Here's a shot taken yesterday from Fenchurch Street (next to 20FC site), I think the Shard will look fantastic from here once complete even though you won't be able to see all of it :cheers:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1291/5184165946_b3cd21715f_b.jpg

What a difference in just over a month! :bow:

by chest.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_0712.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_0760.JPG

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_0786.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_0809.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_0821.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_0834.JPG

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_0856.jpg

by photofaijai.

http://a.yfrog.com/img688/4245/shardaerial.jpg

^^
Awesome, what a view.

I was hoping 1WTC would at least equal the surface of the glass of the Shard, but looking at the first pictures of its' cladding....Shard wins by a mile. The Shard gets my vote for 'best quality glass in the world'.

How is it done???

Wow!!! Excellent; THK!

by anthony SE1.

http://i51.************/2q86mx5.jpg

The Shard and London Bridge Place to boost commercial property market

The London commercial property market is moving closer to being two office buildings richer thanks to the iconic Shard property and London Bridge Place.

More than one million sq ft of world class London offices on the Southbank of the Thames will be provided by the two buildings, which are expected to transform the capital's skyline.

In fact, the Shard is already establishing itself as a global landmark due to its unique shape and will boast 595,000 sq ft of office space, high level restaurants, a high-end hotel, exclusive luxury residences and viewing galleries.

"With the Shard rapidly taking shape and already becoming a key feature on London's skyline, it will offer office occupiers unique and prestigious space in an iconic landmark building," a spokesperson for developer Sellar Group said.

Due for completion in 2012, the 87-storey property will be linked to London Bridge Place, a 21st century corporate headquarters building featuring approximately 428,664 sq ft of office space.

London Bridge Quarter Ltd has appointed leasing agents for both commercial properties.

http://www.mellersh.co.uk/News.aspx?ArticleId=800236067

Not directly related to the Shard but it's also part of the project.

Major Facelift of London Bridge Bus Station Begins

Work will get underway later this month on a dramatic facelift of London Bridge bus station. The new look bus station, set to open in May 2012, will have more space for buses and taxis, improved waiting facilities and an improved road layout to ease congestion.

The upgrade, which will also include improvements to the train station concourse, will make the area more open, attractive and welcoming to passengers.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's transport advisor, said: 'Hundreds of thousands of people use London Bridge every day and at the moment using the bus station is a fairly grimy experience.

'However this work will deliver a landmark station next to a landmark building, with a far better design that will improve both its efficiency and the experience for passengers.

'We appreciate people's patience while work is carried out but can assure them that by 2012 the improvements will be such that the area will be totally unrecognisable when compared to the station we have now.'

Preparatory work on the improvements will take place overnight and during the weekends until spring 2011.

While the works are being carried out there will be temporary bus shelters installed. Bus routes and taxis will be able use the bus station as normal although the exact position of stops within the station will change as work progresses.

The new bus station was part of the planning agreement for the development of the Shard and London Bridge Place, and will give the whole area a fresh modern look.

The costs are being met by the developer, Sellar.

The new bus station will occupy the same site, but will be rotated by 90 degrees meaning passengers will be able to see departing trains from the bus station.

The redevelopment of the bus station will involve extensive works. TfL is working hard to ensure that despite these, most of the routes and taxis will be able to use the bus station as normal.

Benefits of this new bus station will include:

* Increased space for buses and taxis
* A better road layout to reduce congestion
* Upgraded waiting facilities to improve the passenger experience
* A new escalator into the Underground station to improve passenger interchange
* Improved signage to provide clearer pedestrian information for the bus station and surrounding streets
* Improvements to the station will make the area more open, attractive and welcoming to passengers

TfL is working closely with Network Rail, Southwark Council and Sellar, to ensure that all works are carried out without compromising passenger accessibility or safety and that disruption to services is kept to a minimum; keeping the bus station open for the majority of the time.

Details of any short closures or temporary relocation of services will be published in advance.

The work will be delivered in two main phases with work to prepare the site and remove the existing canopy roof carried out between November 2010 until April 2011.

The main construction works will take place between September 2011 and May 2012.

http://www.newsonnews.net/travel/5567-major-facelift-of-london-bridge-bus-station-begins.html

i think having lev66/67 in core is now 233m? must be close to topping out?
also about to be tallest building in london!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5188299436_23a36eed74_o.png

Nice diagram! This is really growing well.:)

The Shard and London Bridge Place to boost commercial property market

The London commercial property market is moving closer to being two office buildings richer thanks to the iconic Shard property and London Bridge Place.

More than one million sq ft of world class London offices on the Southbank of the Thames will be provided by the two buildings, which are expected to transform the capital's skyline.

In fact, the Shard is already establishing itself as a global landmark due to its unique shape and will boast 595,000 sq ft of office space, high level restaurants, a high-end hotel, exclusive luxury residences and viewing galleries.

"With the Shard rapidly taking shape and already becoming a key feature on London's skyline, it will offer office occupiers unique and prestigious space in an iconic landmark building," a spokesperson for developer Sellar Group said.

Due for completion in 2012, the 87-storey property will be linked to London Bridge Place, a 21st century corporate headquarters building featuring approximately 428,664 sq ft of office space.

London Bridge Quarter Ltd has appointed leasing agents for both commercial properties.
http://www.mellersh.co.uk/News.aspx?ArticleId=800236067

ONLY 600,000 sqft?! By far the least economical building I have seen, especially when you factor in the cost of construction.

ONLY 600,000 sqft?! By far the least economical building I have seen, especially when you factor in the cost of construction.

Don't forget that is only part of the building it is multi purpose there is a hotel)shangri-la) and private apartments which will cost a fortune no doubt

Awesome pics by chest they were:drool:

Some pics from yesterday lunch time, more to be found in my Shard Gallery (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard/) (which incidentally has just topped 2,500 images since I started in earnest in September 2009)


Queen Elizabeth Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0007.jpg


from the far end of St Thomas Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0020.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0021.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0024.jpg

heading up St Thomas Street toward the site

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0029.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0032.jpg


and into the courtyard of Guy's

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0049.jpg

you can see the new section of glazing peeking out on the eastern side

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0050.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0055.jpg


The second 'Shard Holding Area' at the Borough end of St Thomas Street seems to have been formalised with traffic cones, which might have something to do with some roadworks that are happening near the pedestrian crossing. The lorry passing by on the left is carrying a load of glazing panels for The Shard.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0061.jpg


Tower crane access bridge on the north side

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0072.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101118_0081.jpg

fabulous updates everyone.......core done soon.....steel coming along as well.....dont know what to follow after this is done..

fabulous updates everyone.......core done soon.....steel coming along as well.....dont know what to follow after this is done..

the pinnicle?

One year ago today

http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/d/86274-2/20091119_0049.jpg

It took a long time to get this one through the bureaucracy but it was worth the wait.

destroy that hospital :/

^^

:lol:

Well, are there any plans to reclad this eyesore?

Yes, there are:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=513615&page=18
:)

It will probably take some time before we see a reclad on Guy's Hospital but I'm sure it will happen sooner or later. :)

by SE9.

http://i52.************/16j21zn.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/5188060398_e7acea3413_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/5188060398/)
Third core progress (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/5188060398/) by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

I took a little trip on my bike down the Thames Path to Rotherhithe this afternoon

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101119_0018.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101119_0023.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101119_0033.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101119_0047.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101119_0053.jpg

Wow, even the London Eye is visible! Great angle cybertect.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101119_0033.jpg

Cyber presenting us with some cracking shots, as usual! :applause:

The Shard and the London Eye, the two modern symbols of London!

an icon for London :cheers:

By GazkinzLovely viewpoint from Sumner Street

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc360/londonfire/Picture15225911_ShiftN.jpg

but don't forget the gherkin!


please tell me that the horrible building next to the shard is going to be taken down!

errm, why are the trees still green???????????

please tell me that the horrible building next to the shard is going to be taken down!

I don't believe it's on the agenda of the trustees of Guy's Hospital.

It may/should be getting a makeover, though

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=513615

FWIW, I rather like it as it is, though it needs a clean and some repairs.

errm, why are the trees still green???????????

Trees can't read very well and consequently got the wrong message about the name of the street they live in...

I don't believe it's on the agenda of the trustees of Guy's Hospital.

It may/should be getting a makeover, though

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=513615

FWIW, I rather like it as it is, though it needs a clean and some repairs.

O.o is that part of the guy's hospital? the entrance of the hospital complex is just under the shard as i can remember.


by the way imho the worst buildings in london are:

-Llloyd Building: i hate it, seems a rafinery.

-Barbican Centre: i really love the idea, but the result it's awful it's so dark and their towers are out of place

-some resindential building complexes on the thames.


and pleas don't build the walkie talkie!

The core stopped again I suppose. But it's almost surpassing One Canada Square.

lovin the updates....great work all...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5191794753_9d844caec6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/5191794753/)
Saturday (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/5191794753/) by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

WICKED.
bit like a dream

This must now be the tallest structure in Europe?

the core seems so strong, i like this pic :master:

This must now be the tallest structure in Europe?

:ohno:

This must now be the tallest structure in Europe?

Not until it surpasses the City of Capitals Moscow in height, which won't be until this structure is nearly T/O'd.

I was in London today, and decided to take a few pics of the Shard with my phone while walking around. :)

First, I must comment that photos don't do justice to its size. The Shard is absolutely massive compared to other buildings in the area, and it completely dominates(in a good way!) its part of the skyline. People talk about Guy's ruining the Shard's view, but I barely even noticed it from most angles. I already know that it's going to catch many people's eye when it's completed, if not already.

Anyway, without further delay:

From the opposite bank of London Bridge:
http://i51.************/hv309t.jpg

After crossing the bridge, on the road leading to the bus/train station:
http://i52.************/jsk3o1.jpg

And two shots from the Millennium Bridge:
http://i52.************/143hq3o.jpg
http://i55.************/15xswpc.jpg

^^ Nice pics! Man, its looking tall.

There's another core setback if I'm not mistaken.

^^
seems to be the case....last one perhaps.

The latest design of the Guy's Tower reclad have emerged....

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/TheOriginalCooper/Captureb-1.jpg

The original concrete will be cleaned/restored with new windows and a metallic cladding fitted...

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/TheOriginalCooper/Capture-31.jpg

Overall a vast improvement , which i think will complement The Shard rather well....

The full PDF for the project can be downloaded here....

http://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/about/2020/tower-wing-refurb.aspx

^^

I think I actually prefer that reclad to the previously proposed, far more radical one. Guy's does have some architectural merit, if only a little. Now it'll be able to showcase it without looking like a heaping pile of shite.

I prefer this latest proposal too, keeps a lot more of the character of the existing building, its not gimmicky

Yes this one seems better. The previous project made the building look to glitzy and a bit ridiculous.

This must now be the tallest structure in Europe?
Ostankino Tower, Moscow - 540.1 m (1,772.0 ft)

by Supertall Robbo.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5195013992_810ae29369_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16583702@N04/5195013992/)
DSC02815 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16583702@N04/5195013992/) by robinsonhome (http://www.flickr.com/people/16583702@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5195016662_3ca7f91161_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16583702@N04/5195016662/)
DSC02816 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16583702@N04/5195016662/) by robinsonhome (http://www.flickr.com/people/16583702@N04/), on Flickr

Who's paying for the Guys reclad?

Cladding looks really nice!! Will definitly be a iconic building.

Ostankino Tower, Moscow - 540.1 m (1,772.0 ft)

Not considered a skyscraper by definition though. Mercury Tower in Moscow will take that prize (unless Federation Tower goes back to work), and The Shard will be the tallest in the EU.

Not considered a skyscraper by definition though. Mercury Tower in Moscow will take that prize (unless Federation Tower goes back to work), and The Shard will be the tallest in the EU.
The question was about the tallest structure, not the tallest skyscraper.

the Shard is just............... :drool:

Some pics from yesterday lunch time, more to be found in my Shard Gallery (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard/) (which incidentally has just topped 2,500 images since I started in earnest in September 2009)


Cool Update !! Go Ahead London !!!
nice pictures thanx brother !!

There's another core setback if I'm not mistaken.

Isn't it the case that the core has now reached it's full height? As CULWULLA's image showed, at the 67th floor it goes from concrete to metal further up.

Originally Posted by brisavoine
Great news today: the demolition work to make way for the 337m (1,106 ft) Hermitage Towers will start on January 3, 2011. It's the start of a new era for La Défense and Paris!

Look at the above from the Paris forums :S erm......oh shit?!!

Originally Posted by brisavoine
Great news today: the demolition work to make way for the 337m (1,106 ft) Hermitage Towers will start on January 3, 2011. It's the start of a new era for La Défense and Paris!

Look at the above from the Paris forums :S erm......oh shit?!!http://www.cosmeticsblog.info/images/4.gif


realllly loving hte pictures in this thread...used some of them for background on my desktop :)

We in London really will have to find somewhere in the future where flight paths do not allow the Shard to be the tallest structure forever more! I suspect this may take decades if it happens at all, which although I'm in love with the Shard is seriously disappointing with Paris and Frankfurt purely in tall buildings terms!

realllly loving hte pictures in this thread...used some of them for background on my desktop :)

I'm glad you enjoyed those pics; they were undeniably good! I am personally gutted though we have nothing waiting in the wings in London to better La Defenses plans. I went over to Paris last month and saw the masterplan model with all the buildings in place and it is truly awesome for a European city and will definitely be the number 1 skyscraper destination in the EU for some time to come when this goes up.

So annoyed!!!!!:bash:

I'm glad you enjoyed those pics; they were undeniably good! I am personally gutted though we have nothing waiting in the wings in London to better La Defenses plans. I went over to Paris last month and saw the masterplan model with all the buildings in place and it is truly awesome for a European city and will definitely be the number 1 skyscraper destination in the EU for some time to come when this goes up.

Is the Shard going to be taller than Eiffel Tower when it is completed? :popcorn:

By roof height yes, just. But all that becomes academic when Paris puts up these monoliths! So annoyed. I really did think these would be several years away and the mass on the skyline means they will look absolutely HUGE!!!!

Isn't it the case that the core has now reached it's full height? As CULWULLA's image showed, at the 67th floor it goes from concrete to metal further up.

not yet the core tops out at level 72 then above that it is steel for the spire
should be the united kingdoms tallest skyscraper by mid week
also looking at the diagram of the core there is another small set back at the very top.
http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/core2.jpg

Cool Update !! Go Ahead London !!!
nice pictures thanx brother !!

Ta.

Spot The Shard... :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5195659117_fafc019d28_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybertect/5195659117/)
The Thames at Surrey Water (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybertect/5195659117/) by cybertect (http://www.flickr.com/people/cybertect/), on Flickr

Originally Posted by brisavoine
Great news today: the demolition work to make way for the 337m (1,106 ft) Hermitage Towers will start on January 3, 2011. It's the start of a new era for La Défense and Paris!

Look at the above from the Paris forums :S erm......oh shit?!!

Personally I'm excited about the Hermitage Towers - they're brilliant. If you really want to be patriotic then just be pleased there's a British architect behind them, lol.

But really, enough of this height comparison rubbish. It's what gives us enthusiasts a bad name!

The Shard doesn't need to be taller. Aesthetically it's the right height, and because it's a fairly inefficient layout there would be little gain from it being taller.

It's not so much the height comparison that concerns me in this one building, more the future. If Paris has supertalls 'ready to go' without bureaucratic delay then where will London's future office space go? If we have no-where to build upwards because NIMBY's moan all the time I worry for the long-term. However I realise that's very simplistic considering London's position and they'll always find a way. I'm just a little disappointed that way won't include anything more going up taller than LBT at any time in the future, full stop, that's all.

Anyway, how the hell can those behind this scheme afford to build this given returns required when London worrys about filling 1 tower of 700ft or so for example?!! Two 1,100ft towers? You know if that was even on the table over here, those doing it would be like 'where will we find the tenants for that!'

When the core tops out and the flooring and cladding is all done, there won't be much to see from the outside. They will start on the internal work and that's quite boring for us. :D

Is the Shard going to be taller than Eiffel Tower when it is completed?
Here is your answer.

http://i54.************/1539pw5.png

J'adore et merci à la crise des années 90 sinon ,il avait la tour de notre Jean Nouvel .La tour sans fin à 425 M et le point le plus haut pour le public se trouvait à 400M

Anyway, how the hell can those behind this scheme afford to build this given returns required when London worrys about filling 1 tower of 700ft or so for example?!! Two 1,100ft towers? You know if that was even on the table over here, those doing it would be like 'where will we find the tenants for that!'
That's because the Hermitage Towers will mostly contain luxury appartments, not offices (there will be some offices, but they will occupy less than 30% of the towers). The people who'll buy these luxury apartments will probably be rich Russians and Arabs (God knows there's no shortage of rich Gulf Arabs in Paris at the moment... the Champs-Elysées have literally become an annex of Doha and Abu Dhabi in the past 5 years), with perhaps the odd wealthy Frenchman or Westerner.

by chest.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/lights.JPG

Here is your answer.

http://i54.************/1539pw5.png

I know I'm going to get shot down here but....I really think London Bridge Tower (if it weren't for CAA regulations) should have been 100ft taller! Oh well, I'm a little lost as to what to make of our high rise boom underway now, not because I don't support it but because I feel a bit crap about LBT being the absolute limit forever (or at least in my lifetime!). Sorry if that sounds unpatriotic or anything because I'm far from it. Can't help thinking as the years go by it'll show against other cities and we'll seem a bit like a 'tried but couldn't quite make it with the biggest in Europe' kind of skyline!! :S

Maybe I'm having a negative evening but suddenly lost the wind in my sails that I was quite excited about previously. I know a lot of you might not agree but I really do think if we have high-rises at all we're going to end up with a tabletop skyline in the highrise areas over time as there'll be no space to go upwards for aesthetic 'stepping' if you like of the heights. Most will be 6-750 ft with Pinnacle and LBT peaking above that in a tapering manner.

I need bed, I'm not a happy guy tonight am I!!!

Who cares if they're building taller buildings in Paris and what does it have to do with the Shard? The Shard is - I think - one of the most beautiful buildings under construction, anywhere, with a pretty good height to ratio aesthetic. If the Hermitage Towers happen to add to Paris' great architectural landscape - good for Paris.

Tooley Street about 30 minutes ago

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/IMG_0369.jpg

"Shard" has really become a trade name.

It's a name that sticks. :yes:

That's also important while marketing a building.

Great update!! Any body know what floor they are at now?

I think they are on the 65th floor.

And two shots from the Millennium Bridge:
http://i52.************/143hq3o.jpg

What's the rounded structure on the mid right?

I don't exactly what you mean on the mid right. There's a rounded building on the right, it's an office block.

It's so dominant... unbelievable. What a beauty!

What's the rounded structure on the mid right?

You mean Riverside House (http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=3924)?

:cheers:

time for one of my dodgy mock-ups
so 2012/13?
http://web.me.com/benveasey/OMGisthatLONDON.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5198412171_e5e638674b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boelaars/5198412171/)
The Shard & Guy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/boelaars/5198412171/) by Steffen M. Boelaars (http://www.flickr.com/people/boelaars/), on Flickr

A forumer who works on the project has confirmed over in the UK section that the Shard has now passed One Canada Square and become the tallest building in the UK.

Milestone! :applause:

Capital venture: Hot properties in London

The Qatari love of London property goes beyond short-term financial returns, which meant state-backed buyers were able to keep faith in the market when others thought of selling during the downturn.

London is a city where many would have visited for schooling, and where many will still have a European home. The language, culture and legal system are all familiar.

It has also been crucial that the city is perceived as one of the safest real estate markets in the world, of course, both in terms of capital preservation and personal safety owing to its political and financial stability.

These are factors held in high regard in the oil-rich state, and go to explain why sovereign-backed investors have been among the most active in the real estate market in recent years.

Stephen Barter, chief executive of Qatari Diar in the UK, says Qatar is building a portfolio of diversified real estate assets for the long term, describing such property as a “key” investment for the state. He says that while development has been a focus, the state-backed entities would also look to add more income-producing assets.

Simon Hope, managing director of capital markets at Savills, the property consultancy, predicts that London will remain top of the Qatari shopping list.

He says: “London is in focus for such long-term capital more than other financial capitals of the world for a number of reasons. It has a historical fabric that is attractive culturally, while it has some of the most landlord-friendly and capital-defensive leases in the world. So, if you want to ‘lay down a cellar’ of property for the next 30 years, then London is top of the list.”

Qatar began to allocate capital to overseas real estate in 2006, in order to diversify its wealth out of natural resources, and rapidly deployed money into the London market in a series of landmark deals that have built up a portfolio of more than £3bn ($4.8bn).

Qatari Diar, the developer backed by the Qatar Investment Authority, broke records in 2007 with the landmark purchase of the former Chelsea Barracks site in west London for almost £1bn. It plans to create an upmarket London neighbourhood on the 12.8-acre site, which has been slowed by difficulties with local stakeholders, not least the Prince of Wales.

Chelsea Barracks was to be the first in a series of big deals to back developers of prime property, including providing the majority of funding for the Shard at London Bridge and supporting Canary Wharf at both the corporate and asset level, having agreed recently to put money behind Land Securities’ “Walkie Talkie” skyscraper in the City.

Barwa, the property company that is majority-owned by Qatari Diar, acquired the Park House office and retail development in London’s West End for £250m over the summer, also from Land Securities. Qatari Diar also owns the US embassy in Grosvenor Square, although will not gain possession of the building until 2016.

The group has had less success with purchases of more highly leveraged operating companies backed by property assets, such as care-home chains Four Seasons and NHP, having struggled in the financial downturn, while a bid for J Sainsbury collapsed.

The Qatari strategy is predicated on the belief that the best quality buildings and sites in the capital will never suffer too greatly, and offer a good investment that can span generations to come.

John Forrester, head of UK and Ireland at DTZ, which has advised various Qatari-backed vehicles, says that the state plans to build a large investment portfolio of the best of the UK’s property assets.

“Qatar is focused on assets that will give returns over a 25- to 50-year time horizon, so entry price is only one factor in the purchase decision. These are assets with unquestionable intrinsic value which are rarely seen on the market.”

He adds that Qatar is moving to take more control of its developments, having often worked in partnership with local developers such as the Candy brothers. “The Qataris have built up a strong London infrastructure and know exactly what they want to buy.”

Yousuf Al Hammadi, European chairman of Qatari Diar, said in an interview last month that building relationships was still important to the group. He added that there were a number of opportunities that were under consideration in the UK, as well as in other parts of the world.

The state will undoubtedly remain one of the key buyers for real estate over the next two years, although how much it deploys will in part be linked to revenue from its gas production.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5a602980-f5e7-11df-99d6-00144feab49a.html#axzz162ZUoRUh

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7016/51981131892fbaacdb99b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mondino/5198113189/sizes/l/

qEYONTG3_Yg

^^ That's brilliant, thanks for showing!

It truly shows the pace at which this one went up, it gives a good perspective.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7016/51981131892fbaacdb99b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mondino/5198113189/sizes/l/
I don't usually quote pictures, but damn that is impressive! Is it an HDR shot or some other technique?

A very interesting image showing the true shape of the Shard:

With all these fancy dan photos on here, I found quite an interesting image in the Shard pdf booklet.

It's from an angle that I had yet to see.....straight down on top of it.

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx217/bigcat1001/clip_image002.jpg

I knew it was far from a square tower, but I didn't realise how random a shape it was until I saw it from above.

As an outsider looking on, it seems as if the Shard has risen overnight.

I don't usually quote pictures, but damn that is impressive! Is it an HDR shot or some other technique?

It looks like HDR but what I like most is that the existing floors are all light up. :cheers:

A forumer who works on the project has confirmed over in the UK section that the Shard has now passed One Canada Square and become the tallest building in the UK.

One milestone passed! The next is when it becomes UK's first 1000ft plus.

When will it break the 1000ft barrier?

Perhaps once the core stops growing, the concrete section of the core must be reaching its limit.

this thing is such a beast! beautiful building, i love how the core rises from the building way up high. great pics everyone

Lookin really good!



.

A forumer who works on the project has confirmed over in the UK section that the Shard has now passed One Canada Square and become the tallest building in the UK.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=2711

Shard Overtakes One Canada Square
Published on 23-11-2010 by Skyscrapernews.com


Having spent many months inexorably rising above the London skyline, the Shard today overtook One Canada Square and is now the tallest building in the capital.

The Renzo Piano designed scheme will be the first supertall tower built in Western Europe when it is complete in 2012 with a height to the tip of the pinnacle of 310 metres and 87 floors including the plant levels.

The construction is being carried out by contractor MACE who have been building it since March 2009 for developer LBQ Ltd which is a joint venture between QInvest, a Qatari investment vehicle, and the Sellar Property Group.

By British standards the core already looks impossibly tall, and whilst the concrete will stop before the final upper section of the tower, there is still another 70 plus metres of the structure to go. Although the 84 degree angle of the slanting faces of the Shard give a visual clue of how much is left to construct, to put this figure in perspective Westminster Abbey is only 69 metres tall.

The previous record holder, One Canada Square, commonly known as Canary Wharf Tower, is 235.1 metres or 771 feet and 2 inches tall. Upon completion it will be the tallest habitable building in the United Kingdom, although Emley Moor Transmitter outside Huddersfield remains taller.

i feel like london is making it self look worse with these new buildings there should be more square fat buildings...

but they should be taller and proportionally wider.

who wants to be a square...

i feel like london is making it self look worse with these new buildings there should be more square fat buildings...

but they should be taller and proportionally wider.

kind of a weird thing to say.

coming back to home to London from Australia in Feb, can't wait to see this and how much further it will have come by then!

Foggy London

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5191733477_5da9f1e4f0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/murphyzmike/5191733477/)
Shard Fog (http://www.flickr.com/photos/murphyzmike/5191733477/) by murphyz (http://www.flickr.com/people/murphyzmike/), on Flickr

Love the mock ups Chest - not dodgy at all!

i feel like london is making it self look worse with these new buildings there should be more square fat buildings...

but they should be taller and proportionally wider.

No thanks.

Foggy London

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5191733477_5da9f1e4f0_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/murphyzmike/5191733477/)
Shard Fog (http://www.flickr.com/photos/murphyzmike/5191733477/) by murphyz (http://www.flickr.com/people/murphyzmike/), on Flickr

Great pic :cheers:

kind of a weird thing to say.

how is that weird and how do you know it wouldnt look amazing you havent seen it yet

Article on the Shard from the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/nov/23/shard-britain-tallest-building

how is that weird and how do you know it wouldnt look amazing you havent seen it yet

The UK built plenty of square fat buildings in the '60s and '70s, and they're the reason why British people are now skeptical and suspicious about any skyscraper or modern building. Just look at Guy's Hospital.

Article on the Shard from the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/nov/23/shard-britain-tallest-building

Just don't read the comments underneath :ohno:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/nov/23/shard-britain-tallest-building

Just don't read the comments underneath :ohno:



You tempted me to do it. :lol: It really made my day. Specially this gem has kept me thinking about skyscrapers: :nuts:


marxreloaded

23 November 2010 6:47PM

An appropriately empty signifier for the bankrupt neoliberal ideology of the government that brought it to life and the new spivs in power. Fill it with the homeless. I dare say it'll stand empty for years. Such buildings are the new landmarks of ruling class decadence and cultural decay.

ON- HOLD!!!!




Nahhas just kidding!

Very beautiful and glassy skyscraper.
Congratulations to London residents you really have something nice to visit and see. Not just commieblocks(kidding).

Cheers!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/nov/23/shard-britain-tallest-building





You tempted me to do it. :lol: It really made my day. Specially this gem has kept me thinking about skyscrapers: :nuts:


marxreloaded

23 November 2010 6:47PM

An appropriately empty signifier for the bankrupt neoliberal ideology of the government that brought it to life and the new spivs in power. Fill it with the homeless. I dare say it'll stand empty for years. Such buildings are the new landmarks of ruling class decadence and cultural decay.

:lol:Very philosophical indeed. Perhaps we have to undertstand that the majority of people either hate skyscrapers or simply don't care about them.

by anthonySE1.

http://i53.************/30u7s5d.jpg

Just don't read the comments underneath :ohno:

these people are so far up their........sorry almost snapped, i just hate these people who have no concept of change or growth and i bet its these people that complain about buidling in the countryside. newsflash if we build these towers we wont need to build so much housing in the country

I always think it's funny when one of their arguments is that skyscrapers are a product of rich people and companies showing off. They aren't wrong, but some of the best architecture of the past 200 years has been banks and big companies building their headquarters, or rich people building extravagent houses.

Just don't read the comments underneath :ohno:

I actually like this one:
MoreTeaVicar

23 November 2010 7:49PM

I work in a building right next to the Shard and have watched it being built. What's fantastic about it is that completely blocks the view of Guys's Hospital.

:lol:that comment is brilliant

I always think it's funny when one of their arguments is that skyscrapers are a product of rich people and companies showing off. They aren't wrong, but some of the best architecture of the past 200 years has been banks and big companies building their headquarters, or rich people building extravagent houses.

It's true, whether people like it or not it's the big money that makes skyscrapers come true.

ARe you guys really sure the core is over 235 metres now?

Is bigger better? London's tallest buildings

As the Shard prepares to become Britain's largest building – in the next few weeks its concrete core will overtake One Canada Square in the Docklands – take a look at some of London's biggest structures

...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2010/nov/22/architecture-london#/?picture=368971339&index=2

I always think it's funny when one of their arguments is that skyscrapers are a product of rich people and companies showing off. They aren't wrong, but some of the best architecture of the past 200 years has been banks and big companies building their headquarters, or rich people building extravagent houses.

Only the past 200 years? I can pretty much assure you that many of the cultural heritage sites of ancient times (see Rome or Athens etc.) were for the most part built by the super-rich of the time to impress the common people, same as the great skyscraper architecture of modern times. ;)

Great pic :cheers:

I love it too!:)

by anthonySE1.

http://i53.************/30u7s5d.jpg
If i remember the last diagram by CULWULLA, couple days ago level 67 is the last level of the concrete part of the core?

its already higher then 235m one canada square.??
lev69 in core is about 240m!!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5188299436_23a36eed74_o.png

The Guardian comments are largely uninformed. This is my opinion - like it or not, this building is likely to become one of the most recognized skyscrapers in the world today. It may not be the largest or tallest but what the Shard has over and above most other skyscrapers is that it is in London, which is the second most visited city in the world after Paris and arguably the most important city in the world, where it has no true competition - media, business and tourist traffic that go through London is unmatched by most cities across the world and rather like being born to a celebrity couple this building will not be able to escape celebrity status the world over.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5196238473_2a1e4312ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23985532@N00/5196238473/)
An icon in the making (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23985532@N00/5196238473/) by Tien K Khoo (http://www.flickr.com/people/23985532@N00/), on Flickr

i feel like london is making it self look worse with these new buildings there should be more square fat buildings...

but they should be taller and proportionally wider.

You don’t know what you’re talking about! Historically London’s been a city dominated by spires and steeples!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/Panoramic_view_of_London_in_1751_by_T._Bowles.JPG

thanks for the diagram CULWULLA, i always thought that the roof would exceed 300m. well it's pretty tall for london, nonetheless. :)

Thanks for the answer Culwulla, many articles were saying yesterday the Shard 'will become Britain's tallest building', their sources are probably not very good.

Cheers. :cheers2:

by anthonySE1.

http://i53.************/30u7s5d.jpg

The construction is very fast!:)

very cool updates, this project under construction is one of the fastest supertalls on the way !

ive worked out core is at 236m, so its just taller then one canada sq.
it has lev68/69 inside. it will toppout at lev72 or 248m.
so another 12m or so to go.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5204589687_12b4367891_b.jpg

^^ fantastic, thanks cul!

by dom.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/IMGP0449.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/IMGP0445.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/IMGP0440.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/IMGP0403.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/IMGP0402.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/dominiccherry1/IMGP0401.jpg

...

A few pics from Tuesday afternoon. As usual, there's a bunch more in my Shard Gallery (http://www.cybertects.co.uk/gallery2/v/architecture/london/shard/).

Queen Elizabeth Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0003.jpg


Peeking over the roof of Southwark Council's offices from Druid Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0010.jpg


St Thomas Street - the Bermondsey Street end

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0022.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0018.jpg


SE side of the core showing Level 68 visible

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0034.jpg


St Thomas Street glazing (I'm not going to tire of this)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0050.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0055.jpg


I wonder if these guys whistle George Formby tunes? :)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0051.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0057.jpg


SW

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0069.jpg

The Borough end of St Thomas Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0082.jpg


From the southern end of London Bridge

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0092.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0098.jpg

and finally, Duke Street Hill

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0104.jpg

Beautiful pictures! This building has so many interesting angles. Love it!

great photos. just on the height. you can see 200m mark on core. theres 13 floors above this including core which equates to 3m each floor, thus 40m or so. add 200m you get 240m.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0034.jpg

The Shard tops Canary Wharf to become Britain's tallest building: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1332786/The-Shard-tops-Canary-Wharf-Britains-tallest-building.html

:cheers:

The Shard tops Canary Wharf to become Britain's tallest building: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1332786/The-Shard-tops-Canary-Wharf-Britains-tallest-building.html

:cheers:


"Still tiny compared to other countries.

UK lagging behind once more."

Gotta love mail readers eh? :ohno:

"Still tiny compared to other countries.

UK lagging behind once more."

Gotta love mail readers eh? :ohno:




Eurgh, what is it with Brits and moaning about absolutely every fucking thing. :bash:

I know a good moan is great sometimes, but it is getting fucking ridiculous now.

People who do not know what they are talking about, i.e "UK lagging behind once more". should stfu.

Interesting to compare the quality of the glass on the Shard with that on One, World Trade Centre. The Shard really hasn't scrimped on quality.

November 24th, 2010

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_2145.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_2148.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_2133.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_2137.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t263/DKNY617/IMG_2144.jpg

^^ There is still plastic foil on the glass of ONE! Ofcourse they look like that...

Aah... well then I will redefine my point as - The Shard's glass looks nicer during the construction process, so far.

by chest.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_1151.jpg

Haven't checked this in a while, wonderful progress. This will be great.

BBC London report on the tower:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9228000/9228837.stm

:cheers:

Excellent footage from the inside. And listen to that old gentleman saying this will be a landmark, quite unsual on people that age. Thanks. :cheers2:

Feels like it has the same dominating effect that the Burj Khalifa does in Dubai, obviously on a much smaller scale though haha

Tooley Street about 30 minutes ago

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101126_0009.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5287/5206969135_5eebd8788b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarflondondunc/5206969135/)
London Skyline from Old Kent Road (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarflondondunc/5206969135/) by sarflondondunc (http://www.flickr.com/people/sarflondondunc/), on Flickr

Simply remarkable! :applause:

Shard Tower puts Canada Square in the Shade

Towering above the rest of the London Skyline the Shard Building at London Bridge has officially become the tallest building in the UK, finally climbing above the 244 metre record set by One Canada Square (aka Canary Wharf Tower) in 1991.

Developed by The Sellar Property Group, this eye-catching addition to the Central London skyline will continue to grow until its completion in 2012, when the building is expected to top-out at an overall height of 306 metres.

A central feature of the Shard tower will be the 586,509 sq. ft. of grade ‘A’ office space that will occupy 17 of the tower's 72 floors. As well as promising a prestigious and world renowned address to businesses who occupy the glass fronted office space, the website marketing the office space explains that creating ease of use, pleasure and “occupier-delight” were the key elements considered during the design of the office space.

Despite still being under construction, the concrete core of the building already makes a striking impression upon the Central London skyline – once complete, the glass covered “Shard” is intended to represent a small vertical city stabbing into the sky.

Businesses entering the office space will also gain access to unique break-out areas such as the Winter Gardens, leisure facilities, a selection of on-site restaurants and hotel – providing a self-contained environment in which to conduct business, unwind, socialise and entertain clients.

Employees and visiting clients will also benefit from easy access to the building, with direct entrances to both London Bridge Rail Station and the Jubilee and Northern tube lines.

http://www.officebroker.com/blog/2010/11/25/Shard+Tower+puts+Canada+Square+in+the+Shade_FTOC25112010507803y/

What I love most about this building, looking at this picture, is how utterly effortlessly it fits into its surroundings. I guess that is one of many reasons that makes London such a great city, architecturally speaking.

Thanks for the photographs Cybertect, makes it feel so much closer. :)

The Borough end of St Thomas Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20101124_0082.jpg

Must be real chills up top these days....rough tough industry we`re in.....

by chest.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_1228.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_1237.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_1235.jpg

^^ beautyful pictures. :cool:

Any chance of adding the pinnacle and the 122 leadenhall builds to this diagram?
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5204589687_12b4367891_b.jpg[/QUOTE]

What floor are they in regarding the super structure?

This tower is so amazing that looks unreal in those last pictures :nuts:

These are epic times for London. The construction of the Shard and the Pinnacle will change the skyline of the city forever.

Great soar on this picture

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5210000510_e60b450db7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/londonstuff/5210000510/)
Shard growing quickly (http://www.flickr.com/photos/londonstuff/5210000510/) by londonstuff (http://www.flickr.com/people/londonstuff/), on Flickr

I never get fed up of seeing pictures like this. Ancient landmarks and modern landmarks put together. :drool:

by edtealdi.

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab110/edtealdi/London%2026-11/3.jpg

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab110/edtealdi/London%2026-11/2.jpg

http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab110/edtealdi/London%2026-11/1.jpg

View from the roof terrace on One New Change is pretty good, worth risking frost bite for today :nuts:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5212037420_3451ef88e3_b.jpg

I love how different the cladding looks in different lights. Will make for some spectacular effects when complete.

Wow... It is going to be really beautiful tower! I love this cladding!

Very exciting!

Wow... It is going to be really beautiful tower! I love this cladding!

i agree the cladding is simply stunning, wish we had something like this in t.o.

by El Greco.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/El_Greco/SaturdayCold3.jpg

^^ what building is the old spire in the foreground to the right of cannon street station? :) looks a little like a wedding cake!

by chest.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_1251.jpg

As the steel and glass gets higher, this one gets better and better. Thanks for all the pictures everyone!

I think that's the most beautiful glass I've ever seen on a skyscraper...

Love London. Watching this go up is like watching the birth of a new generation of skyscrapers.

Am so glad London waited so long before building upwards. A lot of the cities that reached for the sky during the 60s, 70s and 80s are full of ugly bland concrete boxes today. London on the other hand will be a beacon of great skyscraper design for years to come.

London FTW! It's a beautiful city.

In June 2011 I'll fly to Los Angeles (with British Airways) but I have to make a stop at London - sadly just at the Heathrow Airport and only for 1 hour :lol:
But does anyone know if you can see the Shard from Heathrow?

At Coit Tower, the first night the pinnacle lighting at Transamerica blazed up, there were gasps, applause and cheering. A moment to look forward to in London.

London FTW! It's a beautiful city.

In June 2011 I'll fly to Los Angeles (with British Airways) but I have to make a stop at London - sadly just at the Heathrow Airport and only for 1 hour :lol:
But does anyone know if you can see the Shard from Heathrow?

If the plane makes the approach from East, you'll fly over central London, so probably. :cheers:

That's a good picture.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5213694333_87b0a40df1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/5213694333/)
Tallest in UK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/5213694333/) by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

London FTW! It's a beautiful city.

In June 2011 I'll fly to Los Angeles (with British Airways) but I have to make a stop at London - sadly just at the Heathrow Airport and only for 1 hour :lol:
But does anyone know if you can see the Shard from Heathrow?
I'm not sure if you'll actually be able to see it from Heathrow, but as PortoNuts said, you'll probably fly over London (the planes I've been in do an 'S' shape over it so you'll really be able to see the city before you land) so you might well see it from the air. :)

If the plane makes the approach from East, you'll fly over central London, so probably. :cheers:

I'm not sure if you'll actually be able to see it from Heathrow, but as PortoNuts said, you'll probably fly over London (the planes I've been in do an 'S' shape over it so you'll really be able to see the city before you land) so you might well see it from the air.

Thank you for your answers. I'll fly from Munich (Germany), so maybe it is possible. Would be great!

I flew a few times from Munich to London/Heathrow and you will have a fantastic view
of London when you sit on the right side at the window !

Amazing skyscraper. I don't like the location though :(

Shard rising above the fog

http://londonist.com/2010/11/photo-of-the-day-shard-fog.php

Epic picture. :drool:

:omg: what is this? London version of Empire State Building?

This is going to be super amazing, good for London, 10/10

by BorderBoy.

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/s1-3.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/s2-3.jpg

Keep thread on topic please. Discuss whether Russia is in Europe or not elsewhere :sleepy:

Shard rising above the fog

http://londonist.com/2010/11/photo-of-the-day-shard-fog.php

That's already my desktop image :happy:

That's already my desktop image :happy:

I'm so anal about my desktop. I need at least a 1200x1900 image or the slight pixelation will throw me into an OCD loop of hell! :lol:

From the London forum:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5216166448_17efca499a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgjones/5216166448/)
Hampstead Heath 28/11/2010 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dgjones/5216166448/) by DG Jones (http://www.flickr.com/people/dgjones/), on Flickr

It's so much bigger than everything else. :bow:

by brendography.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/brenz89/2010/IMG_44174346.jpg?t=1291057395

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/brenz89/IMG_4469.jpg

by Shardview77.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5218085202_6e5a8ac84c_b.jpg

:applause: :applause:

This last pic is very meaningful.

diagram update. i think its topped out?
ive added pinnacle and leadenhall for comparison
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5219756990_a705f9f3bd_b.jpg

I don't know whether I should be more astonished at how quickly this building is rising or how slowly the WTC rebuilding is going. I suspect a little of both is in order.

Have to say that this is one beautiful and impressive tower though. Congratulations to London on doing it right.

I don't know whether I should be more astonished at how quickly this building is rising or how slowly the WTC rebuilding is going. I suspect a little of both is in order.

Have to say that this is one beautiful and impressive tower though. Congratulations to London on doing it right.

WTC has really been shooting up lately. Steel on it is actually about 120 feet (~37 meters) higher than the steel on the Shard. Plus it's a much larger building.

Still, Shard is flying and is beautiful.

thanks CULWULLA, great to see a true comparison...what an awesome skyline London will have

Londons eiffel tower

Londons eiffel tower

Not really - just the Shard, London.

I flew a few times from Munich to London/Heathrow and you will have a fantastic view
of London when you sit on the right side at the window !

Are you sure? If so I'll reserve a seat in the plane soon!

Are you sure? If so I'll reserve a seat in the plane soon!

yes I`m sure ! as I told I flew a few times to London from Munich. :)

Londons eiffel tower

Eiffel Tower? The Shard is a million times better.

Eiffel Tower? The Shard is a million times better.
:lol:

Eiffel Tower? The Shard is a million times better.

Sorry but to compare the Shard and The Eiffel Tower is like comparing apples with oranges. Both are or in the case of the Shard will be Icons of their respective time periods. Both have their own beauty and are gems of their city:)

Your diagrams are always appreciated Culwulla, thanks! :bow:

Snow!:banana:

by anthonySE1.

http://i51.************/29qkr51.jpg

This last pic is very meaningful.

What crosses your mind? :)

In many ways to me this building shouldn't fit in with its surroundings, but somehow, it just kind of... does... its a great building :cheers:

What crosses your mind? :)

You get St Paul's Cathedral, built in the 18th century and a landmark of London for centuries, and the modern day cathedrals, a 21th century landmark in the same picture.:cheers:

^^ not forgetting the statue of Justice on the top of the Old Bailey in between the two, and the railway shed of London Bridge poking into the bottom of the picture.

Four of the most obvious symbols of London's past and its future and what it's exported to the world in religion, transport, justice and commerce summed up in one photo, with nothing else to distract.

Great photo. Superb.

I thought your comment had something to do with the imagery of the sun rising on the Shard and setting on St. Paul's Cathedral :lol:

^^ not forgetting the statue of Justice on the top of the Old Bailey in between the two, and the railway shed of London Bridge poking into the bottom of the picture.

Four of the most obvious symbols of London's past and its future and what it's exported to the world in religion, transport, justice and commerce summed up in one photo, with nothing else to distract.

Great photo. Superb.

London's juxtapositions are wonderful.:cheers:

by Shardview77.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5218085202_6e5a8ac84c_b.jpg

I was thinking the fire on the shard's cladding- reminiscent of the fate of old St pauls.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4500/5214828773086cfa76ffb.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhmedia/5214828773/sizes/l/

^^ superb picture :)

Awesome from below photo portonuts, the cladding looks great .....cant wait to see this complete and impacting the London skyline!

And it'll look even better with the building lighten up.:cheers2:

Cladding looking awesome....:happy:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5225794391_631d06f0dd_b.jpg
by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

by nebunul.

http://i.imgur.com/j9fle.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nFGqu.jpg

^^ awesome photos you make better photos then me nebunul that's quite some angle you've got there, Why didn't you posted the photos yourself here ?

^^ and why doesn't Hans get his due credit?

OK, The Shard has quickly become my favorite, privately funded, tower.

Great pics everyone !

Looking huge! Atleast the snow hasnt hit london to badly.

its funny i live 15 miles from the shard and we have just over 1ft of snow on the streets...was surprised to see hardly anything in central London

Yep, me too. About 40cm now I reckon.

I would love to see this from the top of 1 New Change :)

I saw it from the top of the Monument back in October and it looked huge! :happy:

Have not been to the monument for years! How the views will look in 2013 is so exiting!

And the shard's cladding never looks bad- especially brilliant from that One New Change viewing platform... I'll go up there soon!

^^ The more cladding goes on, the more I am loving Shard. The quality of finish is beginning to look so good. Interesting construction simulation, similar video has been posted before I think -

http://www.londonandnyc.com/2010/12/synchro-professional-4d-construction.html

Giant beauty sleeping.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/456/camputer95.jpg

This has probably already been answered, but once the concrete core tops out, will the steel section of the core continue to rise or only once the floor steel catches up?

Well, I've heard the core is totally independent in that aspect, so it could very well continue to rise.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5227046828_85edea2c13_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/)
The lights of London (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/) by WillReid (http://www.flickr.com/people/will_reid/), on Flickr

by mitosan.

http://www.timporter.net/4skyscrapercity/shard20101203-snowy-wide.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5227046828_85edea2c13_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/)
The lights of London (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/) by WillReid (http://www.flickr.com/people/will_reid/), on Flickr

Sweet Picture, it looks so good in the skyline

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5227046828_85edea2c13_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/)
The lights of London (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/) by WillReid (http://www.flickr.com/people/will_reid/), on Flickr
such a beautiful pic!

^^ The more cladding goes on, the more I am loving Shard. The quality of finish is beginning to look so good. Interesting construction simulation, similar video has been posted before I think -

http://www.londonandnyc.com/2010/12/synchro-professional-4d-construction.html

Does anyone know the name of the song that plays in that video? I tried looking through the description and all the comments, searched for the lyrics, even used Shazam on my phone to try and identify it, but couldn't find anything.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5227046828_85edea2c13_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/)
The lights of London (http://www.flickr.com/photos/will_reid/5227046828/) by WillReid (http://www.flickr.com/people/will_reid/), on Flickr

That really is stunning :) Imagine that with the Shard completed, Pinnacle, 122LH, 20FS, Quill, 100 Bishopsgate... :cheers:

what happened to the webcam " shardlondonbridge.com " ?