It possible can be the tallest building in Europe

^^ in the pic that cybertech posted you can clearly see that there is brick work, i dont think that many buildings are built with out some sort of brick work.....

paving?

It possible can be the tallest building in Europe
Yes, if it finishes before the Shard it will be the tallest in Europe until the Shard is complete. That does not change anything about my original statement, that the Shard will be the tallest building in Europe upon completion, until Mercury City Tower is complete.

...until Mercury City Tower is complete.

absolutely true! :)

If Eurasia adds 2 meters it will be higher than the Shard. BTW, the original height of City of Capitals was also 6 meters lower

paving?

Just behind the orange ladder and in the top left corner there are concrete block walls.

They are not clay bricks, though.

nice project

Just behind the orange ladder and in the top left corner there are concrete block walls.

They are not clay bricks, though.

thanks, i`m just exploring the point, no knighthood expected.:lol:

PD....QBE

Ah, I see.

Well, the local context would suggest granite setts - they're common for street paving round SE1. I guess we'll find out in due course.

It will be indeed be the tallest in Europe, around ten meters taller than City of Capitals in Moscow. It won't be long until the title returns to Moscow though, as the Mercury City Tower is progressing steadily (though just not quite as fast as the Shard.*)



* = Saying that reminded me of the song "Fast as a Shark" by German heavy metal band Accept. "Fast as a Shard" :lol:

How high is Shard today? Mercury City towers is around 120 - 130 meters high.

Don't forget that the completion of Eurasia in Moscow can start every moment

Eurasia tower is expected to be 309 m, it is still on hold and nobody knows when they will resume it. Yet it is some 220 m high.

How high is Shard today? Mercury City towers is around 120 - 130 meters high.

Shard will be 310, Mercury 380

Eurasia tower is expected to be 309 m, it is still on hold and nobody knows when they will resume it. Yet it is some 220 m high.

That's why is said this: If Eurasia adds 2 meters it will be higher than the Shard. BTW, the original height of City of Capitals was also 6 meters lower

Howerver if they will not start soon, you will probably be right

How high is Shard today? Mercury City towers is around 120 - 130 meters high.

The Shard is currently the height of the neighbouring Guy's Hospital, ~143m.

the shard grows much faster than mercury tower ! :cheers:

the shard grows much faster than mercury tower ! :cheers:

Fast but short :lol:

The Shard is currently the height of the neighbouring Guy's Hospital, ~143m.

Any up-to-date photos? Because what I've seen right here can hardly make me believe in 143 m, I'd like to see more from various angles...

the shard grows much faster than mercury tower ! :cheers:

Mercury City towers is currently growing at a speed of 10 days per floor.

Fast but short :lol:

yes it mat be slightly shorter but quality wise it hammers the moscow tower and in london it is all about quality and not quantity thats where the division is

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000628.JPG
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yes it mat be slightly shorter but quality wise it hammers the moscow tower and in london it is all about quality and not quantity thats where the division is

Damn right :cheers:

yes it mat be slightly shorter but quality wise it hammers the moscow tower and in london it is all about quality and not quantity thats where the division isBoth towers look great, personally I find Mercury City Tower more unique than 'The Shard' in terms of structure and the golden glass cladding (which is something not to be found a lot on skyscrapers these days).

I'm particularly fond of your last picture, chest. It shows the massiveness. :cheers2:

It starts to look totally awesome ;) I like the location.

But there is nothing built with anything like the shards glass or structure? Surely the shape of the shard is more unique than the Mercury city tower?

Both towers look great, personally I find Mercury City Tower more unique than 'The Shard' in terms of structure and the golden glass cladding (which is something not to be found a lot on skyscrapers these days).

Sorry, the Shard is pure class....

Mercury City Tower represents everything thats worst about "new money" wealth...tacky and tasteless...

You cant buy taste...you either have it or you dont...its like the people who suddenly have money and go out and buy a Ferrari and order it in bright yellow...:wallbash:

I guess you are a bit jealous, aren't you? I don't see much of a difference in the "quality"... But I can feel the taste as of the Mercuri City Tower. Shard is just one more tower. But perhaps for London it is already much.

Sorry, the Shard is pure class....

Mercury City Tower represents everything thats worst about "new money" wealth...tacky and tasteless...

You cant buy taste...you either have it or you dont...its like the people who suddenly have money and go out and buy a Ferrari and order it in bright yellow...:wallbash:

really silly comment. If Moscow build the Shard and London Mercury, would you be saying the same? I don't think so. Maybe just you who don't have any taste, because a lot of people like Mercury (British as well)

I posted 15 photos on the other thread using my similarly named account:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=407549&page=606
It's so silly there's 2 threads - I don't know why one isn't just a redirect to go straing to the other thread? Mods - anyone know why 2 threads exist... i don't want one deleted - but "just saying"!!

It’s quite common for big projects like this. One for International users and the other for Londoners (London Thread). If everyone posted on just one thread it would be chaos.

really silly comment. If Moscow build the Shard and London Mercury, would you be saying the same? I don't think so. Maybe just you who don't have any taste, because a lot of people like Mercury (British as well)

London would never build the Mercury Tower....because it would never get planning permission in its current state.

London would never build the Mercury Tower....because it would never get planning permission in its current state.

Well, a lot of permissions London didn't get, like I see.

As I've said before on this forum, comparing the Shard and the Mercury City Tower is like comparing apples to oranges. It's a totally different style of skyscraper, they are not comparable in any quantifiable way.

As for my personal taste, I said I've said this before also, I like the Shard better. Both towers are magnificent as far as their shape is concerned, but I'm not a big fan of the MCT's cladding, which is why the Shard makes the cut for me. If they changed the MCT's colour to something less tacky, both towers would be on equal terms for me. Let's hope the MCT developers come to their senses.

This is the tower London needs. It's going to be amazing. London is on of my favorite cities.

really silly comment. If Moscow build the Shard and London Mercury, would you be saying the same? I don't think so. Maybe just you who don't have any taste, because a lot of people like Mercury (British as well)

A lot of London's towers get abuse, including from the London forumers instead. If something isn't up to scratch or felt good enough for the city, there will be a lot of complaints, it does come across as more of a quality over quantity or height thing with the London forumers. I personally don't think there are many supertalls U/C around the world that are as good as the Shard, and I would not swap it for the majority. But there are some that are as good or even better in my eyes. Mercury isn't one of them. I can say without any hesitation that I'd much rather have the Shard in my capital, much like I could say I'd also rather have certain other towers than the Shard.

Think M3 Architects came up with a concept 1,450ft tower shaped like a sail designed for Aldgate or something if I remember which definitely reflected the past whilst looking at the future. but alas, pipedreams, the London Bridge Tower is beautiful structure (or will be) and London definitely will look better for it despite the e-mails I've sent back and two to english Heritage recently who frustrate the hell out of me.

London Bridge Tower will crown London as nothing will ever be taller than it unless they move City airport.

Honestly I don't see anything special about it.... Love the height though

Honestly I don't see anything special about it.... Love the height though

If you were from London the view may differ. Of course it all depends on a subjective definition of what 'special' means to you in terms of built environment. However, I offer this...

The reason we feel it's a great building is not only its build quality but much more than that, it's about the context of the regulatory and built environment that has managed to even get this off the ground in the first place and how this will influence the future for London's office and residential space. London has been ill served with grade A office space that allows financial flexibility for some time and the same is true of land, where any one company wishes to build finds it tough to get through bureaucracy.

Not only is it more expensive to build anything in London by around 1/3, but there are oppositions from nimby's, heritage body's and planning bodies that have up until recently halted or scaled down plans for anything tall. This building re-defines the boudaries in the face of a shortage of space and growing workforce population in London and not a moment too soon.

Those of us who support progress in this field have waited a long time and essentially it lays the foundations for future architecture and form in a city that has had to fight for anything tall at all. So I believe the enthusiasm comes somewhat from this building represents as much as what it looks like.

I've never been a great fan of tall buildings in London. I've always felt that, with the exception of a handful, they tend to diminish rather than enhance a magnificent skyline.

The buildings that I do like, in chronological order are the Telecom Tower, Centre Point, Tower 42, the Gherkin and now the Shard. That is because I feel that there is more about them than just providing office space and the ones that I have listed probably have the smallest ratio of lettable floor space. I quite like Canary Wharf but have never been that impressed by the ground level environment which is more like an upmarket business park than a place with a true urban feel.

I take issue with English Heritage because I feel that their approach to tall buildings is 'if we have to have them, make them as short as possible'. Obviously, height is what defines the tall building, sets it apart from others and the short, stumpy buildings that EH seem to prefer are neither one thing nor the other - just intrusions.

I like the Shard as in a very modern way it harmonises with the Wren churches that have been the landmarks of London for centuries. It also has that quality that you see in the Empire State Building and Chrysler Buildings of celebrating its height, literally 'scraping the sky'. I don't agree with many forummers who would like to see the Shard become the centre of a South Bank cluster as I think that would diminish the impact of the building.

The building is not likely going to be liked by everybody doesn't denial the fact this building makes much difference in that particular location. As for me, the slant facade design is astonishingly a place to pass the time looking at rain-drops falling down on it. I think am going to like it, when the building is completed.

I guess you are a bit jealous, aren't you? I don't see much of a difference in the "quality"... But I can feel the taste as of the Mercuri City Tower. Shard is just one more tower. But perhaps for London it is already much.

Everything you said there is wrong. The shard is higher quality, the shard means more for London than mercury city tower means for Moscow, and to me MCT is just another tower in the IBC, the shard stands out... Tbh I don't think any city in the world will be jealous of the mct and here in London we most certainly are not jealous. Rant over.

by googlepeakoil.

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Webcams this morning -

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/Skylines/camputer120.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/Skylines/camputer64.jpg

Glorious in the sun. :bow:

When are they going to start building around the small core - the "spike of glass" next to the main tower?

The Shard is one of the most beautiful skyscrapers ever built. It's incredibly graceful, elegant, and subtle. It demonstrates why Renzo Piano is probably the finest architect in the world today. Mercury Tower is hideously ugly. It's vulgar and tasteless in the extreme. Sorry but it's true. Aesthetically it's not remotely in the same league as the Shard, and frankly I'm offended at the mere suggestion of comparison.

People are allowed to have opinions, you are allowed to be offended.

I just wish comparisons would stop, in this thread.

The Shard will be something spectacular once it's opened. definately.

People are allowed to have opinions, you are allowed to be offended.

I just wish comparisons would stop, in this thread.The comparisons are pointless, it's like comparing apples and oranges. Two different building in terms of structure, glass cladding, architecture and height. I personally like Mercury City Tower more than the Shard, but then again how credible my point of view can be considering the fact that I'm from Moscow. It's the same when 99% of the Londeners agree that Mercury City Tower is a piece of sh** while The Shard is pure class.

This building grows on you, imo. I didnt think too much of it at first glance, but, its actually really cool. I like what London doing here. Will it be completed before the 2012 games though? Too close to call.

yeah i think the plan is to have it open a few months before the Olympics...im guessing the hotel would want that to happen aswell if not the observation decks should be open

The value of this building can't be confined to its external elegance.

It's internal features make it outstanding as well: top notch office space, the first Shangri-La Hotel in Europe, the huge flats with direct views to the City, etc.

Wow, this bot has managed to spam the entire supertall forum.

is it not possible to delete all posts from kaikwiq so that one can see which threads have been updated in the last time and which not?

edit: Thanks to the mods!

They're going incredibly fast! :eek:

BTW, the cladding is sooo classy, love it.

Fantastic shots by chest! :applause:

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000671.jpg

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http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000662.jpg

Fantastic photos - note the guy in picture 4 is riding one of the new London hire bikes! Steelwork going in on the next two floors today in miserable weather -

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/Skylines/shard.jpg

That's better. All those pictures with clear blue skies were ruining London's reputation. ;)

Now all that's needed for the stereotype to be properly fulfilled is some dense fog.

I gotta say, I've been following this project for a while now. I've become a big fan, what with the crystal clear cladding and the unique design. I've also been impressed at how fast this thing's moving along.

My only real complaint, from what I've seen in the renders, is the top. The jagged pieces of glass just look funky to me. But, that's just coming from someone who's never been to London. I hope that when the top is finished, it looks better than the renderings.

That's better. All those pictures with clear blue skies were ruining London's reputation. ;)

Now all that's needed for the stereotype to be properly fulfilled is some dense fog.

Haha! No point in hiding the truth is there?:lol:

I gotta say, I've been following this project for a while now. I've become a big fan, what with the crystal clear cladding and the unique design. I've also been impressed at how fast this thing's moving along.

My only real complaint, from what I've seen in the renders, is the top. The jagged pieces of glass just look funky to me. But, that's just coming from someone who's never been to London. I hope that when the top is finished, it looks better than the renderings.I think you have a point there but, it's appealing to look at artistically. Mind you, a flat top can not augur well for finished work of a slat building like this one.

I think you have a point there but, it's appealing to look at artistically. Mind you, a flat top can not augur well for finished work of a slat building like this one.

Oh no, a flat top would look horrible here. It would look unfinished. I was thinking more along the lines of a clean point at the top, like Transamerica Pyramid.

Wow!! this is the first time I see this thread, I'll read it to the first comment :nocrook: or at least I'll try :lol:
The Shard rocks :rock:

A few pics from yesterday.

More to be found in my Shard Gallery (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard), which has just passed the 2,000 photos mark :)


St Thomas Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109528-2/20100824_0013.jpg


Backpack external steel

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109594-2/20100824_0026.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109552-2/20100824_0018.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109606-2/20100824_0029.jpg



From Guy's courtyard

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109636-2/20100824_0038.jpg

and some details

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109678-2/20100824_0045.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109696-2/20100824_0048.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109684-2/20100824_0046.jpg

St Thomas Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109721-2/20100824_0052.jpg

I love how 9 months ago the core was non existent...

This really is the finest quality glass I've ever seen used for a skyscraper.

This really is the finest quality glass I've ever seen used for a skyscraper.

Just wait until the World Trade Center is done then.

Just wait until the World Trade Center is done then.

At the speed that's being built at, that could be years away!!!!!!!!!!!

This really is the finest quality glass I've ever seen used for a skyscraper.truly!!!:okay:

Those are good image updates above. Meanwhile, Handbanana,that's an easy way to hijack a thread by comparing the quality of one to the other.

Regarding this: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=456410
Rather strange this but the 4th cam on the cam page had it's angle rotated quite a bit between the 18th and 24th - strangely it rotated horizontally (not vertically - which would be understandable as the building obviously grows taller). I was wondering if a pigeon or something a lot heavier had knocked it
I've found that saving them with the name cam1_2010-08-20a means you can tab through them in Microsoft image viewer to see what's changed from day-to-day... otherwise it's really bloody hard to see what's changed on each side. I only have saves going back about 2 weeks though - and only random days. I have some life outside the Shard
It's interesting actually to see what the weathers like in London (I'm out west near Reading)... based on what direction the winds blowing out the window I can predict what the weathers going to be an hour before / afterwards! Also - Wednesday was a wash out - the cameras pointing up were covered in raindrops!
It would be amusing for somebody to hold up a sign in front of a cam saying "hello skyscrapercity viewers" if there was one near a viewing point... and if we knew the time it took each pic... and if somebody was there to save it (or browsing wirelessly).

A few pics from yesterday.

More to be found in my Shard Gallery (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard), which has just passed the 2,000 photos mark :)


and some details

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109678-2/20100824_0045.jpg


It's only looking at this and the almost perfect reflection do you notice how badly warped most windows are! Often you can get some really concave windows.
Because of this I wonder if anyone's going to get a "blinding" bounced sun effect caused by the uniform reflection? It might be the case that if the sun is low enough then this could happen...
I remember from school, kids farting around in art class with a handheld mirror reflecting it into people!
Maybe some nearby office workers are going to need strong sunglasses!

Sunny days in London? Poppycock!

Just kidding. Imagine driving towards the Shard and the sun hits at the perfect angle...

It's only looking at this and the almost perfect reflection do you notice how badly warped most windows are! Often you can get some really concave windows.
Because of this I wonder if anyone's going to get a "blinding" bounced sun effect caused by the uniform reflection? It might be the case that if the sun is low enough then this could happen...
I remember from school, kids farting around in art class with a handheld mirror reflecting it into people!
Maybe some nearby office workers are going to need strong sunglasses!

All glass panes are probably smooth like this when first installed, and maybe its after when the elements to their work it distorts.

All glass panes are probably smooth like this when first installed, and maybe its after when the elements to their work it distorts.

I dunno about that. Mineral glass is an incredibly hard material.

Merely looking at the glasses tells they are not reflective types. Only on summer there is going to be a little problem with heat. Maybe,maybe I said,there is going to be provision for blinds to take care of the sun.

Only on summer there is going to be a little problem with heat. Maybe,maybe I said,there is going to be provision for blinds to take care of the sun.

There is. The orange bars you can see in the glazing units are the blind boxes. They are outside the internal envelope of the building.

All glass panes are probably smooth like this when first installed, and maybe its after when the elements to their work it distorts.

Not true. Normally glass is put into the frame then things are put around the frame. The frame is then normally compressing on the glass and this causes the slight concave or convex effect. Not noticeably so until you try and see the reflection of something. The cheaper the window frame the worse it is. For instance I had a window (cheap cloakroom window fitted) - if you stand 5 metres from it and it looks like a hall of mirrors!
There was some article in some official building forum from a spokesperson saying that the glass was made in the frame or something so as to achieve this perfect reflection look.

A few pics from yesterday.

From Guy's courtyard

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109636-2/20100824_0038.jpg



The CLS is cooler than The Shard in this picture :crazy:

I'm pretty sure that glare from window reflections will have been considered at planning application stage. When Ian Simpson was planning a glass clad skyscraper for Liverpool, the effect of glare was taken seriously to the extent that some of the glass would have a 'frit' applied to counteract it. I guess the glass in the Shard will have some special anti-glare coating or surface texture.

I'm pretty sure that glare from window reflections will have been considered at planning application stage.

I seem to remember a dreadful mistake occurring in Croydon in the 1980s when they built 69 Park Lane (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=croydon&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=17.465959,31.640625&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Croydon,+Greater+London,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.371007,-0.09804&spn=0.002187,0.005906&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=51.370797,-0.096414&panoid=biJPZ7gcOAulfLDXs5NFYw&cbp=12,31.04,,0,-10.78) with a mirror glass finish.

It's situated right at the eastern end of the Croydon Flyover (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=croydon&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=17.465959,31.640625&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Croydon,+Greater+London,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.370876,-0.09921&spn=0.004374,0.011812&t=h&z=17). Of course, come the right time of year, when the sun set in the evening, it reflected beautifully off the newly completed building, causing hideous glare for drivers heading East and a few traffic accidents on the flyover.

If memory serves me right, they had to completely replace all the glazing panels on the building with something slightly less reflective.

glass looking good.
can i ask a silly question?
is core still at lev38?

glass warping could be due to pressure. it has two layers, doesn't it? so if the pressure on the outside is slightly more than the pressure in between the two layers of glass, then it would be slightly concave. also, it wouldn't take much (maybe even a couple of mm) for the reflections to be visibly distorted.

Nice tower, and I DO like the glass:nuts:

glass warping could be due to pressure. it has two layers, doesn't it?

Most of the external panels you can see only have one layer of glass - it's essentially just a rain screen.

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107547-2/20100728_0050.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/105496-2/20100611_0096.jpg

the 'recesses' show the double-glazed units, which AFAIK are similar to the panels that will go behind the main external layer and provide thermal insulation.

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/108343-2/20100805_0078.jpg

I'm pretty sure that glare from window reflections will have been considered at planning application stage. When Ian Simpson was planning a glass clad skyscraper for Liverpool, the effect of glare was taken seriously to the extent that some of the glass would have a 'frit' applied to counteract it. I guess the glass in the Shard will have some special anti-glare coating or surface texture.

Seriously, why? It would look stunning on this building. It was the reverse here when they built the Eureka Tower - including gold glass (and real gold) that gives this effect in the sun...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44085077@N00/2842894018/

umm. wat colour lighting will the tower have when done?? anyone know? cause it looks like there might be red lights at each floor in one of the last pics, looks cool though. maybe i am missing something

This webcam screenshot gives a good preview of the reflective appearance of the cladding

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/Skylines/shard-1.jpg

umm. wat colour lighting will the tower have when done?? anyone know? cause it looks like there might be red lights at each floor in one of the last pics, looks cool though. maybe i am missing something

I hadn't considered that as a possibility before. Interesting idea and quite cool.

You mean these, on the Wing ends?

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/scirocco/fun/shard_glazingDetail/20100623_0034.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/scirocco/fun/shard_glazingDetail/20100716_0047.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107577-2/20100728_0055.jpg

Against the concept: I suspect they're a little too structural to also contain a light. While there must be power to the blinds, it's a little difficult to see how they might run it out there.

Would be tremendous fun changing a bulb if/when it failed - and there are a lot of them :)

I think this building will look the greatest at night, as it is all glass cladding there will be alot of light coming from it in the evening, unlike tall buildings with alot of windows like 1CS.

I hadn't considered that as a possibility before. Interesting idea and quite cool.

You mean these, on the Wing ends?

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/scirocco/fun/shard_glazingDetail/20100623_0034.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/scirocco/fun/shard_glazingDetail/20100716_0047.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/107577-2/20100728_0055.jpg

Against the concept: I suspect they're a little too structural to also contain a light. While there must be power to the blinds, it's a little difficult to see how they might run it out there.

Would be tremendous fun changing a bulb if/when it failed - and there are a lot of them :)

Nice building and great progress. But I do hope they plan on correcting some of that shoddy workmanship. A Renzo Piano building is all about the fine details.

Looking good!!

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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4932326725_6bc214daf8_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4932321107_b5154ff730_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4932912442_b6e6e84ae0_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4932327331_71d05eed13_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4932327929_74fe27a216_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4932328639_b6cae77c45_b.jpg
And from last Sunday
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4932329329_d616dc4d25_b.jpg

Wow, what a giant set of pictures! :applause:

They are already keeping the glass clean, good boys. :bow:

This webcam screenshot gives a good preview of the reflective appearance of the cladding

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/Skylines/shard-1.jpgI think that image is a bit misleading. The cladding is not as reflective as the photo made it to look like.

Quite impressive that they take the effort to clean the Facade, although it is still U/C.

Nice building and great progress. But I do hope they plan on correcting some of that shoddy workmanship. A Renzo Piano building is all about the fine details.

What are you talking about?

Raise those cranes :D

@cybertect yes they r wat i was referring to but the ones i was dirrectly referring to are those that are on the inside of the windows toward the top of each pane where the floorplate would hide it from view on the inside

What are you talking about?

Check out the last photo in his post, the steel runners arent exactly straight....may just be a case of final adjustments yet to made though....

Seriously, why? It would look stunning on this building. It was the reverse here when they built the Eureka Tower - including gold glass (and real gold) that gives this effect in the sun...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44085077@N00/2842894018/

Reflective glass can look very good - but the problem is with glare - particularly reflections of the sun at certain times of the day. This can be dangerous if it dazzles motorists (in the case of the Liverpool tower there was concern about the effect on train drivers as well).

Clearly a tower the size of the Shard could cause a huge amount of glare unless something is done about it. It seems that the glass has a matt finish which would tend to diffuse light and reduce glare.

Might also explain the perception that the glass is flatter than ordinary window glass. I'm not saying that isn't the case but if you paint a wall with gloss paint, it will show up all of the defects in the plaster whereas one painted in matt emulsion will seem perfectly flat.

Glad to see it rising, and what a pace!

No doubt it'll be ready for OG :D, pitty Bishopsgate wont :(

@cybertect yes they r wat i was referring to but the ones i was dirrectly referring to are those that are on the inside of the windows toward the top of each pane where the floorplate would hide it from view on the inside

I think in that case what you're talking about are the blind boxes to house the window blinds.

even from 5 miles away this monster is making a big impact on the london skyline, and its not even half way up yet , this is going to be probably the most significant structure in europe .

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/46TheShard_pic2.jpg
I can not help posting this image for a reminder of how the completed building is going to look like. It's refreshing,though.

:uh:

It´s funny because, in my opinion, looking to that render this building looks like something that would never be approved...even less in London :lol: Don´t ask me why tho :D Now I think this can be a landmark!

Taken on Friday~

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu333/williamhou/IMG_9124.jpg?t=1283056108

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu333/williamhou/IMG_9096.jpg?t=1283056108

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu333/williamhou/IMG_9095.jpg?t=1283056108

This will look great. London has a skyscraper, finally.

London has about 10 skyscrapers.

Although this one will be the best in the world- by far.

Taken on Friday~

This will look great. London have a skyscraper, finally.

And one of the world's best looking at that! :banana:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4937655838_62270ef0e8_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4937656306_a34796e03b_b.jpg
And one from Lambeth Bridge
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4937069397_39e9803647_b.jpg

Although this one will be the best in the world- by far.

So humble... :lol:

London has about 10 skyscrapers.

Although this one will be the best in the world- by far.

:ohno::nuts::lol::bash:

There is no current skyscraper that matches the Shards quality and elegance. Until we design one of course ;).

It´s funny because, in my opinion, looking to that render this building looks like something that would never be approved...even less in London :lol: Don´t ask me why tho :D Now I think this can be a landmark!Am not going to ask you why. At least we share thesame opinion about the difference it's going to make in that location.

This will look great. London has a skyscraper, finally.

Why have you put London as your location?

Because you've clearly never been judging by that comment.

^^

Probably means "Supertall." Easy mistake to make.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4937656306_a34796e03b_b.jpg
And one from Lambeth Bridge


Oh, who's the ugly neighbor? :nuts:

^^ Guy's Hospital.

^^ Guy's Hospital.

Tbh I'm not a huge fan of Guy's, but here it looks as if a fresh coat of (white) paint and some minor recladding would produce an excellent, contrasting neighbour. The Brutalist style actually almost works if the hospital could be brightened up and maintained correctly.

^^ Hmm. Paint it white and give it dark blue glass. That would be interesting, but since it is London after all, I have another idea: Paint It Black. :D

Paint it white?? You know what they say - you can't polish a turd. I would say demolish it but being a hospital it's there for a reason.

I posted this some time back on the Guy's Tower thread...


Before....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/4622218330_ba40a15404_b.jpg

... And after :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4735007145_a365cb41e4_b.jpg

Always thought it just needed a clean!

Alot of post war architecture would look alot better cleaned or painted white with new glazing.

I think that image is a bit misleading. The cladding is not as reflective as the photo made it to look like.

+1. That's the result of a) an overcast day, and b) the angle at which it's taken. The glass of the Shard is just off clear by the looks.

Guy's would still be one of the ugliest structures in the history of mankind. It's a damn shame it's on the same continent as The Shard.

The reclad of Guys Hospital will begin in Spring 2011......

Love this pic. Giant, big, enormous. :D

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4937656306_a34796e03b_b.jpg

That's a great shot!

I hope the height finally increases soon.

They are building the biggest amount of flooring they can before the core's setback. Probably to narrow the gap between the building of the core and the flooring.

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000301.jpg

Love the contrast between the foreground and background, sublime!

Chest's quality. :master:

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000301.jpg

Wow!
It's exactly the same angle as one of my old pictures of London Bridge area looking at the old building before demo.
So different now!!!


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/299318753_cf7b4176f8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gundust/299318753/)
London Bridge Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gundust/299318753/) by gundust™ (http://www.flickr.com/people/gundust/), on Flickr

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/299318753_cf7b4176f8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gundust/299318753/)
London Bridge Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gundust/299318753/) by gundust™ (http://www.flickr.com/people/gundust/), on Flickr

Although the Shard is order of magnitudes better without a doubt, I still think Southwark Towers was a pretty nice-looking building. I'd rather it had been preserved as an example of '70s architecture instead of Guy's Hospital, but unfortunately that's unrealistic. Oh well.

Although the Shard is order of magnitudes better without a doubt, I still think Southwark Towers was a pretty nice-looking building. I'd rather it had been preserved as an example of '70s architecture instead of Guy's Hospital, but unfortunately that's unrealistic. Oh well.

I agree. I really wish they could have torn down that god awful Guy's Hospital instead of the actually decent looking Southwark Towers

Tear down the awful Guy's Hospital is becoming a common talk here. Before doing that they have to make provision for another to serve that part of public making use of it.

There is no current skyscraper that matches the Shards quality and elegance. Until we design one of course ;).

^^ you seriously need to get over yourself, shard is a great looking tower, but there are alot more buildings around the world that are better. THis is londons first supertall so don't go saying that you are the best at designing them quite yet ok

Don't rise to it - I doubt he's seen many buildings around the world..

Just noticed that this webcam is back up and running......
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1839/screenshot20100831at939.png

Tear down the awful Guy's Hospital is becoming a common talk here. Before doing that they have to make provision for another to serve that part of public making use of it.

There's a nice tower going up next door to Guy's iirc - I forget its name - maybe they could move the hospital into that ;)

It's a hostpital; not an old residential block or office space. The reclad ought to help, but Guy's ain't going anywhere, despite what some may wish.

Don't rise to it - I doubt he's seen many buildings around the world..

I never said you have to agree with my opinion.

And I have seen many buildings :)

^^ you seriously need to get over yourself, shard is a great looking tower, but there are alot more buildings around the world that are better. THis is londons first supertall so don't go saying that you are the best at designing them quite yet ok

I'd say it's one of the best. The quality, complexity and elegance of the Shard will make it more than just a great looking tower. There is one in particular which I think is better than the Shard, but that tower would not fit in London, while the Shard will fit perfectly, so I'm very happy with what the City is getting. It may be one of the shorter modern supertalls but Renzo Piano has ensured it is among the best. And whether it is the first or not makes no difference to the merits of this particular building.

There's a nice tower going up next door to Guy's iirc - I forget its name - maybe they could move the hospital into that ;)

It's a hostpital; not an old residential block or office space. The reclad ought to help, but Guy's ain't going anywhere, despite what some may wish.I would love to see that happened but, that building is not going away from that place very soon, I think. A reconstruction would do just fine than a mere reclad.

Credit - unknown author from flickr - pic found and linked by 1101001. Annotation by me.

I think the original image (posted at the end of last week) shows the new core emerging. The left edge in this pic is pretty clear - and i've guessed where I think the right edge is.
Note - we know from analyzing the youtube video it sets back on 3 sides (the side facing the river is the only side that doesn't set back at this level).
http://a.imageshack.us/img228/5709/corewalls.jpg

^^ And taken by me thank you very much!

I'd say it's one of the best. The quality, complexity and elegance of the Shard will make it more than just a great looking tower. There is one in particular which I think is better than the Shard, but that tower would not fit in London, while the Shard will fit perfectly, so I'm very happy with what the City is getting. It may be one of the shorter modern supertalls but Renzo Piano has ensured it is among the best. And whether it is the first or not makes no difference to the merits of this particular building.

Subscribe it interely. And, as far as I know, one amazing tower like this one doesn't prevent others from being built.

The Shard can be seen here in the context of other towers built or planned -

http://www.londonandnyc.com/2010/08/londons-future-cityscape.html

by Ciudad Bristol.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/supertek/P1020775.jpg

from the other forum... and regarding the core...

According to the Better Bankside site, we may still have to wait a few weeks yet...


Quote:

Superstructure and Cladding
Duration: to Spring 2012
Structural steelwork has reached Level 28, installing over 250 pieces per week. Elsewhere, the external glass cladding is progressing to all elevations and is now up to level 12, installing over 150 panels per week. August and September sees the intensive period of crane climbing operations continuing with at least one crane-climb planned for each weekend. To provide crane stability at such heights structural steel “mega ties” are being installed at various levels of the building, locking the crane masts back to the main central core.

Central core and internal fit out
Duration: to end of project
The main central core has reached Level 38 where adaptions are being made to the slipform rig. The core reduces in size above L38. 24 hour slipform works likely to resume in mid-September for a couple of months. Internally, Mechanical, Electrical and Lift installations are well underway with significant Mechanical Air Handling Units being installed in the double height basements. There is currently an average of 800 labour operatives on site.

Shard and Guy's are like the beauty and the beast!

They are building the biggest amount of flooring they can before the core's setback. Probably to narrow the gap between the building of the core and the flooring.

:ohno:

To expand on that... that is not why it is not climbing. They are re-jigging the slip form rig for the next stage of the core. This wasn't quick when they were in the basement and it is less quick when you're 150m up in the air. That said, it should be showing signs of moving up again in a week or so I'd estimate.

To knock down a few other often repeated fallacies:

- It would be a disadvantage to have steelwork being constructed too close to the slipform rig, not an advantage.
- The core does not rely on the steelwork to be close to the same level as it for it's stability.
- As the core has it's own travelling crane as partt of the rig, it does not require the perimeter tower cranes to grow to service it.

What is going to be the level of the second core? Guy's Hospital blocks the view from that angle on the last image above.

Capslock, thanks for the explanation :yes:

I thought the core couldn't grow to its full height alone, otherwise it would create an imbalance. I was wrong. Thanks once again. ;)

by paprys81.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/328/dsc05891m.jpg

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/6813/dsc05894.jpg

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/61/dsc05902y.jpg

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/2803/dsc05906r.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4253/dsc05916z.jpg

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/8229/dsc06056o.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4599/dsc06041oa.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/3520/dsc05786m.jpg

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7070/dsc05787c.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/6012/dsc05789o.jpg

this tower is starting to become one of my favorites! Will this be the tallest building in the UK?

^^ sure will! Tallest in Europe until the Mercury city tower is finished!

..

More significantly, tallest in the EU. Webcams this morning and the cladding is creeping up at a fair pace.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/London%20Architecture/shard.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/London%20Architecture/shard2.jpg

One of the best supertalls currently under construction, in one of the best cities in the world. Long overdue for London really! :cheers:

Sorry if this has been asked before, but when is it expected to be topped out, and when is the final completion date?

Shard and Guy's are like the beauty and the beast!

I thought the Shard would look quite nice actually when it's finished :nuts: :wink2:

The building is due to be delivered May 2012 - don't know when topping out is. A year from now I would guess??

I thought the Shard would look quite nice actually when it's finished :nuts: :wink2:

The Shard is the beauty...

OH, wow! I didn't see this thread about 2 weeks because of busy time and I am suprised about this :) I have my old (2 weeks old) photos and now they're not actually (never mind), but when I look at these ones, there's some nice feeling. Now I can admire this nice skyscraper and I know I'll be back there in some time. GO ON!

iews from Southwark bridge

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000800.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000812.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000839.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000808.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000844.JPG

wow! they're working very fast!

What a great and hugeeee tower!

Can definitely see the smaller core inside the semi-translucent formwork now. :)

The core of the Shard, is on 39th, 40th level now?

Seems to have stopped at 38 for now.

There's no way this can go unnoticed to tourists and non-skyscraper Londoners by know.

Thanks chest. ;)

A few pics from yesterday, together with the usual note that there are more in my Shard Gallery (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard)


The statue of former Mayor of Bermondsey, Samuel Bourne Bevington, contemplates the Shard from Queen Elizabeth Street.

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109750-2/20100902_0006.jpg


On Crucifix Lane, with the signal box for London Bridge Station

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109762-2/20100902_0013.jpg


Fisheye lens out for a view of the hoist platform on St Thomas Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109828-2/20100902_0029.jpg

and the south west corner

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109846-2/20100902_0036.jpg


I noticed some services piping on the ground floor by Gate 1

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109864-2/20100902_0040.jpg


We're starting to get a real feel for how the glazing is going to look when it's complete...

St Thomas Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109918-2/20100902_0060.jpg

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109930-2/20100902_0063.jpg


London Bridge Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109900-2/20100902_0051.jpg

Looking shiny :cool:

Whoa! Beatiful, I REALLY hope the WTC cladding looks like this or better...

Wow what a monster!

Monster in an awesome way. Lady Gaga has turned the word positive.

Core has started rising again. Pics by Chest:

sorry about the quality - taken from Canary Wharf on mega zoom - but definite movement up - if you notice the Shard lettering has split - a bit of the S has been left behind

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000343.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000351.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P10003555.JPG

Core has started rising again. Pics by Chest:

Great news. The steel has really caught up.

Nice tower!

- A

I can tell already I'm really gonna like this when it's finish. :)

5 cranes in 1 tower···？OMG·····

5 cranes in 1 tower···？OMG·····

A tower of this massiveness needs it. :D

Great news on the core. ;)

Amazing progress from the last time I saw it! can't wait for it to finish!

by Palimpsest.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2m7j67s.jpg

Fantastic ones thanks to chest.

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000865.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000870.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000887.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000907.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000914.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000890.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000911.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/P1000889.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4955433102_2aa56aa351.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicnac/4955433102/)
The Shard by Renzo Piano (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicnac/4955433102/) by nicnac1000 (http://www.flickr.com/people/nicnac/), on Flickr

Is it my obsession or mere partiality to say England has achieved something iconic by constructing this building(rhetorically).

A building taller than 300 metres is most certainly iconic in an European country.

by SE9.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2wf77ty.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/2u8dzyf.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/jqjhgp.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2znuao2.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/1545/4960310430d169691232b1.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gingerblokey/4960310430/sizes/l/in/photostream/

What can i say... simply stunning :drool: :drool: :drool: .

first time i`ve noticed that Guys and Shard are so far apart, always thought they were like a block apart.

Soon we'll see if the reconfigured slimmer core returns to the old growth rate. :)

Soon we'll see if the reconfigured slimmer core returns to the old growth rate. :)

The amount of flooring is quite big now, so the core has to grow quickly for them to carry on the flooring.

double post

From September 3.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1714/49571511135a0d67f33eb1.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaszeta/4957151113/sizes/l/in/photostream/

A building taller than 300 metres is most certainly iconic in an European country.

I know we usually put "an" before a vowel in the English language, but "an European" does NOT roll of the tongue well. "A European" does.

Back on topic, progress for this tower is nice.

Core has narrowed and is taking off again today - clearly visible from this webcam shot -

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/shard1.jpg

It was about time! :cheers2:

so they`ll have to drop the S and it becomes the HARD now.....hahah.

nice pics

so they`ll have to drop the S and it becomes the HARD now.....hahah.

No, they keep the SHARD but on a smaller scale.:lol:

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/4349/4967959920dbde86ca0db1.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dach_art/4967959920/sizes/l/in/photostream/

The Shard kicks major ass :righton: :lol:
BTW, have any of you noticed one of the tags? :rofl: eat this moskow

I hope they will re-clad the concrete pile of crap next to this beauty.
After this one London only misses a 600M plus TV tower.:)
The BT tower will look short after this one is finished.

first time i`ve noticed that Guys and Shard are so far apart, always thought they were like a block apart.

They are very close.You can walk from the entrance of one to other in around 30 secs.

The Shard kicks major ass :righton: :lol:
BTW, have any of you noticed one of the tags? :rofl:

Lololololol!! Good spot!

The Shard kicks major ass :righton: :lol:
BTW, have any of you noticed one of the tags? :rofl:

:nuts: :ohno: :weird:

They are very close.You can walk from the entrance of one to other in around 30 secs.It's close enough to be part of Shard. I hope they do something about that Guy's Hospital look.

Taken with my new iPhone yesterday evening from the junction of Bermondsey Street and Tooley Street

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/109948-2/20100907_0005.jpg

It looks taller in that last image. You caught that shut from a great angle.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4971149462_6b2e20ba11_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/suzyred/4971149462/)
Crossing the bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/suzyred/4971149462/) by Suzy Red (http://www.flickr.com/people/suzyred/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4970174575_42a4b76539_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepgreen2009/4970174575/)
The 'Shard' gains glass (http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepgreen2009/4970174575/) by Deepgreen2009 (http://www.flickr.com/people/deepgreen2009/), on Flickr

What a great view to commuters! It will make the bad days look better. :D

Does this tower deserve so much excitement ? you guys are from medieval times, aren' you ? to be honest, this is just a decent looking tower, not very impressive indeed.

by chest.

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1000963.jpg

Ah! The setback core has arrived. Expect further upward growth...

Does this tower deserve so much excitement ?
Hell yeah! :D
you guys are from medieval times, aren' you ? to be honest, this is just a decent looking tower, not very impressive indeed.
If you think 310 m (1,017 ft), virtually one of the tallest buildings in Europe, covered in a very high quality glass and one of Renzo Piano's finest projects is 'just a decent looking tower' fine, it's OK... your opinion :dunno: But don't tell me nor anyone else who's actually appreciating this that we're 'from medieval times'. It's not our fault you can't recognize a good project when you see one, go worship your Mecca Tower or whatever you call 'contemporary' enough to suit your refined expectations.

Hell yeah! :D

If you think 310 m (1,017 ft), virtually one of the tallest buildings in Europe, covered in a very high quality glass and one of Renzo Piano's finest projects is 'just a decent looking tower' fine, it's OK... your opinion :dunno: But don't tell me nor anyone else who's actually appreciating this that we're 'from medieval times'. It's not our fault you can't recognize a good project when you see one, go worship your Mecca Tower or whatever you call 'contemporary' enough to suit your refined expectations.


just look at the main page of supertalls in construction around the world, it is not difficult to find that the Shard is nothing.

just look at the main page of supertalls in construction around the world, it is not difficult to find that the Shard is nothing.

Height isn't everything.

Ah! The setback core has arrived. Expect further upward growth...

Now let's expect the floor number to surpass 50, it will be another landmark. :cheers:

just look at the main page of supertalls in construction around the world, it is not difficult to find that the Shard is nothing.

Do you not have anything better to do than tell people that rightfully think this building is amazing they are wrong. If you don't like the building then don'tvisit this thread its as simple as.

Does this tower deserve so much excitement ? you guys are from medieval times, aren' you ? to be honest, this is just a decent looking tower, not very impressive indeed.

You don't sound very bright. Let me guess, depressed high school drop out?

just look at the main page of supertalls in construction around the world, it is not difficult to find that the Shard is nothing.

:ohno:

In height yes, there tons of taller buildings, but there's only a handful that match the quality of this building. You have to respect the thought that went into this, the quality of materials. etc But there's no point going into because I'm never gonna change your opinion.

Forget it, some people just care about the numbers. Quality is a unknown concept to them.

Height isn't everything.

Indeed.

I can't speak for anybody else, but personally I would give this tower the same praise and attention and still call it just as much of an iconic building if it wasn't going to be the tallest building in Europe, or if it wasn't going to be the tallest building in the EU for a while, or even if it wasn't even going to be the tallest building in London. Why? It is an iconic design, a masterpiece of architecture, simple as that.

This may be hard to believe for some who get too caught up in height competitions, but on this forum it happens a lot, actually, if you pay attention. The Infinity Tower in Dubai for example - similar height as the Shard btw - gets showered with praise and attention, and is frequently considered an iconic building despite the fact that it is in the same city is the MUCH taller Burj Dubai, and despite the fact that even in its direct neighbourhood it has a good number of significantly taller projects. Why the praise, then? It is an iconic design, a masterpiece of architecture, simple as that.

We could go around the whole world with this. Other notable examples include the Beekman Place in New York City, again practically surrounded by far taller projects, yet receiving heaps of praise. Aqua in Chicago, quite obviously surrounded by some of the world's most famous supertalls, again receiving tons of praise for its unique and iconic design. Why does the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou receive so much praise when it is right next door to the huge West Tower and the recently started - even more huge - East Tower? Again, you guessed it, it's the design. And on and on and on I could go. The bottom line remains simple. The London Bridge Tower receives the praise and attention it receives for a reason. It is an iconic design, a masterpiece of architecture, simple as that.

just look at the main page of supertalls in construction around the world, it is not difficult to find that the Shard is nothing.Imo the only tower project in the world of comparable beauty is the Tower Verre in New York, which hasn't started yet. Many supertalls UC around the world are uninspiring, and a fair few are positively ugly.

Some people don't undertstand what a 310 metres tower is in a European city. :nuts:

this is 'skyscrapercity', and we are in the 'supertalls' forum, if you guys think the design is more important than height, you can just pick up any 3-story building in Rome or Athens and claim it is the best tower in the world.

Also, I don't see why the design of Shard is superior to other supertalls like Shanghai center, Infinity tower...

Not being superior in design does not make it lower or worse either.

this is 'skyscrapercity', and we are in the 'supertalls' forum, if you guys think the design is more important than height, you can just pick up any 3-story building in Rome or Athens and claim it is the best tower in the world.

Also, I don't see why the design of Shard is superior to other supertalls like Shanghai center, Infinity tower...

The shard is classesd as a supertall if it's nothing jump from the top of it when it's built and let me know how tall it is thank you

this is 'skyscrapercity', and we are in the 'supertalls' forum, if you guys think the design is more important than height, you can just pick up any 3-story building in Rome or Athens and claim it is the best tower in the world.

Also, I don't see why the design of Shard is superior to other supertalls like Shanghai center, Infinity tower...

Being compare to the Shanghai Center is a major complement to the Shard. I'm not sure what you are trying to say. If a tower isn't better than the Shanghair Center it isn't deserving of praise?

Next to no towers currently being built you could argue as being better than the Shanghai Center.

Infinity tower on the other hand, meh.

..

just EPIC ...for London and Europe ;)

this is 'skyscrapercity', and we are in the 'supertalls' forum, if you guys think the design is more important than height, you can just pick up any 3-story building in Rome or Athens and claim it is the best tower in the world.

Also, I don't see why the design of Shard is superior to other supertalls like Shanghai center, Infinity tower...

WTF.

WTF.
second that

howelee - you are positively mental. You need help.. or banning.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4971420060_4e535ee233_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwp-dawson/4971420060/)
The Shard of Glass Sept 2010 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fwp-dawson/4971420060/) by Fred Dawson (http://www.flickr.com/people/fwp-dawson/), on Flickr

for me, if its a real game changer, like its the current tallest in its city its the deal, take this example http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=63233481&postcount=1125, its like the shard ,in that, its a game changer.:cheers:

PD.

The webcam is doing weird again :(

http://www.spacy.me/forum/shard25.jpg

this is 'skyscrapercity', and we are in the 'supertalls' forum, if you guys think the design is more important than height, you can just pick up any 3-story building in Rome or Athens and claim it is the best tower in the world.

Also, I don't see why the design of Shard is superior to other supertalls like Shanghai center, Infinity tower...

I agree. Screw design, quality, and context. The only thing that matters when judging skyscrapers is height, height, and nothing but height. All discussion related to the merits or demerits of skyscrapers should be stopped, because the number next to the thread title is the only thing of any value in such a debate. So if an 830m version of Guy's Hospital was ever built, it would be undoubtedly be a superior skyscraper to the Burj Khalifa.

...

:nuts:

Well, being a skyscraper fan from Athens (call it a contradiction in terms!!! ) allow me to make an incision here by saying that in my view, in terms of design the shard is one of the top five supertalls under construction today worldwide and the best by far within Εurope. Some may counter this argument by referring to the talls and supertalls in Moscow, however the existing ones in Moscow still need a key structure to make a difference within a collection of good but not outstanding designs, with the exception of the federation tower whenever it tops out, that is... An additional threat to the shard may be the new Paris supertalls but this will be an issue towards the second half of the decade if you asked me.

In addition, it is a common secret that for obvious reasons the height of European skyscrapers may never even come close to the ones in Asia and the Middle East, not to mention the fact that until recently, it was not even comparable to the ones in North America. However, there are towers which received many accolades despite their limited height by North American standards. The Pirelli skyscraper in Milan for instance constituted a much stronger architectural icon back in the 1960s compared to many of its north American counterparts.

In conclusion, I believe the shard will become a very strong and recognisable icon within London's skyline and will positively define this part of the city for the years to come.

this is 'skyscrapercity'
Woohoo! Seriously? I had no clue :shifty: you shouldn't have :D
and we are in the 'supertalls' forum
Jesuuuuus!!! Now that's what I call a revelation! I wouldn't have known this if it wasn't for you :)
if you guys think the design is more important than height, you can just pick up any 3-story building in Rome or Athens and claim it is the best tower in the world.
Oops-a-crazy, I think he's actually on to something here! Maybe it's us! In fact we're really bad, bad users...picking up any common 3-storey building and claiming it's the best tower in the world instead of talking about a real supertall, like for instance the highest tower in the EU :dunno:, just saying! Our lack of common sense is unprecedented. O please great master of everything, show us the right path, illuminate our poor underdeveloped medieval brains with your boundless and all too abundant over and above wisdom, that's on the verge of overflowing onto our tiny, mediocre and sub-mediocre brains :master:

Imo the only tower project in the world of comparable beauty is the Tower Verre in New York, which hasn't started yet. Many supertalls UC around the world are uninspiring, and a fair few are positively ugly.

Yes, The Shard is really beautifull skyscraper, one of the most beautifull, I think. But there are a lot of other towers with comparable beauty. It is impossible to select the best of them.

And what about Russia Tower?
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=396624
It is for sure the most beautifull disign I have ever seen. I hope it will be build.

The Russia Tower is really good, but compared to the Shard, its not as good - but it's not far off.

Looking at his posting history, this is the same twat who wrote earlier in the thread "The construction progress of this tower is another indicator that Britain has become a second/third class country".

Stick him in the brig, simple.

Does this tower deserve so much excitement ? you guys are from medieval times, aren' you ? to be honest, this is just a decent looking tower, not very impressive indeed.

The tower does indeed deserve excitement IMO. It's the first supertall in one of the world's most powerful and famous cities. The first in the EU for that matter, maybe even the tallest in all of Europe for a time. It may not be the tallest in the world, but it does have world class quality in terms of design and materials that few other supertalls match and even fewer nowadays surpass. In terms of it's setting, the building is tall and it will stand out, making it important for London. If they wanted they could probably built a tower 2 or 3x the height, but it isn't needed and wouldn't fit right now. And besides, most people can appreciate a good building whether it is 10m tall or 1000m tall. If you think size is everything then maybe you're trying to compensate for something? ;)

A new photo:

No animals spotted on the Shard in this Thursday morning photo from the Tower of London :wink2:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4973082021_e920280d68_b.jpg

Well said Newcastle Guy ^^ that is a cracking photo. Getting good now the core is pushing on -

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4973191491_66b9ddf3ed_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28195515@N00/4973191491/)
IMAG0039 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28195515@N00/4973191491/) by -=Doug=- (http://www.flickr.com/people/28195515@N00/), on Flickr

Yes, The Shard is really beautifull skyscraper, one of the most beautifull, I think. But there are a lot of other towers with comparable beauty. It is impossible to select the best of them.

And what about Russia Tower?
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=396624
It is for sure the most beautifull disign I have ever seen. I hope it will be build.

Nobody said that there aren't other great towers under construction right now, but some towers (and we have to be fair, particularly in developing countries) are just about height and cheap cladding.

That's one astonishing shot there Newcastle! :applause:

^^ I think people must know it's a good building, it seems to be getting such a slating from people - especially Russians who seem to be giving it more attention than anything in Moscow is getting from anyone.. maybe there is a reason..

Some people assume that because London had never had a supertall, it should always be that way.

Thanks to Newcastle Guy for posting my photo, I was about to do it myself but you saved me the trouble :)

Thanks to Newcastle Guy for posting my photo, I was about to do it myself but you saved me the trouble :)

It's a great photo, thanks for taking it and sharing it in the first place! :cheers:

The tower does indeed deserve excitement IMO. It's the first supertall in one of the world's most powerful and famous cities. The first in the EU for that matter, maybe even the tallest in all of Europe for a time. It may not be the tallest in the world, but it does have world class quality in terms of design and materials that few other supertalls match and even fewer nowadays surpass. In terms of it's setting, the building is tall and it will stand out, making it important for London. If they wanted they could probably built a tower 2 or 3x the height, but it isn't needed and wouldn't fit right now. And besides, most people can appreciate a good building whether it is 10m tall or 1000m tall. If you think size is everything then maybe you're trying to compensate for something? ;)


Very well said! :applause:

I agree 100%! :cheers1:

The Sydney Opera House may not be the biggest opera house, the Taj Mahal the largest tomb, or the Statue of Liberty the tallest statue ... but this does not diminish the importance and prestige they have attained.

The height of a skyscraper is becoming less and less important as time goes by. It's not like when the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building held the "world's tallest" for decades and even generations. For a few years the Petronas Towers were the tallest, then the Taipei 101, now the Burj Khalifa - but I assure you it will be but for a few short years! - and then something else will be taller.

Beauty, quality of design, placement, context, purpose, will trump mere height when it comes to skyscrapers. :)

Very well said! :applause:

I agree 100%! :cheers1:

The Sydney Opera House may not be the biggest opera house, the Taj Mahal the largest tomb, or the Statue of Liberty the tallest statue ... but this does not diminish the importance and prestige they have attained.

The height of a skyscraper is becoming less and less important as time goes by. It's not like when the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building held the "world's tallest" for decades and even generations. For a few years the Petronas Towers were the tallest, then the Taipei 101, now the Burj Khalifa - but I assure you it will be but for a few short years! - and then something else will be taller.

Beauty, quality of design, placement, context, purpose, will trump mere height when it comes to skyscrapers. :)

Indeed :cheers: Some of the best supertalls going up or proposed now are far from the tallest. Tour Verre is a good example. And WTC3 may not be the tallest of the WTC set, but IMO it could end up being the best of the bunch.

Does this tower deserve so much excitement ? you guys are from medieval times, aren' you ? to be honest, this is just a decent looking tower, not very impressive indeed.

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