by lumberjack.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6844979224_3131d0af27_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844979224/)
DSC03603 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844979224/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6991097073_f1a5651e21_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6991097073/)
DSC03585 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6991097073/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6844967058_5e04c7955c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844967058/)
DSC03548 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844967058/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6844962916_0a8e8a3877_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844962916/)
DSC03544 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844962916/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6991090167_0d8e845882_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6991090167/)
DSC03557 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6991090167/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6844964144_23c41daa36_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844964144/)
DSC03531 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6844964144/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

So fast, now Shardie looks more completed. Now looks impressive than ever

Its amazing how much the gaps in the cladding prevented the 'soar factor' which seems to have so quickly appeared!

by Shardview77.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6992846705_b5ac7df8f4_b.jpg

REFLECTION :drool:

best structure in west europe.

Absolutely astonishing. It's a crown jewel in that location.

by Edvvc.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6993552437_d0b902c318_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/6993552437/)
March 18th (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/6993552437/) by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

Has the glass been fully cleaned or is the weather making the cladding appear very reflective?

I don't envy the people working on that structure at that level. One thing that surprises me is that the crane driver must be working blind in erecting those final sections of shard - especially when they are on the opposite side of the tower from his cab.

I guess that the crane has not been erected any higher for stability reasons but they must have some sophisticated communication system in place to ensure safety.

this building looks absolutely fantastic! all those haters saying the cladding is awful...what are they talking about?! the last few weeks of construction (adding the spire sections to this building and completing the glazing) have really transformed this building.

Has the glass been fully cleaned or is the weather making the cladding appear very reflective?

not yet.
Thats whats great about the shards cladding, from some angles and in certain light conditions its transparent, in other conditions its highly reflective...its a constantly changing building, its so interesting to watch.

Id love it if someone did a time laps video of the shard, a photo each day. You couldnt get bored of it!

Its gonna look incredible once the cladding has been cleaned up. Its filthy up close and yet its still so reflective. You wait till its cleaned up.

Here's a few from when I went into London on Feb 18th:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6982796769_8887649f83_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6982793521_c121977e17_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6982805407_9551e4c480_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6982806571_c7beee732a_b.jpg

I really like this building. I'm glad London is finally getting some proper supertalls.

I think it would look fantastic with some LED lighting strips down the sides at night.

I think it would look fantastic with some LED lighting strips down the sides at night.

something like the bt tower at night?

http://cdn1.sciencefiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/BT-Tower-light-saber.png

http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/16/article-1316166680356-0DEA1DFC00000578-151391_568x309.jpg

That was a one night lighting scheme for the release of Star Wars on Blu Ray IIRC. It's a light sabre :)

by lumberjack.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6985690291_8ac46a3947_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6985690291/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6985690291/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr


What is that tower that is being constructed on the left? (at the other side of the river)

What is that tower that is being constructed on the left? (at the other side of the river)

20 Fenchurch Street. "Walkie Talkie"

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=321409

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=321496

What is that tower that is being constructed on the left? (at the other side of the river)

Thats 20 Fenchurch street, that bloody walkie talkie building! This is it's page http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=321409&page=302

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6993916127_42d85af373_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/a_l_gawith/6993916127/)
The Shard, dwarfing its neighbours (IMG_0289) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/a_l_gawith/6993916127/) by alg24 (http://www.flickr.com/people/a_l_gawith/), on Flickr

hmm, not really impressive cladding, too transparent and dirty

Transparant: No Internals yet.
Dirty: Still being built, check the bits they cleaned to demonstrate.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59083721@N08/6848403190/sizes/l/in/photostream/http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6848403190_df19a79ccf_b.jpg

hmm, not really impressive cladding, too transparent and dirty

...what a surprise, glass is transparent.

About 9am today

South side from Elephant & Castle station

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120319_0003.jpg

East side from Druid Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120319_0016.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120319_0018.jpg

NE from Queen Elizabeth Street (there's those groovy reflections again :))

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120319_0021.jpg

Terrific building :), terrible cladding :(

I do wish the cladding was a bit more reflective/mirror like. I wouldn't call it terrible though. It still looks pleasant.

Terrific building :), terrible cladding :(


:lol: and we come full circle.

I do wish the cladding was a bit more reflective/mirror like. I wouldn't call it terrible though. It still looks pleasant.

You can't have a huge mirror facades like that, it hurts peoples' eyes. :poke:

and looks tacky

I don't mean a full mirror finish. I just think it'd look a bit more impressive if the cladding was a bit more opaque. Maybe my mind will change when it's all been cleaned and completed. Either way I like the current cladding.

Reflects with sunlight are great, what a terrible idee to make this kind of cladd in a city where the sun is often hidden by clouds :ohno:

guys you realise most of the glass still has protective plastic wrap on it?

guys you realise most of the glass still has protective plastic wrap on it?

lol..why even bother debating with them, as they say, haters gonna hate...It's not the building they have a problem with, it's London in general.

Yeah, it's just your average French snobbery.

lol..why even bother debating with them, as they say, haters gonna hate...It's not the building they have a problem with, it's London in general.

I can see where they're coming from though, although I dont agree with them - They are basing their opinions on the unfinished product and it seems like they havn't bothered to read the countless amount of times people have said the glass is dirty & still has plastic protection on.... :ohno:

If it looks as nice as that with the protective film on the glass, I'm really looking forward to when it all comes off :okay:

Guys please, don't get me wrong...I'm a London lover (I lived there) and I'm fairly keen on all projects currently U/C in the british capital (my favourite being the Pinnacle, 20FS, Leadenhall & the Boomerang which I'm a big fan of), but I'm disppointed by the Shard's cladding, the building is very iconic & fantastic, I do agree, but I honestly don't think that the panels are up to the tower, I wish it had had the same clad as 1 WTC in NY, would have been awesome. However indeed, I'm gonna wait for the tower to be fully finished to give my verdict. So far, I'm giving the Shard a 16/17 out of 20. You see, I'm not a basher, personally I don't do that.

Jex has got f. all to apologise for, he's perfectly entitled to express an opnion.

Jex has got f. all to apologise for, he's perfectly entitled to express an opnion.



We know.

My response was purely because I was jumped on by the French users in the proposed supertalls thread as being a jealous Brit for stating that I loved the Hermitage towers but wasn't sure about the location...

Shame the same rules don't apply in that thread and you are not allowed to express an opinion.

Ah well.. moving on.

I had a late lunch today

Teaser...

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6098/6851162548_4eb6132297_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybertect/6851162548/)
The Shard: West side spire steel complete (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybertect/6851162548/) by cybertect (http://www.flickr.com/people/cybertect/), on Flickr

:)

That looks quite promising!

Guys please, don't get me wrong...I'm a London lover (I lived there) and I'm fairly keen on all projects currently U/C in the british capital (my favourite being the Pinnacle, 20FS, Leadenhall & the Boomerang which I'm a big fan of), but I'm disppointed by the Shard's cladding, the building is very iconic & fantastic, I do agree, but I honestly don't think that the panels are up to the tower, I wish it had had the same clad as 1 WTC in NY, would have been awesome. However indeed, I'm gonna wait for the tower to be fully finished to give my verdict. So far, I'm giving the Shard a 16/17 out of 20. You see, I'm not a basher, personally I don't do that.

can't wait for your verdict. holding out.

We know.

My response was purely because I was jumped on by the French users in the proposed supertalls thread as being a jealous Brit for stating that I loved the Hermitage towers but wasn't sure about the location...

Shame the same rules don't apply in that thread and you are not allowed to express an opinion.

Ah well.. moving on.

You were jumped on by the French because -as a regular customer- every single time you post a message regarding a french project, you cannot prevent yourself from being provocative & ultra nationalist...shall I remind you of what you had written ('I love these towers... great for British architecture..'). Indeed the architect is the great Norman Foster, a british citizen, so what? Shard is by Piano but isn't an italian building at the end of the day, is it?! You love bashing & picking on us so stop it & stick to architecure, I don't know what age you are but you're incredibly childish.

Sorry for the off topic, needed to bounce back...Back to SHARD.

@msl1 : ;)

by chest


http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-ScNwVf4/0/X2/MG5677-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-JJW3gQK/0/X2/MG5693-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-nFjWgtg/0/X2/MG5696-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-KGw2FF9/0/X2/MG5706-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-3JzkjkN/0/X2/MG5703-X2.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_8256.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-FXTVD4w/0/X2/MG8316-X2.jpg



the construction chest (http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/)



by DMK

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/6997433119_bdd4910b42_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwoodford/6997433119/)
IMGP8719 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwoodford/6997433119/) by nakwoodford (http://www.flickr.com/people/nickwoodford/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6035/6997528835_044bec94d1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwoodford/6997528835/)
IMGP8724 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickwoodford/6997528835/) by nakwoodford (http://www.flickr.com/people/nickwoodford/), on Flickr

some more from flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6990237727_70baa31351_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sapperb/6990237727/)
The Shard of Glass at night as viewed from The Millenium Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sapperb/6990237727/) by Dick Bulch (http://www.flickr.com/people/sapperb/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6982796769_8887649f83_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7978334@N03/6982796769/)
Old & New in London (2) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7978334@N03/6982796769/) by Georgehopkins (http://www.flickr.com/people/7978334@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6973072997_1272d14cdd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hornbaglondon/6973072997/)
The Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hornbaglondon/6973072997/) by GingerImages (http://www.flickr.com/people/hornbaglondon/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6982912001_7d1bd5b9c7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyahah/6982912001/)
Blue Hour Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyahah/6982912001/) by Nyaheh (http://www.flickr.com/people/nyahah/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6982972531_8d08f54d45_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyahah/6982972531/)
Shardtastic (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyahah/6982972531/) by Nyaheh (http://www.flickr.com/people/nyahah/), on Flickr

We know.

My response was purely because I was jumped on by the French users in the proposed supertalls thread as being a jealous Brit for stating that I loved the Hermitage towers but wasn't sure about the location...

Shame the same rules don't apply in that thread and you are not allowed to express an opinion.

Ah well.. moving on.

I'm fully aware of your post in the Hermitage thread - in fact I commented on it. It was the absurd and redundant comment you made '... great for British architecture' that (understandably) irritated people.

Very nice!

I'd prefer to keep this cladding over taking that of 1WTC or any other building. Once it has been cleaned and polished it'll look great. Renzo Piano knows what he's doing, the glass is the way it is for a reason, it makes this building an architectural chameleon.

Also there is no harm in someone saying this is an Italian designed building. The labor force is also from all over the world. Saying this is Italian-designed is an insult to nobody. I wouldn't be surprised if Italians were to take pride in the fact that one of their own designed one of Europe's best skyscrapers.

I would not like to be the man in that box! Anyone know the reason why he had to be carried along with the structure around him?

by Jason Hawkes

http://i.imgur.com/8qUAa.jpg

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

del

There is no accounting for taste!

Personally, i don't think there is a better development anywhere in the world right now.

Why do people want shiny / reflective cladding??

For those with extremely vulgar sensibilities, try Moscow or NYC for that matter!

For everyone else, welcome to London!

Why is is that the such a high percentage of British posters tend to be nationalistic - and defensive? 'Little England' seems alive and well.

Also there is no harm in someone saying this is an Italian designed building. The labor force is also from all over the world. Saying this is Italian-designed is an insult to nobody. I wouldn't be surprised if Italians were to take pride in the fact that one of their own designed one of Europe's best skyscrapers.

Probably worth mentioning that, perhaps unsurprisingly, Renzo Piano's team working on The Shard is very international too.

del

Just a bit of friendly banter old boy!

Quite.

Why is is that the such a high percentage of British posters tend to be nationalistic - and defensive? 'Little England' seems alive and well.

The same happens with forumers of most nations. I try to stay out of this crap but from what I've seen recently there's been a lot of hypocrisy from those singling out the British as more nationalistic or ignorant than others. There are some British forumers like that. There are also some French forumers who are similar, some in particular who tend to be especially provocative towards the British and revel in any opportunity they see to do so. I've seen behavior like this from many nationalities over different subjects.

To pretend that this is just a British problem is frankly bullshit. It's the internet, and it's an everywhere problem.

Meanwhile, back on topic... :)

Following my earlier teaser, here's the rest of today's pics


West side BMU from Joiner Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0031.jpg


Looking up the SW corner

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0035.jpg


New steel on the west side

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0040.jpg


South side along St Thomas Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0050.jpg


Peeking through the Borough Viaduct bridge

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0056.jpg


Shard and The Place from Duke Street Hill

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0060.jpg


NW corner glazing

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0074.jpg


Re: all that chat about reflectiveness/transparency - We've got both kinds of music. Country and Western :)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0076.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0078.jpg


A couple from my walk to the station this evening...

Shard and the GLA Building

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0087.jpg


Lights on on the north side

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0093.jpg


NW view from the bus station

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120319_0097.jpg

Almost topped out ?

by chest

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-JJW3gQK/0/X2/MG5693-X2.jpg


The picture above is a pure work of art, surrealism and futurism at it's finest. Since we're (apparently) talking national stereotypes today: I'm Belgian, so I know my surrealism ;)

the-shard.com

www.willpearson.co.uk/virtual-tour/shard-360-dusk

The photo above is beyond crazy!!!!

wow, awesome

... I'm Belgian, so I know my surrealism ;)

Train exiting the Shard?

Nobody mentioned this so what is the height of the Shard now?

is this right?
http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/6264/shardmarch2012.jpg

Why is is that the such a high percentage of British posters tend to be nationalistic - and defensive? 'Little England' seems alive and well.

Oh stop being so Hysterical. You sound ridiculous. Pot calling kettle...

From my experience, the British are the least nationalistic (always pessimistic). They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Americans and the French tend to be more nationalistic if anything.

And who the hell are you stating this as fact on an Internet forum that the Brits are 'defensive' throwing around terms such as "Little England". If you cant deal with it get off the thread about 'London' or better yet the Internet if you can't deal with banter. Just stay on topic or get lost.

Meanwhile, back on topic... :)

Following my earlier teaser, here's the rest of today's pics




Great as always, but I keep nicking snaps from here to post on U75....hint hint ;)

Oh stop being so Hysterical. You sound ridiculous. Pot calling kettle...

From my experience, the British are the least nationalistic (always pessimistic). They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Americans and the French tend to be more nationalistic if anything.

And who the hell are you stating this as fact on an Internet forum that the Brits are 'defensive' throwing around terms such as "Little England". If you cant deal with it get off the thread about 'London' or better yet the Internet if you can't deal with banter. Just stay on topic or get lost.



:applause: Well said.

Taken just over half an hour ago


Druid Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0005.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0003.jpg



Tower Bridge Road by the junction with Queen Elizabeth Street was getting the full-on reflected sun treatment. Check out the shadow of the bike :)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0011.jpg

Oh stop being so Hysterical. You sound ridiculous. Pot calling kettle...

From my experience, the British are the least nationalistic (always pessimistic). They are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Americans and the French tend to be more nationalistic if anything.

And who the hell are you stating this as fact on an Internet forum that the Brits are 'defensive' throwing around terms such as "Little England". If you cant deal with it get off the thread about 'London' or better yet the Internet if you can't deal with banter. Just stay on topic or get lost.
As it happens I'm a Londoner, and a regular on the London forum.

Such a great tower :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6840833412_5572e11fce_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zzapback/6840833412/)
The Shard in blue / London Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zzapback/6840833412/) von zzapback (http://www.flickr.com/people/zzapback/) auf Flickr

This was this lunch time. I may have a few more pics later :)

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6041/6854208344_6d45b9606e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybertect/6854208344/)
The Shard from Borough Market (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cybertect/6854208344/) by cybertect (http://www.flickr.com/people/cybertect/), on Flickr

There is no accounting for taste!

Personally, i don't think there is a better development anywhere in the world right now.

Why do people want shiny / reflective cladding??

For those with extremely vulgar sensibilities, try Moscow or NYC for that matter!

For everyone else, welcome to London!

i personally love the shard's cladding - and also don't need to make disparaging remarks on architecture in other cities.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59083721@N08/6848403190/sizes/l/in/photostream/http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6848403190_df19a79ccf_b.jpg

Even on a sunny day that scene looks bleak - imagine it on a typical wet ,windy London day - seems that these so called "planners" never learn, guess they are too arrogant for that!!

Holy amazingness!

http://i.imgur.com/8gl5l.jpg


by CB LDN

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6233/6997847971_b3db329859_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cb_ldn/6997847971/)
untitled-3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cb_ldn/6997847971/) by CB_LDN (http://www.flickr.com/people/cb_ldn/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6222/6851724236_c2df863c77_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cb_ldn/6851724236/)
Shard in the morning (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cb_ldn/6851724236/) by CB_LDN (http://www.flickr.com/people/cb_ldn/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6997849629_80d9151bf1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cb_ldn/6997849629/)
Shard in the afternoon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cb_ldn/6997849629/) by CB_LDN (http://www.flickr.com/people/cb_ldn/), on Flickr




by chest :bow:

reflection off Tooley Street
http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-s8CTCBz/0/X2/MG8291-X2.jpg

300m ~

congrats london, your first supertall :cheers: !

Wonderful :cheers:, so next month i can add another supertall to my list :). And the world has
another city with a supertall :)

A few more pics taken this lunch time. Less dramatic progress than over the weekend.


The canopies to the east of Gate 2 on St Thomas Street seem to be complete now.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0013.jpg


From Great Maze Pond, with the ubiquitous Guy's Tower

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0014.jpg


Lesser seen view - from the Memorial Park of Guy's campus

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0016.jpg


Three views of the spire moving westward

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0017.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0026.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0031.jpg


Nicked the idea from Chest. Well, I have used it a while back, but I was inspired by his recent posting to have another go myself :)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0032.jpg



With the Borough Viaduct from Bedale Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0033.jpg



The Shard provides a backdrop for the Skanska crane on the corner of London Bridge Street and Borough High Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0039.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0046.jpg


West side spire views

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0040.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120320_0049.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6840833412_5572e11fce_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zzapback/6840833412/)
The Shard in blue / London Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zzapback/6840833412/) von zzapback (http://www.flickr.com/people/zzapback/) auf Flickr

what a beautiful picture, i love all the different blues reflecting off the river

^^ That's obviously photoshopped ;)

It looks good at night. :cheers:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6855353886_7674fc0735_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38181284@N06/6855353886/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/7001072921_ffc643bdf2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dascayman/7001072921/)
The Two Towers (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dascayman/7001072921/) by dascayman (http://www.flickr.com/people/dascayman/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6058/7002143145_3ef0098e4c_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/geekmeek/6855059544/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Great angle on the last photo ;).

Loving the second shot with having a Twin Shard

This one will be the 79th Supertall on earth :cheers:

A few of mine from Monday:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/bc1fd2ba.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/c07cada5.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/f5eb4e9e.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/5023e63e.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/441c97fe.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/7c0e3b45.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/0db8788a.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/b75fc13d.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/ce5257ca.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/6eb3320b.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/9f0e5dea.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/2904405a.jpg

And a vertical panorama to finish things off:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/ShardPanorama.jpg

A quick lunch time sortie to get some shots of the north side steel frame, which was completed some time overnight or very early this morning.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120321_0007.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120321_0019.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120321_0026.jpg

Its over 300+ metres now?! Congratulations London ...its almost T/O.

This building is absolutely stunning, especially when the crown is finished. And for all those saying the glass is no good, those windows are chuffin filthy just wait till it's been cleaned!

photos by chest

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-dzbbM5m/0/X3/MG5778-X3.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-cKFRq6G/0/X3/MG5771-X3.jpg

the construction chest (http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/)

^^He has a truly phenomenal talent.

JUST CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE THERE ARE TONS OF FANTASTIC PICS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN POSTED ... :bow:

by SE9.

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/9262/shardtoday1.jpg

photos by chest

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-dzbbM5m/0/X3/MG5778-X3.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-cKFRq6G/0/X3/MG5771-X3.jpg

the construction chest (http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/)

Stunning pictures I love them!:banana:

http://www.youtube.com/user/NYBOY75

Four pics from my walk to the station this evening

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120321_0069.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120321_0073.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120321_0076.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120321_0090.jpg

Very nice evening pics cybertect!

http://www.youtube.com/user/NYBOY75

Ta. :)

... and a couple of vertical stitched panos, also taken this evening

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120321_0060_vpan.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120321_0081_vpano.jpg

photos by chest

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-dzbbM5m/0/X3/MG5778-X3.jpg


the construction chest (http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/)

This is talent indeed, love the ferris wheel.

This one will be the 79th Supertall on earth :cheers:

Massive jump from where One Canada Square was ranked :tongue2:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/6852022496_af6ea8523e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/daz71/6852022496/)
P1040446 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/daz71/6852022496/) by Daz71 (http://www.flickr.com/people/daz71/), on Flickr

Beautiful building! :) Londoners should be so proud! The Olympics is getting closer how exciting :D us Aussies and the rest of the world get to see London put on an awesome show!

by Edvvc.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6859170412_2c254dc524_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edvvc/6859170412/)
Maximum height (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edvvc/6859170412/) by edvvc (http://www.flickr.com/people/edvvc/), on Flickr

Almost T/O!

Why the Shard is the real star of the new series of The Apprentice

Watching the new Apprentice last night, it was clear there was one character we were going to be seeing a lot more of: the Shard. Renzo Piano's thrusting new south-London skyscraper was pornographically gawked over throughout the episode. During one boardroom scene, the camera trained on it for so long, you could be forgiven for imagining that it was where Lord Sugar and co were.

In fact, as usual, much of the series was filmed at Sugar's Viglen headquarters, a giant tin shed on an industrial estate in St Albans (the "boardroom" is a TV set in west London). If the camera lingered too long on a nondescript suburban warehouse week after week, though, future candidates would defect to Britain's Got Talent and the audience would switch over to something less depressing, such as Crimewatch.

So instead, as we all know, The Apprentice tries to come across like a spy thriller: sweeping helicopter shots over London; portentous Prokofiev accompaniment; scrolling expanses of reflective glass; corporate skyscrapers – often at dawn or dusk, often juxtaposed with the fleshy crevasses of Lord Sugar's face, as he sternly surveys the skyline from a rooftop, no doubt wondering what time the next train to St Albans is.

The Apprentice has always sought to recruit architecture to its cause, though the entry requirements are less stringent than for its human candidates. Basically, if you're tall, new and not in St Albans, you're hired. Back in the mid-noughties, Canary Wharf and the Gherkin were the show's favoured camera-candy. Respectively symbols of Thatcherite Loadsamoney and New Labour cuddly capitalism, they summed up the macho, go-getting ethos of the show, but their symbolic stock declined with the FTSE 100.

Last season saw a new skyscraper on the block in the form of Strata, AKA the Razor, the black-and-white stripy tower with the wind turbines on top. Never mind that it was uglier than an Amstrad email phone, those turbines did their bit to signal a fresh, eco-minded, post-recession era. But now comes the Shard – taller, shinier, pointier, and above all, newer. It's up Apprentice street 110%, and the helicopter-cam practically steamed up with ardour last night. What does the Shard symbolise? Who cares? It looks great against a sunset.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/shortcuts/2012/mar/21/shard-star-of-the-apprentice

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/El_Greco/EveningWalk2-1.jpg

The top is moving quick now, from just 4 days ago

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7006151365_047d0e5dbf_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21732688@N03/7006151365/)
P3181401 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21732688@N03/7006151365/) by stephenanstiss (http://www.flickr.com/people/21732688@N03/), on Flickr

Even on a sunny day that scene looks bleak - imagine it on a typical wet ,windy London day - seems that these so called "planners" never learn, guess they are too arrogant for that!!

I work in one of the buildings in that picture and let me say that you're absolutely right.

On an even slightly overcast day, it is drab, grey and bleak. A depressing place to work. Your lunch options are limited to Pret, Eat, Itsu, M&S and Pod in More London. But forget that - on a rainy day, you don't even want to step outside, such how gloomy it is. I used to work in Chancery Lane and that was fantastic - one of the best places to work in London; relatively clean, interesting, non-corporate, with a huge number of diverse eateries and some soul.

Take two minutes' walk over the other side of Tower Bridge to Shad Thames. There's a goodly number of decent eateries here. :)

I recommend Shades on Shad Thames or The Picnic Basket on Horselydown Lane for a nice, family run café/sandwich bar, but there's quite a few other options.

by Core Rising.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556124_10151421724830541_787295540_23466795_1900324916_n.jpg


http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/543166_10151421729085541_787295540_23466806_1729169599_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542420_10151421731100541_787295540_23466812_1969543054_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/528949_10151421736905541_787295540_23466829_574769218_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/295124_10151421737685541_787295540_23466831_1796031012_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550695_10151421740245541_787295540_23466838_2006180940_n.jpg

if the construction of the shard is finished first then it will become the tallest building in the entire europe (including russia) :) but the height does not really matter since the shard is more popular (more viewed, photographed), more beautiful and iconic as well :)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6962586219_5311a25307_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55078960@N05/6962586219/)
Two towers - London at dusk (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55078960@N05/6962586219/) by Anthony_Steele (http://www.flickr.com/people/55078960@N05/), on Flickr

I went to London on Tuesday for the Ecobuild Exhibition (again), my lord the Shard is huge. Being a brummie, we are very much the forgotten city (but thank god HS2 came around-we've over 50 medium to large sized projects going on at the moment!)

I was driving back from the Excel to Bristol, then on to Bham again, and avoiding the Congestion Charge, I managed to get a good look at all the towers whilst stuck in traffic!

I never knew Canary Wharf was soo big! It's like Dubai almost (in the sense you are drive through the middle of massive buildings), a higher density of towers, in a smaller area, but I like it.

But the Shard, well that is something else. An absolute whopper, and beautifully designed. Very much like the sunset photo above!

The near completion of the spire has, for me, dramatically increased how tall The Shard looks. Previously it seemed as if it was asking for more height; now it positively soars.

by Light Parade.

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww14/lightparade1960/ShardMarch2012.jpg

Massive jump from where One Canada Square was ranked :tongue2:

absolutely :yes:

Busy day at work, but I did manage to snaffle these pics on my walk to the office this morning


A couple of shots of The Shard and The Place together from London Bridge Walk on Duke Street Hill. I was just enjoying the light :)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0008.jpg


Did someone mention 'soar'? :D

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0009.jpg


A little further along Tooley Street, the pedestrian bridge from the Cottons Building to the station provides a bit of foreground interest for this look straight up the north side

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0010.jpg


A Hays Galleria lamp serves a similar purpose

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0011.jpg


Morning light is moving northward as Spring rolls on, so we get some illumination on the new steel on the north side of the spire.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0016.jpg


General view from More London Place

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0017.jpg


'Shardlet' on the north side

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0019.jpg


Plant levels (someone seems to have left some items of clothing tucked into a couple of the glazing panels - I wonder if they'll get them back?)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0021.jpg


As Ed's photo posted this morning showed, the sunrays were out again. Certainly around 9:00 am, they were only visible east of City Hall as the sun's reflection hit the side of the Shard.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0025.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0027.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/20120322_0032.jpg

Amazingnessssss! :cheers:

by Light Parade.

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww14/lightparade1960/ShardMarch2012.jpg

Wow!

Impressive.

@cybertect
the shard is emitting rays and power again, awesome http://www.en.kolobok.us/smiles/personal/beach.gif

The Place is progressing pretty slowly...

I believe the Shard is the only Skyscraper in the world that generates its own rays of sunlight :lol:

I believe the Shard is the only Skyscraper in the world that generates its own rays of sunlight :lol:

It can't be sunlight then, it's shardlight :)

Wow. The 310 metres are close! :)

Even though Mercury City Tower is a bit taller than Shard,
I rather like Shard, than Mercury.
Cause as for me, cladding of Mercury looks too old and old-fashioned,
This is what i call quality architecture, Shard's cladding and building itself look excellent.
(but though Mercury will look prettier, when it'll be completed, but though Shard is better.)

Also, i don't like Mercury, because Posokhin was one of architects, he built all those Luzkov-style kitsch buildings

by Turbosnail.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/562426_3489235759342_1524918745_33087351_186129934_n.jpg

From the London Evening Standard:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/london/shard-workers-defy-vertigo-to-bolt-together-spire-at-985-feet-7583316.html

Shard workers defy vertigo to bolt together spire at 985 feet

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/incoming/article7583105.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Shard+workers

The pictures alone are enough to induce vertigo in even the most adventurous of souls. But for these three men, sitting with their legs casually dangling hundreds of feet above the London skyline, it’s all in a day’s work.

The workers are 985 feet above ground level — almost as high as the Eiffel Tower and three times the height of Big Ben — putting the finishing touches to the Shard’s spire.

Sections of steel, prepared and cut off-site and weighing up to seven tonnes each, are being lifted to the top of the glass-covered building using cranes, where the workmen bolt the individual pieces together.

Once the spire is completed — which, weather-dependent, is scheduled to take place next week — about 500 tonnes of steel will have been used to build the spire over London Bridge station in 100 separate lifts.

The scene recalls the 1932 photograph by Charles C Ebbets, which shows workmen eating lunch on the 69th floor of the GE Building during construction of the Rockefeller Center in New York.

Unlike those men, health and safety regulations now require workers to wear safety harnesses. The shell and core of the building is due to be completed in June. But London Bridge Quarter, which owns it, says the site will not be fully up and running until this time next year.

Spokesman Baron Phillips said: “These pictures illustrate what a fantastic building the Shard is becoming and it’s something we believe Londoners are taking to their hearts. We can’t wait for it to be completed and become a truly international landmark.”

When it is complete, at 1,016 feet the Shard will be Europe’s tallest building — but not for long. It is to be overtaken by the twin towers of Hermitage Plaza in Paris, which will measure 1,050 feet and is set to be completed in four years’ time.

Work began on the Shard in February 2009 and has cost about £450 million so far.

It will host offices, restaurants, flats, the five-star Shangri-La hotel, and a viewing gallery with 360-degree views stretching for 40 miles.

It is now the tallest building in Britain, beating Canary Wharf, which is 771 feet high. The world’s tallest building is the 2,716ft Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai.

^^That must be the most thrilling experience in their careers. :D

Seen a picture of this on the front page of my local paper. (The Northern Echo) it was saying how many people in the north east has worked/work on The Shard.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/7008897595_ff02b339a4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickon-moore/7008897595/)
Red lights (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickon-moore/7008897595/) by www.nick-moore.com (http://www.flickr.com/people/nickon-moore/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6977539419_4fed73a136_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_turner/6977539419/)
Waiting for the coach home (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_turner/6977539419/) by Mike.Turner (http://www.flickr.com/people/mike_turner/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6843288474_c5631eacc8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/canon-sharpy/6843288474/)
Under the bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/canon-sharpy/6843288474/) by canon_sharpy (http://www.flickr.com/people/canon-sharpy/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/6858247076_7247889648_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yorkshirestacked_uk/6858247076/)
Alreet to Shardie and March sunset from Tower Hill! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yorkshirestacked_uk/6858247076/) by yorkshire stacked (http://www.flickr.com/people/yorkshirestacked_uk/), on Flickr

From the London Evening Standard:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/london/shard-workers-defy-vertigo-to-bolt-together-spire-at-985-feet-7583316.html


Once the spire is completed — which, weather-dependent, is scheduled to take place next week — about 500 tonnes of steel will have been used to build the spire over London Bridge station in 100 separate lifts.



Whoo hoo! Can't wait!

Great night pics, as always.

by Lundgren the 2nd.

http://www.thundernetwork.net/ssc/shard1.jpg

http://www.thundernetwork.net/ssc/shard2.jpg

http://www.thundernetwork.net/ssc/shard3.jpg

http://www.thundernetwork.net/ssc/shard4.jpg

http://www.thundernetwork.net/ssc/shard5.jpg

Nice, it is growing fast.

^^There isn't much more to grow now. :cheers:

another dramatic sunset this evening...

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-8ThpDps/0/X2/MG8582-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-QzwHzQP/0/X2/MG8598-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-pCcVwrT/0/X2/MG85890-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-b9jhmtW/0/X2/MG8593-X2.jpg

the construction chest (http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/)

Wow, even more stunning than the last set of sunset pics, Chest :bow:

Beautiful photos, that incredible sunset with the tower

Wow, stunning shots. Like a queen.

The last picture looks like a volcano.
This building looks almost identical to a proposed 1030' tower for Hamilton, Canada. (same size too!)
Looks much better in real life.

Absolutely stunning pics Chest. Looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.

http://www.london-se1.co.uk/blog/amazing-sight-at-the-top-of-the-shard-this-afternoon


http://i.imgur.com/Kk0pH.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-pCcVwrT/0/X2/MG85890-X2.jpg

MORDOR :lol: :cheers:

stunning pics chest!...especially the second last one

chest :master:

by Bristol Mike.

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv331/Bristol_Travel/LONDON-England/024-09th%20Mar/P11605101.jpg

Chest, you should def consider publishing.. This is pure talent.

^^Agreed. :cheers2:

The last photostream from Chest is absolutely amazing! :eek:

another dramatic sunset this evening...

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-b9jhmtW/0/X2/MG8593-X2.jpg

the construction chest (http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/)

Gives off a very steampunky feel.

Stunning pictures Chest One does not simply walk into Southwark.

*POST NUMBER 400*
:nocrook:

Wonderful :cheers:, so next month i can add another supertall to my list :). And the world has
another city with a supertall :)

It is crazy to think it has taken us 700 years from the completion of the previous St Paul's Cathedral to break through the 300 metre threshold after coming through the 150 metre threshold but never late than never.

by Lumberjack :omg:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/6865931604_b407246aed_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6865931604/)
DSC03663 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/6865931604/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7012054337_cd3c1192e8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/7012054337/)
DSC03660 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47769294@N03/7012054337/) by Lumberjack_London (http://www.flickr.com/people/47769294@N03/), on Flickr

How the hell did he attach the glass up there? :eek2: would love to see some pics of the installation if anyone has/can find any

They are having the time of their lives. :cheers2:

by Shardview77.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7011940537_5ea4855691_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7011942383_2daf7fa01c_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7011941607_426af96fbd_z.jpg

Little more steel on the west and east and this baby is topped out!

It looks better than never. :D

^^ you mean 'ever'

by Shardview77.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7011940537_5ea4855691_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7011942383_2daf7fa01c_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/7011941607_426af96fbd_z.jpg

Amazing pictures, and brave workers!

http://www.youtube.com/user/NYBOY75

^^ you mean 'ever'
Haha yeah a typo ^^.

I've lurked on this forum for months to check out the great photos people have posted of this development.

One thing I like about this building is that the height and form actually reduces the impact of the bulk.

Consider the entire floorspace. Most of it is concentrated far lower down. I bet the 'average' height of a square metre of office space is only 80-100 metres at most.

Were the architect to have gone for a traditional square plan extrusion, we'd have ended up with yet another dull box. Drawing out the volume up in an ever narrowing cross-section draws the eye away from the bulk and creates a rare example of elegant architectural theatre.

Such techniques were once common in architecture. Domes, turrets, fleche towers and spires all perform the same job. Just go and look at any building adorned by such supposedly unnecessary additions and imagine them removed. The building is diminished as a result.

Unfortunately for us, such architectural flourishes are rare. They could have saved a lot of money by dispensing with the last 100 metres of this building and fattening up the remaining 2/3rds. It would have been yet another pig-ugly eye sore, but it would have made more money for the owners.

So, hooray for the shard!

They could have saved a lot of money by dispensing with the last 100 metres of this building and fattening up the remaining 2/3rds. It would have been yet another pig-ugly eye sore, but it would have made more money for the owners.
So, hooray for the shard!

The only way a 300m tower will ever get planning permission in London is if it's an architectural statement.

A tower built purely for commercial floor space reasons, i.e a simple box type shape, wouldn't get past first base with the planning authorities.

..if you want to build this tall in London, you have to raise your game.

:master::omg:

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-dQtRHhg/0/X2/MG5835sm-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-MRPXPkM/0/X2/MG5842-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-VQC5MLd/0/X2/MG5846-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-Wv2nmF2/0/X2/MG5850sm-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-g6k9HML/0/X2/MG5855sm-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-CrXHqjq/0/X2/MG5864sm-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-MBC68ZF/0/X2/MG5907sm-X2.jpg

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-KXS2L6n/0/X2/MG5915sm-X2.jpg

^^ epic! hats off for the workers and also the pics ;)

What naughty photos!

^^

http://memeorama.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mother-of-God-Meme-Rage-Face.jpg


The day has finally come! :rock:

Epic. Well done that man.

I've lurked on this forum for months to check out the great photos people have posted of this development.

One thing I like about this building is that the height and form actually reduces the impact of the bulk.

Consider the entire floorspace. Most of it is concentrated far lower down. I bet the 'average' height of a square metre of office space is only 80-100 metres at most.

Were the architect to have gone for a traditional square plan extrusion, we'd have ended up with yet another dull box. Drawing out the volume up in an ever narrowing cross-section draws the eye away from the bulk and creates a rare example of elegant architectural theatre.

Such techniques were once common in architecture. Domes, turrets, fleche towers and spires all perform the same job. Just go and look at any building adorned by such supposedly unnecessary additions and imagine them removed. The building is diminished as a result.

Unfortunately for us, such architectural flourishes are rare. They could have saved a lot of money by dispensing with the last 100 metres of this building and fattening up the remaining 2/3rds. It would have been yet another pig-ugly eye sore, but it would have made more money for the owners.

So, hooray for the shard!

I think its already become one of the most beautiful and exciting new skyscrapers in the world - once the shell is finally complete and cranes removed, it will earn that title.

by Shardview77.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7011940537_5ea4855691_z.jpg



That is just sick. :cool:

When the spire is in place the world can end. chest. :master:

Breathtaking photo's !! 1st class

http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-VQC5MLd/0/X2/MG5846-X2.jpg

Genuinely breath-taking.This must be a moment that this construction worker will never forget.

Fantastic to see the spire completed.

Thanks for all your efforts Chest. :applause:

Man, imagine that view they must have had. I hope they took a pic or a video while they were up there, kinda like they did on top of the Burj Khalifa

Fantastic to see the spire completed.

There is still a "Shard" to be completed, the tallest one

Man, imagine that view they must have had. I hope they took a pic or a video while they were up there, kinda like they did on top of the Burj Khalifa

I personally wouldn't want to risk dropping my phone or camera..I doubt it would survive the fall

They are having the time of their lives. :cheers2:

I've been waiting for so long
Now I've finally found supertall
To stand by Guys
We saw the cladding on the wall
As we felt this magical
Fantasy
Now with glazing on our spire
There's no way we could disguise it
Secretly
So we take each other's hand
'Cause we seem to understand
The urgency just remember
You're the one shard
I can't get enough of
So I'll tell you something
This could be love because
I've had the time of my life
No I never felt like this before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you

repeat D.S. al coda

^ :D

by Abariltur (http://www.flickr.com/people/abariltur/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/6848877734_0785ba284d_b.jpg[/url]
View of London from The Gherkin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/abariltur/6848877734/)

^^ Can they start on some steel at Fenchurch already? haha

Stunning pictures. A great landmark for London.

A new job for Edwin van der Sar?;):
http://constructionchest.smugmug.com/Architecture/skyscrapers-under-construction/shard-update/i-VQC5MLd/0/X2/MG5846-X2.jpg

SO143 that picture is an amazing shot mate.
Thanks for sharing it with us:)

^^ Can they start on some steel at Fenchurch already? haha

Thats what I was thinking. It looks good though and steel should be ariving soon I should imagine.

SO143 that picture is an amazing shot mate.
Thanks for sharing it with us:)

thank chest for those amazing pictures because he is the one who took them :)

cybertect's photos are fantastic too :cheers:

^ :D

by Abariltur (http://www.flickr.com/people/abariltur/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/6848877734_0785ba284d_b.jpg[/url]
View of London from The Gherkin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/abariltur/6848877734/)

sorry for my ignorance but someone could enlighten me about which is the first tower U/C we can see on this pictur ?

It's 20 Fenchurch Street by Rafael Viñoly.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=941

A few photos taken early this morning.

Because of the angle of the light, in the first one you can see how terribly mucky the glass is at the moment.


North side from the railway station entrance

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0003.jpg



Moving Eastward along Tooley Street...


NW

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0011.jpg


NE

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0020.jpg


NE from More London Place

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0023.jpg


East-North-East

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0026.jpg


East side from Queen Elizabeth Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0031.jpg

It's 20 Fenchurch Street by Rafael Viñoly.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=941

thks

Thanks to everyone who has been adding pictures of this beauty, particularly Chest and Cybertect. Amazing to see how it has grown over the last few years

When you see so many monstrosities going up (hello Mecca clock tower et all) it is refreshing to see a well-designed building that will become a landmark for all the right reasons

Fantastic photos, the spire's looking great so far! I took a few from Waterloo Bridge a while back, but even they're out of date now, so no point in posting them here. :tongue2:
Oh and a small thing - the thread title should read 309m, not 306.

Topped out, isn't it?

Topped out, isn't it?

The 4th side needs to be built up higher

yesterday
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jelltecks/6867532390/

thank chest for those amazing pictures because he is the one who took them :)

cybertect's photos are fantastic too :cheers:

Thanks to everyone who has been putting up there pics of this wonder. Thanks lads and keep up the good work:)

Not topped out quite yet, very close, though!

We are witnessing historic moments for London right now.:cheers2:

I'm going to London on the 3rd of April, do you think the 4th part of the spire will be completed by then?

Thanks

^^ Same i should be in London for Easter... Just hope to see this beauty in person for the first time. It's so close now!

wow :cheers:

Only 306 m ???? I thought it would be 310 m ? but,but. but ... why ?

:lol:

I've been waiting for so long
Now I've finally found supertall
To stand by Guys
We saw the cladding on the wall
As we felt this magical
Fantasy
Now with glazing on our spire
There's no way we could disguise it
Secretly
So we take each other's hand
'Cause we seem to understand
The urgency just remember
You're the one shard
I can't get enough of
So I'll tell you something
This could be love because
I've had the time of my life
No I never felt like this before
Yes I swear it's the truth
And I owe it all to you

repeat D.S. al coda

by Light Parade.

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww14/lightparade1960/IMG-20120326-00179.jpg

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww14/lightparade1960/Southwark-20120326-00181.jpg

I'm in London for several days in April. Miss my old home! Can't wait to see this baby :)

Can the Shard be seen from Heathrow?

Can the Shard be seen from Heathrow?

yup (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=84569653&postcount=8668)

Umm... T/O?

More photos from today

East side of the Spire from Druid Street

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0043.jpg


Backpack plant levels glazing

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0057.jpg


SE corner of the spire

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0059.jpg


Here are the blinds in action on the eastern side of the Backpack. Red blind boxes, with light gray blinds emerging from inside them.

Let's put this one to bed, please :)

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0060.jpg



They were cleaning the south side of the Backpack on St Thomas Street this afternoon

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0077.jpg


Meantime, a cherry picker was making its way down from the top of the building to the ground.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0075.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0079.jpg


Somewhat overshadowed by events up top, the escalator from the station down to St Thomas Street was installed at the weekend.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0069.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0094.jpg


A few other pics from this evening

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0118.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0124.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0128.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0129.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0132.jpg

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0133.jpg

Great shots Cybertect :okay:

Glad to see them cleaning the glass.

To everyone asking the status to be changed to topped out or asking about it at all, here is the render and the progress as of today. It doesn't look topped out to me...


http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7186/shardp.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/shardp.jpg/)

This is my favourite building in the world right now.

It will be topped out by mid-April or early May

It will be topped out by mid-April or early May

A recent article is quoted as saying they could top out this week.

I like the top.

London is finally succumbing to North Korean architecture. Congrats.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zKOWAjnN8zc/TVu_QpmVTpI/AAAAAAAABgw/_-zDTq4llTI/s1600/46TheShard_pic5.jpg

That render is not an accurate representation of the actual spire, tbf. Lots of missing structure, and there's that "stair to nowhere"

Only 306 m ???? I thought it would be 310 m ? but,but. but ... why ?
306m to the top of the steelwork, 309m to the top of the entire structure.

Comon now, why did someone edit the height from 309 to 306m????? I swear it's like 309.6..m or something to the tip of the spire? Who dare??

from the official the shard website

http://the-shard.com/shard/explore-the-shard/about-the-shard

The Shard will be the tallest building in Western Europe, its crystalline façade transforming the London skyline with a mixed-use 310 m (1,016 ft) vertical city of high-quality offices, world-renowned restaurants, the 5-star Shangri-La hotel, exclusive residential apartments and the capital's highest viewing gallery offering 360° views.

Well-connected and comprehensively serviced by central London's transport infrastructure, facilities and amenities, the Shard is a timeless reminder of the power of imagination to inspire change.

THE SHARD HAS BEEN CONCEIVED BY THE SELLAR GROUP TO BE THE CAPITAL'S MOST DYNAMIC BUILDING. IT WILL FOCUS THE ATTENTION OF THE WORLD ON LONDON BRIDGE QUARTER.

the view from the shard > http://the-shard.com/views/360.html

http://the-shard.com/media/50144/tube.png

by Wild snapper

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6216/7019041515_a587a4d453_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsnaps/7019041515/)
The Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsnaps/7019041515/) by Wild snapper (http://www.flickr.com/people/wildsnaps/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6872949030_c6671d12ff_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsnaps/6872949030/)
Tower Bridge / The Shard / HMS Belfast (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsnaps/6872949030/) by Wild snapper (http://www.flickr.com/people/wildsnaps/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6872885504_b65d4f2af6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsnaps/6872885504/)
St Paul's Cathedral (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildsnaps/6872885504/) by Wild snapper (http://www.flickr.com/people/wildsnaps/), on Flickr

Ha! I knew that 310 m figure was an overestimated measurement. The two parts of the spire I currently see look shorter that what I see in the renders.

Ha! I knew that 310 m figure was an overestimated measurement. The two parts of the spire I currently see look shorter that what I see in the renders.

What by 1m? Okay precious it's actually 308.5m to the very tip of the highest part of 'the shard' therefore the thread title is correct assuming all heights in meters are rounded-up. Renders are just guidelines, reality is a different game.
Higher parts yet to come.. :cheers:

by Edvvc.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/6874512478_7359fb93b0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/6874512478/)
Top BMU (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/6874512478/) by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7020621399_afe413604e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/7020621399/)
Top BMU (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/7020621399/) by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

All right, the final smaller crane I guess. :)

No. It's almost certainly the BMU that lives at the top.

by 11001001.

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb375/jpn_gy/ShardfromWaterloo-1-1.jpg

by Edvvc.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7020621399_afe413604e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/7020621399/)
Top BMU (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54481577@N07/7020621399/) by Hans Pfaal (http://www.flickr.com/people/54481577@N07/), on Flickr

absolutely fascinating , this is the best part of the construction ... http://socs2.org/images/smilies/bananas//fastnana.gif

I've finally been able to visit the shard! :)

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n638/Mossy221/1.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n638/Mossy221/2.jpg



http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n638/Mossy221/3.jpg

These are from yesterday!

That cylindrical thing being added above; what is it? A huge strobe light?

BMU - Building Maintenance Unit.

I saw what I'm pretty sure it's the base mount for the top BMU on the back of a lorry at the Shard Holding Area on St Thomas Street early yesterday afternoon.

http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j427/cybertects/Shard/20120326_0050.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6034/6876051020_e5f88ebbe1_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/6876051020/)
Shard and Guys squirrel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/6876051020/) by stevekeiretsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/stevekeiretsu/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6042/7022157285_f9c3725979_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022157285/)
Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022157285/) by stevekeiretsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/stevekeiretsu/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6102/7022157125_8efb0132b4_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022157125/)
Shard innards (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022157125/) by stevekeiretsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/stevekeiretsu/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6096/7022155457_5de2919092_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022155457/)
Train and shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022155457/) by stevekeiretsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/stevekeiretsu/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6102/7022157461_bb37c0bce5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022157461/)
Shard & Place (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/7022157461/) by stevekeiretsu (http://www.flickr.com/people/stevekeiretsu/), on Flickr

there are more in the set here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekeiretsu/sets/72157629318723896/detail/)

That cylindrical thing being added above; what is it? A huge strobe light?

As cyber said, it's not, but it could be a neon light. :D

by Edvvc.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7021752095_8c52c42607_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edvvc/7021752095/)
Colourful Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edvvc/7021752095/) by edvvc (http://www.flickr.com/people/edvvc/), on Flickr

looks like Korea or San Francisco

it looks great, but personally i dislike buildings designed like this one. I mean triangular or pointy etc.

You don't need to go ruin a compliment by tacking on your personal architectural preferences.

The building is looking A.W.E.S.O.M.E! :D Go London!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/7023299481_c0d37dd8aa_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14231430@N04/7023299481/)
The Shard from 30 St Mary Axe (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14231430@N04/7023299481/) by graham228221 (http://www.flickr.com/people/14231430@N04/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/6877202438_412b507ee6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36157252@N06/6877202438/)
IMG_1288 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36157252@N06/6877202438/) by dargieduncan (http://www.flickr.com/people/36157252@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/6877201544_13e89b1751_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36157252@N06/6877201544/)
IMG_1287 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36157252@N06/6877201544/) by dargieduncan (http://www.flickr.com/people/36157252@N06/), on Flickr

topped out

topped out

not yet :)

No. It's almost certainly the BMU that lives at the top.


Cybertect is right, thats the BMU base, I know because I am on the design team.

The main jib is getting lifted today or tomorrow hopefully.

Ill post some pics of the BMU base getting dropped in at L87 if anyone is interested.

Nice shots...:okay:

Cybertect is right, thats the BMU base, I know because I am on the design team.

The main jib is getting lifted today or tomorrow hopefully.

Ill post some pics of the BMU base getting dropped in at L87 if anyone is interested.

Please do!

Photos: Workers Building The Top Of The Shard

http://londonist-static.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/shardwork_spire.jpg

http://londonist-static.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/shardwork_dangle.jpg

http://londonist-static.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/shardwork_main.jpg

http://londonist-static.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/shardwork_three.jpg

http://londonist-static.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/shardwork_climb.jpg

http://londonist.com/2012/03/photos-building-the-top-of-the-shard.php

the shard from london eye http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PsLE_5IEG2o#t=0s

:master:

This tower looks amazing. London should be proud!

Does anyone know what (if any) lighting scheme they have planned for this building?

Also, I missed what BMU stands for. Building Maintenance Unit?

Looking at all the pics so far, I wonder how easy it will be to keep it all clean... that's one advantage of bog standard extrusions - you can lower a cradle from the top edge and go over all the windows easily.

Cybertect is right, thats the BMU base, I know because I am on the design team.

The main jib is getting lifted today or tomorrow hopefully.

Ill post some pics of the BMU base getting dropped in at L87 if anyone is interested.

Don't get yourself in trouble. I'm pretty sure Mace and Sellar are strict about photos from site getting posted online.

Why isn't this thread changed to T/O yet?!

Why isn't this thread changed to T/O yet?!

Apparently, the tallest part of the spire has yet to get completed. Those two completed sections that you see in the pictures are shorter.

It will be odd seeing a tower that is pretty much externally completed when it tops out. You don't see that often in the skyscraper world.

Apparently, the tallest part of the spire has yet to get completed. Those two completed sections that you see in the pictures are shorter.

It will be odd seeing a tower that is pretty much externally completed when it tops out. You don't see that often in the skyscraper world.
Ok :okay: Thanks for replying by the way