Swiss Re
London, UK

HEIGHT: 180m/590 feet
FLOORS: 40 floors
COMPLETION: 2004
ARCHITECT: Foster & Partners


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/253/526806311_9dceb16c4c_b.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Towering_innuendo.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/SwissReHQ.jpg

http://www.skyscraperphotos.com/gif/ssc_contest/january_04_01.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/wjfox2005/London_general/Nightskyline2.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b387/wjfox2005/SkylinefromtheSouthBank.jpg

Gee, what can you say that hasn't been said already about this one.

Whether you like, dislike or feel indifferent about it, you have to admire and appreciate it for its innovative design.

10

BTW Love those aerials.

Very hard to take this design serious.

My guess is that this British Sir Norman Foster's building is the result of a typical "Emperor wearing no clothes" situation.

1.5/10

It has really grown on me. I rated it a 6.5/10.

Wow...i just love this tower.It's perfect!
9.5/10

I think I shouldnt be angry with the people who rate badly the brazilian buildings, since EVEN this MARVELLOUS building received a shitty rating from some people...

10/10

I really don't like it, and it look's especially bad in London's skyline .
5/10 , sorry :tongue3: .

9.5/10


that's a great tower.


:okay:

Originally posted by AcesHigh

I think I shouldnt be angry with the people who rate badly the brazilian buildings, since EVEN this MARVELLOUS building received a shitty rating from some people...

10/10
Well, this is one of those that you either like, or you don't. I could understand why some one wouldnt like, I mean it does look like a giant you know what.

Originally posted by james2390

Well, this is one of those that you either like, or you don't. I could understand why some one wouldnt like, I mean it does look like a giant you know what.

sorry, I dont think so. A penis has a VERY different format. This building has a bullet format. It has... hmmm... whats the english word... a "pointy" top, if you know what I mean. A penis doesnt have a pointy top. The penis head looks like a WW2 german helmet. This building doesnt looks at all like a penis.

who said it looked like a penis?

simply wonderful!:)

GGGGrrrrrrrreat CONE!!! :master::master::master:
10/10

I don't like it.

I like it, and the blue color is nice. 10/10

10/10
Right now, BEST BUILDING OVER THE WORLD!!!!
Just awaiting for some Barcelona skyscrapers u/c ;)

This is really really weird, how comes 5 people voted for below 6, and amazingly 2 people voted below 3!!!! What a pity :(

Originally posted by james2390

who said it looked like a penis?

ah, you meant a DILDO?

FABULOUS !!! 10/10

Has to be 10/10! The best skyscraper of 2003 definitely!

9

5/10

I really don't like that building.

unique, special, cool

9/10

Great Tower
10/10

7.5 from me

9.5/10

8,5

10/10!

10/10

I can't be bothered to argue with the people who gave low scores.
We'll just have to "agree to disagree". :)

best skyscraper in europe 8.5/10

To me, Swiss re does not exactly look like a penis,

Barcelona's torre agbar U/C does look like a penis: ^_^

http://usuarios.lycos.es/simongallup/ag.jpg


I love both towers, well I'll love them when both are finished!

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Pictures/cw7.jpg

9/10

Has to be 10/10. Whatta fuckin' it doing in 201-300?:bash::devil:. Its classic!!!

Very unique but not very nice 7.5/10

Very uniqe, beautiful and in my mind a fantastic tower which deserve a 10/10. :)

I give it 10! This building is such a beautiful piece of art!

i agree with booze on that issue. swiss re looks more like what would happen if you cross a zeppelin with a barbershop pole...lol

7.5 nice design, but im not really for that type of buildings. it doesn't really belong in london, it's just too liberal on the design.

Awwwwwwwfulllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it's so beautiful

9/10 very nice egg :D

10/10
Landmark class smooth unforgetable

Erm, I don´t know anymore what rating I gave it a few weeks before. I think I gave it a 10.
Very unique building with a wonderful facade.

the tower is glassy and modern and is tall 9/10!

30 St Mary Axe (affectionately known as The Gherkin) - one of Londons newer iconic buildings. How do you rate it?

A few details:
Height: 590ft (approx 180m)
Floors: 40
Floorarea: 41,805 m²
Started: 2001
Completed: 2004

Night sky view:
http://www.30stmaryaxe.co.uk/pix/loc/img07_large.jpg

Rendering of the top of building restaurant:
http://www.30stmaryaxe.co.uk/pix/loc/img06_large.jpg

Whole building:
http://www.30stmaryaxe.co.uk/pix/loc/img01_large.jpg

Now that it's complete we can show real photos:

http://cypress3.ets.arts.ohio-state.edu/~adavidson/London/LondonSkylinePart2-0018.jpg

pure genius-- 9+ :)

10/10 London's best skyscraper

my favourite scraper after bank of china, chrysler and jin mao in china.

Man, I still can't make up my mind on this one. One one hand, it's really sleek and on the other hand it's just goofy. I wish the building was clad in the dark blue color not two tones.

I like the base for some reason, so I'll give it a 6/10.

Maybe I should've given it a seven.

I love this builidng. An easy 10.

10/10

No discussions 'bout that :D

9/10 This is one magnificent building!

10/10

The gherkin is just awsome. In a word... Iconic . You walk in the city and you just can't help but stare at it. And the rooftop bar has the most incredible 360 degree panoramas of London. Shame it's 2/3 empty. If I had a few bob I would have my office there. Oh and I like the rifled look the dark blue stripe gives. That's where the air circulation ducts are BTW, it's not a habitable space.

Well, this is one of those that you either like, or you don't. I could understand why some one wouldnt like, I mean it does look like a giant you know what.

get over it for christs sake, just because its shaped like it is people go on and on about it looking like a phalic symbol...Its brilliant. :)

everything about Swiss Re it´s perfect to me. 10

Daring and futuristic looking design. Looks like a giant pineapple or pine cone. 9/10.

A couple of distance shots.



http://www.oranga.com/pics/s200408161160b.jpg

http://www.oranga.com/pics/s200408151083b.jpg

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/arts/2003/12/08/swissre.jpg
30 St Mary Axe. Organisers called it
'a lasting impression on the London skyline'.
Photo: David Sillitoe


Foster's Gherkin tipped for architecture prize

Sean Clarke
Thursday September 9, 2004

Norman Foster's London skyscraper at 30 St Mary Axe, more commonly known as the Gherkin, has been shortlisted with five other buildings for the £20,000 Stirling prize for architecture.

The 40-storey capital landmark is 5-2 favourite to win the prestigious award, according to odds from William Hill. The other shortlisted buildings are: the Spire, a Dublin monument to replace Nelson's column; Daniel Libeskind's much-praised Imperial War Museum North in Manchester; Bexley Business Academy, also by Foster and Partners; the Graz Kunsthaus, an arts centre in Austria; and the Phoenix initiative, an urban regeneration plan in Coventry.

The Stirling prize is Britain's foremost architectural award, given by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) to "the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year". Winners must be Riba members, though the building can be anywhere in Europe.

Traditionally, the most famous building on the shortlist - in this case undoubtedly the Gherkin - emerges as the favourite, but does not necessarily win. Last year the award went to a dance centre in Deptford ahead of Foster's British Museum Great Court, and the year before to the "winking bridge" in Newcastle.

The prize is awarded by a jury which this year includes Antony Gormley, the sculptor of the Angel of the North. They will visit all the buildings, and decide the winner on October 16, the day the award is presented.

Eric Parry, chair of Riba's awards committee admitted the shortlisted buildings were "very different in scope and cost and design, but they share one common feature: they leave icons for the future." He emphasised the functional aspects of the buildings, saying that attendances at Bexley Business Academy had "soared" because students were so impressed by their new surroundings.

If the Gherkin does win, it will not be Foster and Partners' first Stirling prize. The award, which is in its ninth year, has previously gone to Foster's American Air Museum at Duxford.


The shortlist in full
Odds by William Hill

Kunsthaus, Graz - Peter Cook, Colin Fournier (4-1)
The Spire, Dublin - Ian Ritchie Architects (3-1)
Imperial War Museum North, Manchester - Studio Daniel Libeskind (5-1)
Phoenix Initiative, Coventry - MacCormac Jamieson Prichard (4-1)
30 St. Mary Axe, London WC1 - Foster and Partners (5-2)
Business Academy Bexley - Foster and Partners (5-1)

why is it called ther Gherkin and the Swiss Re?

why is it called ther Gherkin and the Swiss Re?
It's called various names actually:

SwissRe - the company which occupies it
30 St Mary Axe - the street name and number
The Gherkin - named after its similarity to the vegetable!
The Erotic Gherkin - combination of the vegetable and, er, it's phallic shape ;)
The Towering Innuendo - again, the phallic shape...
30SMA - abbreviation for the street address

Scroll ---------->



http://www.brainoff.com/photos/eastend/download%20220.jpg

http://www.brainoff.com/photos/eastend/download%20222.jpg

Gherkin is its Nickname, or 'Erotic Gherkin'... Swiss Re is the company within it, So its the Swiss Re Tower

It is a great tower. Erotic Gherkin....hmn

9.5/10

I give it 10! This building is such a beautiful piece of art!


Couldnt of said it any better 10/10

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/arts/2003/12/08/swissre.jpg
30 St Mary Axe. Organisers called it
'a lasting impression on the London skyline'.
Photo: David Sillitoe


Foster's Gherkin tipped for architecture prize

Sean Clarke
Thursday September 9, 2004

Norman Foster's London skyscraper at 30 St Mary Axe, more commonly known as the Gherkin, has been shortlisted with five other buildings for the £20,000 Stirling prize for architecture.

The 40-storey capital landmark is 5-2 favourite to win the prestigious award, according to odds from William Hill. The other shortlisted buildings are: the Spire, a Dublin monument to replace Nelson's column; Daniel Libeskind's much-praised Imperial War Museum North in Manchester; Bexley Business Academy, also by Foster and Partners; the Graz Kunsthaus, an arts centre in Austria; and the Phoenix initiative, an urban regeneration plan in Coventry.

The Stirling prize is Britain's foremost architectural award, given by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) to "the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year". Winners must be Riba members, though the building can be anywhere in Europe.

Traditionally, the most famous building on the shortlist - in this case undoubtedly the Gherkin - emerges as the favourite, but does not necessarily win. Last year the award went to a dance centre in Deptford ahead of Foster's British Museum Great Court, and the year before to the "winking bridge" in Newcastle.

The prize is awarded by a jury which this year includes Antony Gormley, the sculptor of the Angel of the North. They will visit all the buildings, and decide the winner on October 16, the day the award is presented.

Eric Parry, chair of Riba's awards committee admitted the shortlisted buildings were "very different in scope and cost and design, but they share one common feature: they leave icons for the future." He emphasised the functional aspects of the buildings, saying that attendances at Bexley Business Academy had "soared" because students were so impressed by their new surroundings.

If the Gherkin does win, it will not be Foster and Partners' first Stirling prize. The award, which is in its ninth year, has previously gone to Foster's American Air Museum at Duxford.


The shortlist in full
Odds by William Hill

Kunsthaus, Graz - Peter Cook, Colin Fournier (4-1)
The Spire, Dublin - Ian Ritchie Architects (3-1)
Imperial War Museum North, Manchester - Studio Daniel Libeskind (5-1)
Phoenix Initiative, Coventry - MacCormac Jamieson Prichard (4-1)
30 St. Mary Axe, London WC1 - Foster and Partners (5-2)
Business Academy Bexley - Foster and Partners (5-1)


Its gutting to think, that while Selfridges is winning awards left right and center around the world, Britian still wont wake up to Birmingham :(

Amazing ... easily a 10/10

One of the most awesome buildings i ahve ever seen, a real modern wonder

I always loved the Swiss Re. 9/10

9! I love the Swiss Re.

Go Canary Wharf!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Canuck_36/DSCF0448.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v405/Canuck_36/DSCF0702.jpg

Very nice skyscraper! Special design, that is what I like! Go LONDON!

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre_cool_distance_shot2.jpg

http://img52.photobucket.com/albums/v158/Winkel/swissre/013_30.jpg

I find the design to be very ugly, but the fact that its an original shape etc. scores some points. 5/10

A bit fat, 7.5/10

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/30stmaryaxe-evening.jpg

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/citycluster-evening.jpg

Originally posted by Starscraper



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/Neromasc/DSCN0247.jpg

"The Towering Innuendo" that's pretty funny.

As for the tower I think it's way too short, but still 8/10.

I love this building..............10/10

8,5/10
I find it very original !

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre_aerial.jpg

As for the tower I think it's way too short


Why? Do you think it's not prominent enough on the skyline or something?

This building is massive by London's standards, and a visually stunning design ... it's visible from practically half the places in the city.

9/10

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre57.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre2.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre45.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre26.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre52.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre8.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre54.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre46.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre60.jpg






http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre7.jpg

This photo is amazing, urban chic

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/swissre45.jpg

It's a never seen before skyscraper concept. 8.5/10 I think it makes a good partner to Tower 42 for London City's skyline

It must be from Tenessee because it's the only 10 that I see ;)

I'll bet it will appear in a new version of SimCity in the landmark set.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/buildings/58_pic1.jpg

Despite being such a prestigious address, most of the building is still empty. Only floors 1-17 are occupied, plus one of the upper floors I think, and the restaurant on the 40th floor.

Hopefully they'll find more tenants in 2005 ...

Is City of London the name of the district Swiss Re is in?

It must be from Tenessee because it's the only 10 that I see ;)

Ever been in one of those moods where even this seems funny? :lol:

Is City of London the name of the district Swiss Re is in?

Yes.

Central London is divided into 2 main areas - the West End, and The City of London.

The City of London (usually just called "The City") is the main financial district of London - home to the Stock Exchange, the Bank of England and a huge number of financial services companies, investment banks, legal firms, stockbrokers, etc. etc.

SwissRe is the world's 2nd largest reinsurance company and this building is their new headquarters. Like I said, though, most of the building is still empty. They had originally planned to occupy the entire building, but eventually took only floors 1-17.

It's fun. But it's hardly "A proud and soaring thing," is it?

Looks more like the Goodyear Blimp had a bit of trouble with the docking controls.

Is Westminster in city limits? Sorry, but London just confuses me.

4/10
Horrible design,London deserves better buildings IMO.

http://www.islington.gov.uk/maps/images/map1_08.jpg

http://tinypic.com/15jek2

7,5/10

The 40th floor.

Normally this is reserved for employees and their private guests, but in October last year it was opened to the public. The judges of the RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture described this as "one of the very best rooms in 21st century London."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3750102.stm



http://www.architecture.com/imageLibrary/jpeg330/6963.jpg

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/2.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/3.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/4.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/7.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/9.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/10.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/11.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/12.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/8.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/6.jpg





http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/5.jpg

unique 8.5/10

ONE OF THE MOST BEATIFUL BUILDING I EVER SEE IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!



10!!!!!!!!!!

NICE~

I really don't know what to think about! 9/10 for the huge originality! :okay:

10/10 amazing!!

10..no doubt....this building is one of the most beautiful of the world.

http://files.photojerk.com/hkskyline/london/DSCN5315.jpg

http://files.photojerk.com/hkskyline/london/DSCN5340.jpg

http://files.photojerk.com/hkskyline/london/DSCN5218.jpg

http://files.photojerk.com/hkskyline/london/DSCN5284.jpg

http://www.thefilebin.com/userfiles/dublin2004/dec26/DSCN4575.jpg

A dazzling gem!! 10/10

bizarre in contrast to the surrounding architecture though :cool:

easy 10/10

Integrity, honesty, clarity. What an absolute bold statement this is.

I'm sorry, but those who don't like/understand this have no business judging architecture.

@hkskyline

Nice pics, but the JPEG compression is way too high! :)

I'm sorry, but those who don't like/understand this have no business judging architecture.
Yeah, I just can't understand people who don't like this building. It's a simply stunning piece of architecture.

10/10.

Absolutely unique. :)

easy 10/10

Integrity, honesty, clarity. What an absolute bold statement this is.

I'm sorry, but those who don't like/understand this have no business judging architecture.

Exactly most of the time this place is like asking a bunch of school kids to rate salads or something!

It's almost impossible to fault this exceptional skyscraper. One of my favourite without a doubt!
10/10

I really don't like it.

10/10

http://tinypic.com/2jeads

I love it!... It's actually my favourite skyscraper :)

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/sthelens/10.jpg

10/10 obviously!!!

http://www.atma83.dsl.pipex.com/Pics/London/cimg0828copy.jpg

i dont like the colours and the type of glass - 7/10! the design is amazing though.

9/10 What exactly is it used for?

What exactly is it used for?
It's the headquarters of SwissRe, the world's 2nd largest reinsurance company.

Floors 0-39 are offices. The 40th (top) floor is a private restaurant, for employees only.




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/1.jpg

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/5.jpg

Wow. the top looks amazing too (from the inside). thanks for the pics :)

cool restaurant view!

It should be the location of SSC staff meetings! :D

7/10
Too "wide"...

8.5/10. Not my favourate scraper in London...

Pic by Medo



http://img37.echo.cx/img37/121/lwtbimby9at.jpg

That last one is simply staggering

Truly an amazing skyscraper, one of my absolute favourites. A great 10!
And the view from the restaurant :eek2:

10/10 Masterpiece

7.5/10 It looks better than Torre Agbar!

wow.. looks like time-capsule 9.5/10

10/10

Stunning, THE scraper that will spark a acceptance and revolution of skyscrapers in the UK. And also THE scraper that sparked my interest in scrapers and a will to explore the rest of London.

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/11th/cimg1184copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/11th/cimg1194copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/17th/cimg1372copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/17th/cimg1364copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/17th/cimg1359copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/17th/cimg1347copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/17th/cimg1436copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/17th/cimg1449copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/cimg0821copy.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/30StMaryAxe-Crowds1.jpg

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/pipexdsl/t/atma83/Pics/London/30StMaryAxe-Crowds1.jpg

People are gathering as if an alein spaceship landed in london.

great pics wow

personally i LOVE it so so so so so much.

The worlds greatest and one of the most daring ever i believe. I want one here!

10

Truly fantastic 9.5/10

One of the masterpiece highrise in the world.

http://www.dronwright.co.uk/files/Tower%2042%20d.jpg

where is that picture taken from? T42?

Yes, the 41st floor of Tower 42.

Great picture by the way. Especially the view of Canary Wharf in the distance.
Did you take it?

No, it's by Ciudad Bristol from the UK forum.

More pics here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=228129&page=3

:)



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/zapotek/DSC03804.jpg

very unique and impressive 9.5/10

well, IMO it's not what I expect from London, it doesn't fit the city. It's more like the ones build in the Emirates or something. For this reason 1. But it's so awsome, the facade and the shape and just great, so 10. I should give it a 5,5, but it would be average and this building is so special - it can't get a 5. So I won't vote

9/10

I read every comment in this topic...I never knew so many Liked it...and from all over the globe.
Might post a few pics of it in out City V City threads if people like it so much.

I'm not a big fan of this one... 6/10

fantastic one.. 9/10

It's definitely an awesome design, no question.
Though I think the cladding of the top looks bad and those weird darker stripes spoil the facade.
Other than that, this is a marvellous tower.
7/10

Beautiful scraper! 9/10

10/10

awesome building. Really original

I like it on this picture:

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre_aerial.jpg

London wouldn't be London without it.

http://www.arcoweb.com.br/arquitetura/fotos/574/esqueleto.jpg

I really don't think that, despite its eventual overshadowing by other towers, that this will lose its touch, it will always be London's Skyscraper.

London wouldn't be London without it.

Then what about the 2000 years before it? ;)
For me, this is Londons greatest scraper.

I like this building. The color is beautiful. I wish San Francisco had something like this in it's horizons.

Cheers!!

9.5/10

obviously 10

10, One of the best towers in Europe and in the whole world

10/10 without a doubte

My favorite building in Europe. 10/10.

perfect 9/10

I'm giving it 9.5/10 and considering that I've never scored any other skyscraper that high, you can guess how much I love 'da gerkin!"

It's so funky, and brave, that you almost forget it really is quite a tall building. Very deceptive by design. Love it!

Finest in the land. I really, REALLY don't see anything erotic about this building. A shell with a ribbon wrapped around it. 11/10.

9/10 excelent ^o^

Wow 113 ten out of tens.

I gave it ten to because it is truly a building that deserve it and for those who voted it under 7 are truly mad.

I respect it for its drive to be orginal but I don't think its a good looking building. If it was scraper where it stood out alone then I think it would help. The contrast of it though compared to most other buildings I think has a negative effect on a skyline ratehr then a positive one.

10!

Nice design but I think more suitable for Dubai than London.

10, best in europe! :)

How come i cant find it in the top 100 or 200?

6/10 It would be better if it was 300+meters.

10/10 wonderful

6/10 It would be better if it was 300+meters.

In NY or Dubai I'd agree with you. But in London it really is perfectly proportioned.
I wasn't a huge fan of this building when I first saw pictures of it, but after seeing it in person and seeing how well it suits London, it's grown on me loads. I'll give it a 9/10.

Are there any condoms that fit around them?
Must be the biggest vibrator lookalike in the world

8.5
The heigh is correct. It's really nice at day and night.
Others have tried to imitate the swiss re, but the only thing they have got it's a ugly building that means not finished.

I LOVE IT!!! one of the best towers in the world-10;)

it looks like a nuclear warhead..

I'm not saying this because I live in London and can see it outside my window. BUT, it truely has to be the best looking skyscraper in the world in my opinion off course. Its features are supurb as well making it extremely environmentally freindly indeed.

10/10

^^^ yeah it got the best new skyscraper honours. impressive & innovative building

8/10

I'd give 11 if I could. Now this is what I call art. :applause:

Great! 10/10

Pic I took yesterday


http://www.willfox.com/images/upc/14.jpg

10 / 10

Brilliant!

this is one with the most strange towers. It is amazing and interesting. There is most beautiful London`s tower

10/10 first class!

Absolute beauty. 10/10 of course.

at first, when i saw this building in a book, i thought it was niiiiice and was surprised by it...but now i dont like it as much as before...mayb a 8?

10/10, This is the best built skyscraper in 2003 in my opinion.

http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/1.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/2.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/3.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/5.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/6.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/4.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/7.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/8.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/9.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/10.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/11.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/12.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/13.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/14.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/15.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/16.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/17.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/18.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/19.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/20.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/21.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/construction/22.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre/1.jpg



http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/swissre_aerial.jpg



http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7d/City.of.london.view.arp.750pix.jpg

great pics!
i hope we get that calibre of design out of norman foster here in calgary

4.5

4.5

You're either jealous, or stupid (or both).

Nobody with any real appreciation of architecture would give such a low score.

8/10

what was there before the built that building? i was in london last in 2001 (may) and i don't recall any cranes in the city. the only building i saw u/c ('cept for CW) was the city hall. i do recall a spot that was being excavated that had remnents of the old rose theater a few blacks away from the globe. like an ass, i forgot my didgital camera.

btw, swiss re is an awesome building and it works well with the nearby T42. i'm diggin the 'ceiling'. :yes:

^^ the Baltic Exchange (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Exchange) used to occupy that spot but an IRA bomb destroyed it in 1992 :rant:

http://www.theoldbalticexchange.co.uk/WebPageImages/OutSideTheBaltic.jpg

Well i have to say that after seeing pictures of it i didn't think it was a good looking building at all... but after seeing it up close when i last went to London i was amazed by how nice this building really is. 10/10

Sex toy gherkin is unsuitable for your city.

Sex toy gherkin is unsuitable for your city.
I have never seen a sex toy that shape is there something your not telling us?

I love London, but don't particularily like this building in London. I think it would
more suit Dubai or Shanghai. I know this will make people angry, but beauty is
in the eye of the beholder and this building just never grabbed me.

Considering it's in a skyscraper-part of London, I can't agree with people saying that it's not suitable in a London skyline. The building is extremely sophisticated, and unique! I love the colours! It just stands out so greatly! It's a pity the Baltic Exchange was demolished; that building looked beautiful also, but at least it's been replaced with something equally as impressive. Its sheer uniqueness really stands out for me though!

9.5/10

Sex toy gherkin is unsuitable for your city.

Get a life. And learn to appreciate architecture. You really don't have a clue, do you? You simply can't comprehend the awesome effect this building has had on this city, its image, and the morale of its people.

10/10 :banana2: :uh: :drool: :master:

4.5I was interested in what rail pictures were in your signature....but they weren't rail pictures whatsoever and its disgusting. You need help.

quality building will become a classic. 9.5/10
IshikawajimaHarima you are a very sick person.

9/10 how can someone not like it? :no: well i love it :)

So do I.
8/10

http://static.flickr.com/39/104341775_ee21a8f39c_o.jpg

here's how it looks from the top of Tower 42 :cheers:

http://www.pbase.com/lsyd/image/52805232.jpg

-

People either love it or hate it, im in the middle though nice building but looks stupid where it is

A gem of a tower. It's a really beautiful addition to London's skyline. :)

9.5/10

A classic, just a beauty. 10/10

I usually dont give 10 but this tower is simply amazing, beautiful! 10/10

This Is my favourite Sky Scraper!!

Fantastic in Size and design and looks great wherever you would put it...

10/10

exactly a classic and a beauty 10/10

http://news.jasonhawkes.com/l002.jpg

Well, it's too popular, and beatifully designed. But the red lights at night spoil it a little bit/
9.5/10

great tower 9/10

Nice, but it isn't the best tower in Europe. For me 8,5/10.

Nice tower,
but I prefer tower Abgar in Barcelona.

Construction:
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/swiss_re.swf

it's like a giant bullet. 5/10

Very oryginal 8,5\10

10/10 ;)

9/10

Quite impressive: 7,5/10

10/10

9/10 very nice!!! i really like it!

Well, it's too popular, and beatifully designed. But the red lights at night spoil it a little bit/
9.5/10

Would you rarther an aircraft plow into it? ;)

A fantastic tower, I only wish it was twice as tall !!!!!!!!

9.5/10

If you voted less than 9, how would you improve it to be a ten? I really can't see any improvements! 10/10

^^ lol.....9,5/10

10

The Best looking skyscraper in europe for now.

until Bishopsgate tower

a work of art. 9.5/10.

http://www.andrewor.com/blogimages/IMG_5254.jpg

just great, 10/10

only 10/10

10/10 100% superb amazing 5/5 10 out of 10!

http://static.flickr.com/51/163553500_4d0d01a45a_o.jpg

9/10