below.

Due to the angle of the building it is much likely that if something is dropped it will hit the building further down.

Also to stop people being killed.

Yup. Safety nets.

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/105403-2/20100611_0072.jpg

I stopped by to take a few pics (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard/) on my way home this evening.


Southwark Street (west)

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106789-2/20100702_0033.jpg

Duke Street Hill (north east side of the site)

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106825-2/20100702_0024.jpg


More London/Tooley Street (north east)

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106843-2/20100702_0014.jpg

with a little reflection in Foster's 2 More London

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106849-2/20100702_0012.jpg


the view from Guy's courtyard shows the progress of the second row of glazing on the SW corner

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106759-2/20100702_0041.jpg


and the two panels along Joiner Street/London Bridge Street yesterday have multiplied

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106807-2/20100702_0030.jpg


One of those big steel joints being delivered on a truck on St Thomas Street afforded a closer view

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106783-2/20100702_0037.jpg

Is'nt the core taller than guys yet. I thought it was and guys is 153m. the core is definately not 25m shorter than guys. hoe did you get to that figure.

It definately IS shorter than the TOP of Guys,which is 143 metres..but taller than the block (121 metres.)

And,given that LEVEL 33 is poking out,that means 36 is the top level now being formed,which is 132 metres height.

Here's the source for each levels height,which i have pasted here a few times prior:



http://planningonline.southwarksites.com/planningonline2/DocsOnline/Documents/50966_1.pdf




.

I can tell you by looking at it that it's still slightly shorter than Guy's. Only just, but it is.

I love that diagram, it shows 96 storeys! Of only they were real.

EDIT yes,slightly shorter,now 132,11 metres shorter.
Indeed,but 87 stories it does have,including rad's. Nice

It certainly looks shorter than Guys from near my house on Parliament Hill. That view for me is a bit of a shame as it orientates the Shard directly behind St Pauls. Although the last thing I want to do is ignite another debate on the merits of 'New' and 'Old' architecture I do find it a bit of shame that from my favourite view of London, the Shard will seemingly be a spike through the dome of St Pauls. If the two were even slightly further apart then it would be a different story.

I accept that not every view and sightline can be catered for, and that there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it. However I suppose in a nostalgic way, having grown up with that view, I hate to see it change from my memory.

It definately IS shorter than the TOP of Guys,which is 143 metres..but taller than the block (121 metres.)

And,given that LEVEL 33 is poking out,that means 36 is the top level now being formed,which is 132 metres height.

Here's the source for each levels height,which i have pasted here a few times prior:



http://planningonline.southwarksites.com/planningonline2/DocsOnline/Documents/50966_1.pdf




.

I wonder why Wikipedia says it's 153m high, maybe they just get lots odf details wrong.

A couple of interesting details from BD. Apologies if they have been posted before.

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Journals/43/Files/2010/6/9/Typicalfacademetalsection.pdf

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Journals/43/Files/2010/6/9/siteplan.pdf

Interesting diagrams, personally I haven't seen them here before. Curious that the greyness of the blinds (or the opacity?) varies 'per shard' between 5 and 10% which I suppose will add to the facetted look of the building when they are mostly deployed. Just shows the level of detail that has gone into this design.

PS - What actually is a Winter Garden?

That floor plan also confirms the services that will go into the core such as loos - this having been debated and questioned a few tines on here.

What actually is a Winter Garden?

Traditionally, it's a glazed conservatory, perhaps used for growing vegetables and other crops over the winter. In the nineteenth century they became a place for people to visit, often for entertainment of one kind of another (Paxton's Crystal Palace is arguably a Winter Garden). You quite often find a Winter Garden at seaside resorts like Eastbourne and, more famously, Blackpool.

Thanks Cyber. Here they just seem to be semi enclosed glazed areas at the corners. Will be a fantastic place to sit.

There are "winter gardens" at Piano's St Giles. Essentially, the modern variant is a balcony with glazed, slatter glass. You can keep all the slats closed in the winter, and open them up in the summer to enjoy a gentle breeze.

I'd dig out a picture, but it's very hot this afternoon...

I still cannot believe this is really happening. I am amazed how quickly we can see the shape building. To think all these years spent waiting and it's going up rapidly!!!

I still cannot believe this is really happening. I am amazed how quickly we can see the shape building. To think all these years spent waiting and it's going up rapidly!!!

Its been a long long wait, but the Shard is proving to be every bit as good as hoped for - such a photogenic tower! I love the shots showing this tower rising above the Victorian/Georgian architecture of London, such as the first one from Southwark Street by Cybertect's most recent shots just posted. Its interesting too how the previously drab/lacklustre streets and public spaces around London Bridge Station appear to be rejuvenated by the presence of LBT, and yet it is not even half built.

So who is having tfl's office space? Or is it still up for grabs?

are the shard cams still working?? where can I find them?

Here are the ones I and most other forumers look at.

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer64.jpg
http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer81.jpg
http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer120.jpg

I'm sure there's a couple more, but I can't find them. :lol:

First webcam shows the demolition of New London Bridge House and will hopefully capture the construction of the Shard's little brother (The Gem). And the second usually shows an East elevation of Shardy and surrounding buildings, but is currently out of action.

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer95.jpg
http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer30.jpg

yeah it is :D:D:D :lol:

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4159/camputer30.jpg

where to you find all the other i can only get two on the shard website and thats it, where do you get the others? :ohno:

These are all the ones I know.. The first one in this list is broken though so don't bother with it. Going down to LBT tomorrow :)

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer30.jpg
http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer64.jpg
http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer81.jpg
http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer95.jpg
http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer120.jpg

How do you have a personal picture, I cant seem to get one

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/profile.php?do=editavatar

The view from other side.

http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/134/l_8b7deb886ea242b9a11ce413ddae2bda.jpg

Some from Sunday morninghttp://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0182.jpg?t=1278240449
The Core
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0183.jpg?t=1278240547
Floor 33 fully Visible now
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0185.jpg?t=1278240707
Steel Work is huge
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0190.jpg?t=1278240782
The glass panels
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0201.jpg?t=1278240867
Core and steelwork with The other building being demolished
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0238.jpg?t=1278241025
Baby Core
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0239.jpg?t=1278241062
Close up; Floor 11 now
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0241.jpg?t=1278241172
Looking up from street level
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab287/LondonScraper/IMGA0197.jpg?t=1278241213
Some workmen fixing in a glass panel

A few from Friday

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4760148184_995b4881c4_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4759516353_790fe39dbc_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4759517745_77cab78368_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4760132994_4fcce505f8_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4760134406_f71e7f7348_b.jpg

Wow, great pics. Shard really looks intimidating from below, even at this stage. Baby Shard is growing up fast too.
How many floors are being constructed per week/fortnight on the Shard?

(Apologies if its already been said in the thread, but it's a big thread)

Well the floors started mid February...6 sets of 2 floors so far (level 18-19 now).

Wow, great pics. Shard really looks intimidating from below, even at this stage. Baby Shard is growing up fast too.
How many floors are being constructed per week/fortnight on the Shard?

(Apologies if its already been said in the thread, but it's a big thread)

Incidentally, I think "Baby Shard" is being used as the nickname for the building that will rise where New London Bridge House is being demolished. We need another name for the extension at the base of the Shard. How about the "Shard Back-Pack"?

Incidentally, I think "Baby Shard" is being used as the nickname for the building that will rise where New London Bridge House is being demolished. We need another name for the extension at the base of the Shard. How about the "Shard Back-Pack"?

I thought it was always nicknamed " the baby shard ", The building you are referring to has the nickname " the gem "

I thought it was always nicknamed " the baby shard ", The building you are referring to has the nickname " the gem "

Well, at least I learned something from this exchange.
Sorry to confuse the issue.

The smaller not pointy bit attached to the Shard to the East was nicknamed 'The Backpack' some years ago by the design team....or possible Southwark planners....can't recall who now.

The future replacement of new London bridge house annoyingly has two nicknames..'The Gem' and 'Baby Shard'.....just to confude everyone really. I think we should just call it Steve or something.

The smaller not pointy bit attached to the Shard to the East was nicknamed 'The Backpack' some years ago by the design team....or possible Southwark planners....can't recall who now.

The future replacement of new London bridge house annoyingly has two nicknames..'The Gem' and 'Baby Shard'.....just to confude everyone really. I think we should just call it Steve or something.

I stand corrected,:) What about Bob? haha

No move on the main core today - 33 still in same relative position to slipform. I wonder if they are starting to reconfigure the slipform for the new core shape, or is it not tall enough for that yet?
Steel still going up at a storming pace, and the glass cladding is now visible from my office on the north side.

Anyone remember this (http://www.themonument.info/panorama/) webcam?
Shard is just starting to show up in the centre.

The smaller not pointy bit attached to the Shard to the East was nicknamed 'The Backpack' some years ago by the design team....or possible Southwark planners....can't recall who now.

The future replacement of new London bridge house annoyingly has two nicknames..'The Gem' and 'Baby Shard'.....just to confude everyone really. I think we should just call it Steve or something.

The future replacement of London Bridge house will offically be called London Bridge Place and is due to be completed end of March 2013. Supposedly those involved with the project hate it being reffered to as "Baby Shard".
Just thought I'd stick my two pences worth in to the mix.

Enough pennies in and we'll all be millunaires Rodders.

I'm pretty sure it's Level 38 that it steps in and they'll be back filling internal concrete and steel staircases for a couple of weeks while the reconfigure the slipform.

I’ve never called it “Baby Shard”; it’s always been the Gem to me. And I wasn’t expecting it to be completed in 2013 that’s quite a long run. But I don’t know much about it really. Will it have a core? Will it have the same glazing system as the Shard?

I thought the lower part of the shard where the small core is being constructed, is going to be the lobby of the shard? or maybe it will be part of the refurbishment of London Bridge Station as an addition to the replenishment of the neighbourhood.

There are "winter gardens" at Piano's St Giles. Essentially, the modern variant is a balcony with glazed, slatted glass. You can keep all the slats closed in the winter, and open them up in the summer to enjoy a gentle breeze.

I'd dig out a picture, but it's very hot this afternoon...

Okay, here we are:

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww14/lightparade1960/IMG00375-20100705-1532.jpg

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww14/lightparade1960/IMG00376-20100705-1532ii.jpg

Core on the rise again today - more space above the '33' and lots of activity from the concrete-squirting scorpions on the top.


14:40 edit; looks like I was mistaken, no further movement on the core all day.

Regarding Winter Gardens: Piano also incorporated these into the design for Aurora Place in Sydney. They are sited at either end of the tower and also have motorised louvre windows (as in St Giles). The "gardens" themselves also have gradually sloping tiled floors with small drains (almost like a "wet room") and I believe the original intention was to have plants permanently sited in each which would add to the oxygen levels on each floor. I worked in the completed building for two years and there were no plants in any of the winter gardens, which had given way to meeting rooms/break-out areas. When I enquired about the permanently-shut louvre windows, tiled floors and the drains, I was told that the design was flawed as, when the louvres were opened at either end of the tower, the strong Sydney winds increased the airflow dramatically through the building scattering papers/possessions everywhere and they were kept permanently shut ever since.

This might be urban legend (I never verified it in construction circles) but am assuming the lessons learned on that project mean we won't see something similar on the Shard.

^^

Very interesting, thank you. The winter gardens at St Giles are mostly on apartment balconies, so there isn't a through-draught problem. I can see this might be quite problematic at the Shard. I'll keep an eye open for plants at St Giles... - don't think anything is occupied there as yet, resi, office and retail are all still fitting out internally.

A couple of pics that didn't fit elsewhere

From Queen Elizabeth Street at the Junction with Tower Bridge Road at the end of last week.

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106867-2/20100630_0016.jpg

From the Millennium Bridge on Sunday afternoon

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106861-2/20100704_0052.jpg

I'm moving to London this month. Oh my god I am so excited!!!! The first thing I thought of when I booked my ticket was that I will get to watch this building rise. As a skyscraper enthusiast I cannot tell you how excited I feel about it. My favorite building is/was the Transamerica building in San Francisco, I have a thing for pyramids for some reason and that building so excellently stands as an icon for the city. I think that this will do the same thing for London and become an instant landmark. I'm so excited to see it and be livng there while it grows skyward. Expect pictures pictures pictures!! :-)

Cladding visible on the main webcam now -


http://i50.tinypic.com/2d94vgx.jpg

It's been visible on it for weeks!

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1040330.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1040341.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1040332.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1040339.jpg

I'm moving to London this month. Oh my god I am so excited!!!! The first thing I thought of when I booked my ticket was that I will get to watch this building rise. As a skyscraper enthusiast I cannot tell you how excited I feel about it. My favorite building is/was the Transamerica building in San Francisco, I have a thing for pyramids for some reason and that building so excellently stands as an icon for the city. I think that this will do the same thing for London and become an instant landmark. I'm so excited to see it and be livng there while it grows skyward. Expect pictures pictures pictures!! :-)

:cheers:

Where about in London will you be living?

Grey day, grey panels.

http://flic.kr/p/8ghPNR

poo.
How do I post a flickr image then?
I clicked for image, inserted the correct url (checked it worked), but ...red box.
What am I doing wrong (sorry this is probably the hundredth time...)

http://flic.kr/p/8ghPNR

poo.
How do I post a flickr image then?
I clicked for image, inserted the correct url (checked it worked), but ...red box.
What am I doing wrong (sorry this is probably the hundredth time...)


You missed of some of the url.
I think that outline is a bit big.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4767527433_550ff0b6d3.jpg

Yes, that is truely wishful thinking ;)

well not exactly wishful thinking, it was handed to us on a plate at one point!

You missed of some of the url.
I think that outline is a bit big.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4767527433_550ff0b6d3.jpg

Firstly, thanks for sorting that out.
Secondly, I mustn't forget to credit Cybertect for his ace photo.
Thirdly, I followed the slopes of the steelwork as closely as I could, and the resulting peak is roughly three times the current height of the core, if taken from ground level, so I don't think my sketch is as far wrong as it initially looks!

That looks like the original 2000 proposal which was about 1200' :)

Well remember that the Shard doesn't taper completely to a point, so it won't be as high as that. The top of the building will be 'jagged', rather than having a pointy top as that diagram suggests.

It may not be that far off though, its a bit higher than 2x Guys which figures by and large in the diagram.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/madmax123/06072010024.jpg

I recently wrote about LBQ's decision to buy TfL's lease on the Shard on my blog so here's a few photos from today to accompany that post.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4769099824_61a703333c_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4769093568_0f40066201_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4768449675_1a77fb42db_b.jpg

Cladding really is looking superb.

well well well .... theres me thinking you lot were eagle eyed ... no one has noticed that tc5 hasn't been climbed over the week end as i said it would..

You missed of some of the url.
I think that outline is a bit big.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4767527433_550ff0b6d3.jpg

http://hawtaction.com/2009/09/11/46LondonBridgeTower_pic11.jpg

that's a render from a very similar angle. As pointed out already the very top is cut off before the point where the lines would taper together. However even after considering this the outline seems too big still, although I cant really see why - the lines seem to quite accurately match the steelwork.

Anyone an idea why this is the case?

I just hope new glass buildings take note. this is how to do it.

No,its not far off at all actually.
Shard is 430 feet now. Long way to go.Nearly fits that render,with the cut top taking it down a bit.

Guys is slightly further away from shard at that viewpoint,hence appearing incorrect ratio

that's a render from a very similar angle. As pointed out already the very top is cut off before the point where the lines would taper together. However even after considering this the outline seems too big still, although I cant really see why - the lines seem to quite accurately match the steelwork.

Anyone an idea why this is the case?
I just did a quick render edit on Paint - the Shard would look quite a bit taller if it tapered all the way to a point, so I'd say the outline was pretty accurate - a full taper would add more height than I originally thought it might...
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/untitled-3.jpg?t=1278453604

I think its because of the perspective and image sizes, looks about right with the top off.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/01rich01/shard.jpg

Haha, I see we both had similar ideas for editing jobs. ;)

lol where would we be without paint?

http://i45.tinypic.com/equhxe.jpg

Thought I'd join in.

I think its because of the perspective and image sizes, looks about right with the top off.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y294/01rich01/shard.jpg

looks good, thx for that, but still not fully convinced. I checked the size of Guys (the number of floors showing up above the buildings in the foreground is about the same) in your resized render version and it appears about 20% bigger than in the one with the outline but the shard is about the same in each - therefore the shard outline is 20% too big by that reasoning?

http://i45.tinypic.com/equhxe.jpg

Thought I'd join in.

it actually looks far smaller here indeed. Guess it comes down to tiny variations (with only a small part of steelwork visible it's quite hard to match it accurately) in the sloping angle of the outline that ends up in big difference of the overall height. Might even be too small here, at the top of the current core level it looks like there's hardly any space remaining on the right hand side, I know that will be the case in reality as well but looks a bit too extreme here..

I've been thinking the same about the floorplate on the 37-8 floor. It'll be tiny on the south side. I guess the plebs (IT) will be that side and the cool seats will be the other side.

The up-and-coming tapering in of the core should balance things out from that view (I think?)

If you look at eddyks most recent pic/render the core should soon go up from the S to the R of the SHARD core logo making it appear more central...

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/core2.jpg

it actually looks far smaller here indeed. Guess it comes down to tiny variations (with only a small part of steelwork visible it's quite hard to match it accurately) in the sloping angle of the outline that ends up in big difference of the overall height. Might even be too small here, at the top of the current core level it looks like there's hardly any space remaining on the right hand side, I know that will be the case in reality as well but looks a bit too extreme here..

SHARD is ow 430 feet.SIMPLY by applying a rule to the screen,the shard EDDYK is about 850 feet high,so 167 feet too short!!!!
It looks too short first glance. The first render was indeed closer (taking off the top)



.

^ that core diagram always reminds me of the scraper on the posters for The Towering inferno

I'm glad you all had fun with my crude sketch. Cybertects photo was just too perfect to resist - and the result, even if a little too tall, is astounding. The Shard is gonna dominate the view for miles around.


Quick check out the window this morning - core hasn't moved since yesterday, with '33' still same distance below slipform. However, steelwork has had a huge boost - loads of steel has appeared for the next two levels, even though the levels they had been working on have big areas missing (at least on the north and west sides, that I can see most clearly).

I'm glad you all had fun with my crude sketch. Cybertects photo was just too perfect to resist - and the result, even if a little too tall, is astounding.

Well, you saved me the bother - I was going to do exactly what you did when I had a spare minute. :D

...partly because I'm thinking ahead for a series of shots over the coming months to track the progress of the build ;)

I may yet have a go with the full res version to see if it's any more accurate - I have a portrait version of the same view to accommodate the full height of the tower, hopefully.

well not exactly wishful thinking, it was handed to us on a plate at one point!

LOL good point

^ that core diagram always reminds me of the scraper on the posters for The Towering inferno
http://i46.tinypic.com/577uu.jpg[/IMG]

FLOORS 20-21 now being constructed. Quick work !!:banana:


.

Certanly is great work :). And all down to the TC’s not being jacked up yet.

Certanly is great work :). And all down to the TC’s not being jacked up yet.

Looks like they were set to go last Sunday but were winded off. Hopefully better luck this weekend

I just got back from a quick walk around the base.
Another lorry-load of glass panels was being unloaded, as well as a load of rebar, which was being added to a large pile of rebar on the ground. Looks like the cranes can barely keep up with the delivery rate.
I also spotted a pallet of toilet cisterns on the ground, showing just how far the internal fit-out of the core is proceeding.

Back pack core is now up to floor 12. I can confirm it is referred to on site as 'Backpack' because I found a red-LED info board scrolling away with key facts at the site entrance below the bridge.

A glass panel was being installed on the eastern end of the St Thomas Street elevation.

Whole site was buzzing with workers, and activity was visible on almost every level of the construction. This is one efficient organisation - makes you proud to be British!

well well well .... theres me thinking you lot were eagle eyed ... no one has noticed that tc5 hasn't been climbed over the week end as i said it would..

Yes I was suprised to see that hadn't happened when I came in to work on Monday. Somebody has suggested that high windspeeds were responsible - is that the case? The tying-in point is also a bit lower than I expected, I thought it was going to be secured at level 16?

just got back from a quick walk around the base.
Another lorry-load of glass panels was being unloaded, as well as a load of rebar, which was being added to a large pile of rebar on the ground. Looks like the cranes can barely keep up with the delivery rate.
I also spotted a pallet of toilet cisterns on the ground, showing just how far the internal fit-out of the core is proceeding.

Back pack core is now up to floor 12. I can confirm it is referred to on site as 'Backpack' because I found a red-LED info board scrolling away with key facts at the site entrance below the bridge.

A glass panel was being installed on the eastern end of the St Thomas Street elevation.

Whole site was buzzing with workers, and activity was visible on almost every level of the construction. This is one efficient organisation - makes you proud to be British!

Rather random and petty (potty) point but, toilet cisterns?....Wouldn't these be for temp facilities to be fitted at various levels for construction staff to have a tinkle without trekking down to the ground? Seem to remember reading somewhere that welfare facilities would be fitted at various levels to make site movements efficient, hence speeding the pointy progress even more.

Rather random and petty (potty) point but, toilet cisterns?....Wouldn't these be for temp facilities to be fitted at various levels for construction staff to have a tinkle without trekking down to the ground? Seem to remember reading somewhere that welfare facilities would be fitted at various levels to make site movements efficient, hence speeding the pointy progress even more.

I don't think so - I saw the crane lifting Portaloos up to the higher levels of steelwork a few days back, whereas what I saw on the pallet this lunchtime were ceramic standard toilet bowls. I reckon that at the lowest levels of the core there are plumbers at work.

Also, careful inspection suggests that the core is still rising, but at a very slow rate. The bottom of the '34' looks like it will appear tonight or tomorrow.

OOh what wonderful pics there have been of late many thanks to all involved :D

Come on we've got to get some pictures of these toilets I want to know if they're going to be as good quality as the building itself!!!

Quite a bit more cladding applied on the eastern side yesterday.And the core has been edging up last few days,as confirmed by checking saved camshots.
So long as the lavs aren't second hand,and flush,who cares eh.

Yes, like a man is judged by his shoes, a scraper should be judged by the quality of its potty. Personally I think the loos should be panoramic.

Personally I think the loos should be panoramic.

I think they have that in one of the penthouses at Strata :D

And notice the climbing frame jacked up yesterday on one of the TCs

Bottom of the '34' is finally peeping out from under the slipform this morning.

Rockdoctor: "Whole site was buzzing with workers, and activity was visible on almost every level of the construction. This is one efficient organisation - makes you proud to be British!"


We're just as good as everyone else, when we get down to it! :yes:

I think they have that in one of the penthouses at Strata


Well it's no use in the penthouse....the view from the outside will make you too sick to reach the penthouse in time.

Bottom of the '34' is finally peeping out from under the slipform this morning.

'34' is now fully exposed to the light of day. Looks like the growth rate is picking up again.

Well that means its virtually at the point of slipform adjustment for smaller core,level 37-8.

According to that diagram the slipform is the height of 2 2/3 floors, the top should be half way up level 37 so half a floor to go.

Looks to me like the crane on the North side has been braced against the steelwork. Ready for jacking?

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/DSC04237.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/DSC04238.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/DSC04217.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/DSC04234.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/DSC04235.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/DSC04221.jpg

Awesome Chest. That fully glazed corner in the last pic is a gorgeous hint of what's to come.

oh yeah...

it's a monster!!!

Thanks for the uploads Chest, they’ve really hit the spot. Some fairly complex pieces of steel going in on the South East side there. Not entirely sure what’s happening, is this the full height of the piggyback? Is it at 70m?

Looks to me like the crane on the North side has been braced against the steelwork. Ready for jacking?

Evening all , just a quick update with regards to the cranes ...Tc5s (nxt to footbridge) climb was cancelled on sunday due to the wind , but we did manage to "tie" it into the building on the saturday.. We were also able to climb it down 1 piece of tower section .. This was needed to be done to replace it with a stroger , slightly bigger , more substantial section to coincide with the megga "tie" in on level 17 , which will involve the tie going around the whole of the core .. The new , stronger piece of tower section was able to be climbed into place on the sunday morning before the wind got to strong , putting the crane back to its starting height on saturday..It is now hoped to climb it the approved 2 tower sections this saturday , weather permitting , with tc3 (nxt to mini core ) also being tied in & climbed over this week end .. As quoted , the crane on the north side (tc4) has indeed been tied into the building today, also the climbing frame has been pulled right to the top of the crane , adjusted , tweaked , & fine tuned , & is now ready for climbing ...Due to its location next to the station , this cannot take place untill after 10.00am , & must have its 3 tower sections inplace by 3.00pm , so , weather permitting , watch this space..... :cheers:

Typical weather when It has been so good over the past month.
Jeez..

I hate to single someone out, but chest's contributions are always a delight. :)

I have to agree :)

I have to agree :)

I have to agree :)

Evening all , just a quick update with regards to the cranes ...Tc5s (nxt to footbridge) climb was cancelled on sunday due to the wind , but we did manage to "tie" it into the building on the saturday.. We were also able to climb it down 1 piece of tower section .. This was needed to be done to replace it with a stroger , slightly bigger , more substantial section to coincide with the megga "tie" in on level 17 , which will involve the tie going around the whole of the core .. The new , stronger piece of tower section was able to be climbed into place on the sunday morning before the wind got to strong , putting the crane back to its starting height on saturday..It is now hoped to climb it the approved 2 tower sections this saturday , weather permitting , with tc3 (nxt to mini core ) also being tied in & climbed over this week end .. As quoted , the crane on the north side (tc4) has indeed been tied into the building today, also the climbing frame has been pulled right to the top of the crane , adjusted , tweaked , & fine tuned , & is now ready for climbing ...Due to its location next to the station , this cannot take place untill after 10.00am , & must have its 3 tower sections inplace by 3.00pm , so , weather permitting , watch this space..... :cheers:

That is a great update - thank you big h!
I can see from the latest cam image that one piece is immanent!

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1358/camputer120.jpg (http://img820.imageshack.us/i/camputer120.jpg/)

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/DSC04221.jpg

That last pic is amazing... really starting to materialise now. :cool:

Btw, steelwork is now visible from Waterloo Bridge, if you're on the top deck of a bus.

Fantastic shots! She really is growing up! :D
With that fully glazed corner, we can already see how it will fit in with the buildings around it - I don't know about you, but I think the contrast between the red brick and the glass in chest's last photo is absolutely fantastic! :cheers:

That last pic is amazing... really starting to materialise now. :cool:

Btw, steelwork is now visible from Waterloo Bridge, if you're on the top deck of a bus.

You mean to say that you took that double decker just to see if it was ? :lol: ;-)

Really showing its metal now.The last pic of that selection clearly shows this beauty making its presence felt bigtime

TC4 has started climbing, one piece has been added and looks like another is about to join it.

You mean to say that you took that double decker just to see if it was ? :lol: ;-)



No. It's my daily bus journey home. Even I'm not that sad. :D

Meanwhile, this just landed in my Inbox -



oh my god! God, sorry! but this tower is horrible! This is a punch in the eye to London!
Tower very disgusting! to be sick! blee! an insult to the taste! london is beutiful as it is! please don't ruin the skyline!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbF58CHjZTM

:ohno:

Still, I like "blee!" as an expression of architectural disapproval. I'll be using that. Not about the Shard.

I hope that isn't green glass that has appeared in chest's last photo...

I hope that isn't green glass that has appeared in chest's last photo...


No Rodney, it's just the light.

Did anybody else notice that the mini-chore's steelwork has eventually raised to be visible in webcam 120?

http://i30.tinypic.com/2h2qud1.jpg

They're for the external service elevators.

Meanwhile, this just landed in my Inbox -



oh my god! God, sorry! but this tower is horrible! This is a punch in the eye to London!
Tower very disgusting! to be sick! blee! an insult to the taste! london is beutiful as it is! please don't ruin the skyline!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbF58CHjZTM

:ohno:

Biased as I may be, I cannot think of a more inaccurate statement!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51917050@N04/4778059988/

New to this site so apologies if the photo doesnt work. Shard now clearly visible from Rotten Row in Hyde Park. View will look amazing when the tower is complete

I hope that isn't green glass that has appeared in chest's last photo...

I did see a hint of green on some photos taken last week. Pray that it was a reflection from something green.

Shard this afternoon, a bit too hot for Photography.

From London Bridge
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4777401139_edd2282650_b.jpg

Junction of London Bridge and Tooley St
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4778037246_1e7dda1968_b.jpg

From directly outside London Bridge station entrance
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4777405793_d40692b50d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4777411019_7598532195_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4777408557_9f76b8eb67_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4778049588_f4c3536c1c_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4777413005_a21685a653_b.jpg

Montage from St Thomas' ped bridge
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4777420901_5b76f12300_b.jpg

Site entrance, St Thomas st
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4778058504_e24dceea72_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4778060858_cfca691eca_b.jpg

That glass is sooooo good looking!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4778019280_b0a43a4f85_b.jpg

From Melior st
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4778063160_5664db5436_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4778068680_853521065e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4777432627_2b09ffe0d6_b.jpg

From Tower bridge
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4777387899_806e895493_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4777493855_0b6a78c41d_b.jpg

Pingyao, great pictures - thanks!

Love the banner shot^^ Give it abit of time and with a completed Shard and Pinnacle it will look awesome

Sorry to drift offtopic but can anyone tell me what the boat parked next to the Belfast is?

Webcams giving us some great shots of the Shard at the moment especially the cam looking down on the main core and steelworks. Here's a small selection from the last few weeks:

http://i32.tinypic.com/2dbtcme.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/esqf76.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2gy7k93.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/bhiqgx.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2lu86yq.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/161jcqu.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/xkvi4k.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51917050@N04/4778059988/

New to this site so apologies if the photo doesnt work. Shard now clearly visible from Rotten Row in Hyde Park. View will look amazing when the tower is complete

Hey! If you click on "all sizes" at the top of the photo on flicker and then copy the URL at the bottom of the page into "insert image" it'll show in your post. :) It's not the most obvious!

http://i28.tinypic.com/r8zhn9.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/2ziowf7.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/zkmhr9.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2e67ryf.jpg

and last but not least, the last one from this evening:

http://i25.tinypic.com/ezj3h4.jpg

Pingyao, great pictures - thanks!They are indeed, thanks for taking them on such a sweaty day.

Love the banner shot^^ Give it abit of time and with a completed Shard and Pinnacle it will look awesome

Sorry to drift offtopic but can anyone tell me what the boat parked next to the Belfast is?

Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond.

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/4659

Shard photos posted over the past couple of days have been spectacular, thanks to all.

What I cant get my head around is how this building will reach the point at the top in another 30 odd floors, from the angle of incline of the steel it appears to me that it would taper to a point about where the core is now.

Is it a trick of the eye or am I a bit mental??

Trick of the eye lol it ain't going to top off at 137 metres.
I know what you mean though,it may appear that way.
Some of those pic's are really wow. Like the pic with the flowers in the foreground (im not a pansy mind)

What I cant get my head around is how this building will reach the point at the top in another 30 odd floors, from the angle of incline of the steel it appears to me that it would taper to a point about where the core is now.

Is it a trick of the eye or am I a bit mental??

Take a look at this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=59861125&postcount=11095) low-quality sketch (done by me, but helpfully posted by Octoman), which uses the slope of the steel to predict the ultimate height.

It actually overestimates the max height, because the design doesn't finish in a point, but in a series of lower peaks (see posts following mine).

Hi guys, has anyone spotted anything unusual around the Shard last night?

Me and my wife have witnessed what we would call a UFO sighting over London last night (9 July 2010), just thought you would be interested.

It happened approximately between 10.30pm and 11pm, there were loads of them (maybe about a hundred in total or more) coming from above the horizon South West behind the Shard from where we live (Wapping) flying over London and disappearing to the North East for about 30mn in total.

They looked like orange lights flying fast and high, we thought it could be balloons or chinese lanterns but there wasn't a strong wind that night to explain their speed and directions: they seemed to go high first on the South West, some looking like dancing with each other, and then crossing straight over London to the North East at fast speed.

Some of them seemed to fly in formation and the shape of the formation and the distance between each of its elements remained constant.

And a few of them were sometimes hovering around the core of the Shard, that was weird!

We caught it on camcorder and have still to process it, I will post it on youtube and post the link here asap.

I suppose we will know more about this today or tomorrow in the news, as we are probably not the only ones to have witnessed that.

Anyone else have seen anything similar or are we going crazy?

....I saw Chinese lanterns over my area last night about 15 miles east of the Shard, but there weren't hundreds of them.

When I worked at Southwark Towers (now Shard site) I did see several unusual things over the years but generally most things I saw in the air were the Chinook helicopters that used to circle the 3 London Bridge skyscrapers every day. So, nothing extra terrestrial about them!

Look forward to your video.

Oh, some clubs do fire lasers in the air from time to time?? You never see the beams, but you do see lots of lights in the sky sometimes.

UFOs? :eek:

Some photos from slightly earlier in the day (lunchtime and about 6pm)

Usual mention that there's more pics (75 in total from yesterday) to be seen in my Shard Gallery (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard)

From More London

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106873-2/20100709_0005.jpg


Hays Lane

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106909-2/20100709_0012.jpg


Glazing on Joiner Street becoming more extensive

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107059-2/20100709_0068.jpg


Level 2 floor seems to be cast round to St Thomas Street now

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107023-2/20100709_0056.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107053-2/20100709_0066.jpg


The view from the bridge

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107011-2/20100709_0040.jpg

with more of the SW corner glazing

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107305-2/20100709_0170.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107263-2/20100709_0161.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107227-2/20100709_0154.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/106981-2/20100709_0026.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107077-2/20100709_0079.jpg


Moving along St Thomas Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107083-2/20100709_0081.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107113-2/20100709_0087.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107179-2/20100709_0102.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107149-2/20100709_0095.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107125-2/20100709_0090.jpg


and finally a couple of longer views

from Druid Street SE1

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107209-2/20100709_0134.jpg

and the western end of St Thomas Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107311-2/20100709_0191.jpg

Great stuff as always cybertect, thank you.

Great update Cybertect, Grazie.

Found some old renderings on my HD. They are fairly hi-res. I've uploaded them here:

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/1.jpg
http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/2.jpg
http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/3.jpg
http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/4.jpg
http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/5.jpg
http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/6.jpg
http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/7.jpg

Fantastic!!!

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107125-2/20100709_0090.jpg





I love this one. You should enter it in the UPC. :)

^^The Angel of the Shard - Gormleys latest!

^^The Angel of the Shard - Gormleys latest!

:D

Take a look at this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=59861125&postcount=11095) low-quality sketch (done by me, but helpfully posted by Octoman), which uses the slope of the steel to predict the ultimate height.

It actually overestimates the max height, because the design doesn't finish in a point, but in a series of lower peaks (see posts following mine).

Superb, cheers

[QUOTE=wjfox;60090487]Found some old renderings on my HD. They are fairly hi-res. I've uploaded them here:

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/1.jpg

fantastic renderings, this image shows that 150m ish high spire almost over the station - is it still part of the plans?

Cybertect, if you took some of these photos at lunchtime today, I may well have walked past you, here are some I took about lunchtime too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56539745@N00/4780351807/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56539745@N00/4780351331/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56539745@N00/4780985766/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56539745@N00/4780350493/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56539745@N00/4780985992/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Ah what a surprise, my photos didn't appear :bash:

Was it you I was chatting to on the bridge, or pingyao?

An experiment by way of something a little different - it occurred to me that a stitched panorama doesn't have to be horizontal, so I fired off five shots in a vertical stack. :)

View Large (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybertect/4781088720/sizes/o/in/photostream/) [1024 x 3288]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4781088720_695b3b0037_b.jpg

It might be worth repeating under slightly more controlled conditions.

I may have another from later in the day in the works - got to see how it pans out, as it were...

No it wasn't me, maybe next time I'll wait on the bridge :)

Just out of curiosity, I followed 11001001's advice of pasting the flickr URL into insert image. I can't see anything at all when I look at the thread but according to my flickr stats, I've had 130 views from this site. Can anyone else see the photos??

Just out of curiosity, I followed 11001001's advice of pasting the flickr URL into insert image

It's the Flickr image URL that you want (the one that ends in .jpg) not the one for the photo page. Right click on the image and copy from there.

According to Flickr's Terms of Service, you should also provide a link to the photo page when doing this, BTW.

Right I'll try that later. Thanks for your advice :)

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107263-2/20100709_0161.jpg

Fascinating how the protruding glazing still has pointless blinds for symmetry (I presume).

I wonder if they will still lower and rise? :nuts:

Fascinating how the protruding glazing still has pointless blinds for symmetry (I presume).

I wonder if they will still lower and rise? :nuts:

Consider that they're on the south west corner of the building and that there's habitable space right behind them that you can see, and they may still provide useful shade. ;)

....I saw Chinese lanterns over my area last night about 15 miles east of the Shard, but there weren't hundreds of them.

When I worked at Southwark Towers (now Shard site) I did see several unusual things over the years but generally most things I saw in the air were the Chinook helicopters that used to circle the 3 London Bridge skyscrapers every day. So, nothing extra terrestrial about them!

Look forward to your video.

Oh, some clubs do fire lasers in the air from time to time?? You never see the beams, but you do see lots of lights in the sky sometimes.

First part of the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIABn3nq8XI

I had to split it due to the size, last two parts coming soon...

Harry, that's some excellent footage you captured!

Trying to keep on topic, you've got a nice view of the Shard rising from your place as well :)

Cybertect it was me you met on the bridge. Actually there was some more people down on St Thomas St who'd set up a tripod. I was quite surprised at the general interest that this construction site had, seeing that most people usually just hurry past barely noticing their surroundings.

First part of the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIABn3nq8XI

I had to split it due to the size, last two parts coming soon...

I've seen lanterns on several occasions harry.These lights seem to be lanterns to me,both in behaviour and appearance.Im not a debunker,mind.I have had a passion for UFO's since childhood,hence my interest here.Filmed UFOs myself over the years.Small tip,take your camcorder off autofocus,program it to infinity before shooting the night shots.

Sorry for off topic (though it happens quite a lot lately).

.

Lanterns. It wouldnt be difficult to get more lantern like if you tried!

The winds high up are very fast.

Indeed wind speed is greater of course.
I wonder,on average,how much stronger the winds will be near the summit of shard. Possibly 10-20mph. Also,the temperature will certainly be 4 fahrenheit cooler on most days (1 Fahr per 270 feet)

First part of the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIABn3nq8XI

I had to split it due to the size, last two parts coming soon...

Lol ... clearly not an alien invasion. Scary how easily taken in we are. Reminds me of all the fuss about crop circles. :nuts:

These protruding glass panels - how the hell are they going to survive a force 9 north west gale? Surely they'll just act like sails - catch the wind and break? :ohno:

Cybertect it was me you met on the bridge. Actually there was some more people down on St Thomas St who'd set up a tripod. I was quite surprised at the general interest that this construction site had, seeing that most people usually just hurry past barely noticing their surroundings.

Last time I was down I was surprised how much people were taken in by the project. Also noticed that us blocks would stop and talk to each other about The Shard. The only ones not interested were the chicks; they didn’t even look up as they crossed the bridge.

Cybertect it was me you met on the bridge. Actually there was some more people down on St Thomas St who'd set up a tripod. I was quite surprised at the general interest that this construction site had, seeing that most people usually just hurry past barely noticing their surroundings.

Pingyao, you are right, I saw a lot of people taking photos who looked like they were just passing by or tourists who had come from the station, it looks like the construction site might itself become a tourist attraction!

Pingyao, you are right, I saw a lot of people taking photos who looked like they were just passing by or tourists who had come from the station, it looks like the construction site might itself become a tourist attraction!

I think it's clear that this project has reached a kind of critical mass with the general public. When you look at the size of the ******* thing it's hardly surprising. I'd say it's going to get pretty congested around London Bridge once it reaches 50+ stories. :banana:

I was in Tooley St yesterday and saw a restaurant called 'The Shard' - eveidence of how iconic this is becoming and it's not even built yet.:)

^^Was it a curry place? I think someone posted a picture of it somewhere, but it looked closed down...perhaps not...

I saw quite a few ladies gazing up at it when i was there.


.

tc4 tied in , climbed , tested , inspected , ready for work .. tc5 ... ditto...

Core still at about the same height this morning ('34' has a couple of metres between it and slipform), and steel looks the same. Looks like the work with the cranes kept everyone very busy over the weekend.

tc4 tied in , climbed , tested , inspected , ready for work .. tc5 ... ditto...

Well done Mr Henrik :D

^^Was it a curry place? I think someone posted a picture of it somewhere, but it looked closed down...perhaps not...

Yes it was - it was about four in the afternoon (not opening time) and I was cycling past - but it looked like a going concern.

I saw the shard outline with a few other iconic outlines of London landmarks in a logo on a van recently too i think if I recall

[QUOTE=wjfox;60090487]Found some old renderings on my HD. They are fairly hi-res. I've uploaded them here:

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/lbt/hi-res/1.jpg

fantastic renderings, this image shows that 150m ish high spire almost over the station - is it still part of the plans?

Yes i liked that feature too, helped the bulk of the backpack. Have not seen any official recognition of it though.

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/shard/camputer120.jpg

wow now taking shape now that that part on the left has been topped out.
Now up up & away!

Will be at the site tomorrow with pics.

This morning

http://i29.tinypic.com/k9gqpj.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/1zofgit.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/10715dz.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/9hmk50.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/1zofgit.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/14o7vpg.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/xldkw6.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/sgh5c5.jpg

tc4 tied in , climbed , tested , inspected , ready for work .. tc5 ... ditto...


Thanks for the info.. going to be some big ties on those cranes further up

^^Was it a curry place? I think someone posted a picture of it somewhere, but it looked closed down...perhaps not...

Yep. It was definitely open at lunch time today :)

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107323-4/20100712_0018.jpg

So where abouts is the restaurant? It’s got to be pretty close or ever overlooking Shardy!

On the south side of Tooley Street, about 20-odd metres east of the junction with Bermondsey Street. Pretty well opposite the Hilton.

If you know Tooley Street, it's where Fuzzy's Grub used to be - No. 96

edit: Google Streetview (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=96+Tooley+Street,+Camberwell&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=17.465959,37.617188&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=96+Tooley+St,+Camberwell,+Greater+London+SE1+2,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.504442,-0.083197&spn=0.00112,0.003318&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.504491,-0.082772&panoid=sICH9aB7IW_kzOIg9sOw0w&cbp=12,249.16,,0,0.2)

Five minute walk then, not far at all. Should be interesting to see how many businesses around London Bridge or across the water start using the Shard to help promote their trade.

I don't understand the 'A' design

Is that supposed to resemble Shard?

No its a new design of teacup thats currently being tested..................

Bottom of '35' is just showing this rainy morning.

Bottom of '35' is just showing this rainy morning.


Well that surely means the core is about to shrink

It's there somewhere ...

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/35.jpg

It's ... BIG

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/s1.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/reflect.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/s2.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/heraldic.jpg

Yep ... Guys really does need a reclad :ohno:

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/guys.jpg

^^^ Your third picture shows that in such reflections the orange is only visible when something dark like a building is being reflected. Quite a nice touch actually.

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/s1.jpg

Argh, What a fantastic little public square this would be for the workers of London Bridge. Instead its monuments and architecture are surrounded by cars.

Nice pictures by the way Borderboy, cladding is really starting to look fantastic.

Just thought I'd pop by and post this image as don't think it's on here:

http://simoncpage.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/sp801_aerial.jpg

Argh, What a fantastic little public square this would be for the workers of London Bridge. Instead its monuments and architecture are surrounded by cars.

Nice pictures by the way Borderboy, cladding is really starting to look fantastic.

Funny how public buildings like hospitals seem at times to be so far behind the times when it comes to such issues as car parking. I work in a university and it's just the same there - all the 'free' space is given over to ******* cars :bash::bash::bash:

I like the way that some of the cladding on certain walls are offset from those above and below, and other walls are regular. With the over-runs as well, it all adds up to an ever interesting design.

Number 35 now fully exposed, and the 'hole' in the steelwork on the NW corner has been partly filled in.
Meanwhile the demolition of New London Bridge House has reached the point that I can look down into the top and see the diggers breaking up the concrete. My view of the Shard gets ever less impeded.

Take a picture or two and post them on here, i’m sure you’ll be loved by many if you did :).

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/s1.jpg

Argh, What a fantastic little public square this would be for the workers of London Bridge. Instead its monuments and architecture are surrounded by cars.



And not just cars. The same view of Guys Hospital in 1820, without the latest "improvements":

http://www.1902encyclopedia.com/H/HOS/guys-hospital-1820.jpg

It's truly becoming part of the skyline, I only just realised but i can see it from Clapham Junction Station, which is a considerable amout of space away from the Shard. Upon Completion this will be amazingly visible from hundreds of angles.

the rendering posted by Future Impact shows the white spire / needle which must be around 150m tall next to the Shard - though it doesn't seem to be on other renderings, be interested to know if this is still a possibility or if its been scrapped.

Someone mentioned green glass I said it's just the light but in some of those renders it looks very green...oh dear I hope thats jsut the camera :-(

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/s2.jpg
[/IMG]

I hope to god there will be a run off of glass to the left there covering up the flat panels, as that shifting of the cladding panel on each floor is horribly messy. It also looks like lesser quality. Hmmm.

I was at the site checking it out today and they are definitely cladding the 'channels' like the one above in greenish glass. It doesnt look too bad to be honest but could well form stripes up the building. The rest of the cladding is crystal clear and looks fine.

Its certainly better that Heron which viewed from the Southbank looks an utter shambles.

Its certainly better that Heron which viewed from the Southbank looks an utter shambles.

Careful now Octo. :shifty:

When I went past at the weekend I thought it looked like a plastic film on the inside of the glass. :dunno:
That could have been clear and the glass green though. We'll just have to wait on this.

I hope to god there will be a run off of glass to the left there covering up the flat panels, as that shifting of the cladding panel on each floor is horribly messy. It also looks like lesser quality. Hmmm.

doesnt look like there will be an overhang, i assume this is the channel in question in the nearest corner of diagram which has a tiny bit of cladding sticking out slightly

http://67.202.71.95/images/506604shard.JPG

I hope to god there will be a run off of glass to the left there covering up the flat panels, as that shifting of the cladding panel on each floor is horribly messy. It also looks like lesser quality. Hmmm.

Can't agree - I think the effect is deliberate so that the individual facets will appear to 'float' slightly apart from the structure. Will look fabulous if it works.

If you look back at some of the photos it defiantly seems more dark blue than green. But I really don’t think this corner is finished. It would be good if they put the extra, final protruding section on the end, im not sure it will look rite / finished without it, ‘it will appear too flat’.

Look at this picture taken by cybertect;

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard/20100709_0026.jpg.html

But if that the case then why haven’t they added them? When on all the other side’s they are installing them as they go! All very confusing.

Yes just had a quick look and when directly viewing the glass there is a dark blue tint in the. Channel

When the channel glass is viewed from behind the clear glass overhang there is more a hint of green rather ythan dark blue

The edge of the facade running to the channel doesn't appear to be complete. Maybe we will see the steel tube edging as seen on the overhang added later?

http://67.202.71.95/images/631306IMG00009-20100713-1939.jpg

I was at the site checking it out today and they are definitely cladding the 'channels' like the one above in greenish glass. It doesnt look too bad to be honest but could well form stripes up the building. The rest of the cladding is crystal clear and looks fine.

Its certainly better that Heron which viewed from the Southbank looks an utter shambles.

I think you and others banging on about the colour of the glass are talking shite (as they say in Dublin). The colour of glass is largely determined by the quality of light and shade. I think it is highly unlikely the glass in these 'channels' is any different to the rest of the structure. Anyway, it's all nit-picking about nothing. When you stand next to this thing it's absolutely clear that it is going to be utterly amazing, sublime and a truly world class building. :banana: