The Shard in London: An Iconic Design and Engineering Marvel
The skyline of London is unique in its own right, with several historic landmarks like the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. However, a recent addition to this skyline has garnered attention and admiration for its unique design and engineering marvel.
This article is going to delve into everything you need to know about the Shard in London, from its design and height to its planning and construction, and much more.
Overview of the Shard in London
The Shard is a 309-meter-tall (1,016 feet) glass structure located in the Southwark district of London. The building stands tall with its impressive 72 floors that offer stunning, panoramic views of the city.
The architects behind the design are Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, and his team at the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. The Shard’s construction started in March 2009 and was completed in November 2012.
Design and Height
The Shard’s signature feature is its height, which makes it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the fourth-tallest in Europe. Its height allows it to offer an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, from the River Thames to the surrounding urban landscape.
The building has a unique design, which was inspired by the spire-like structures of London churches and railway stations. The Shard’s design comprises eight sloping glass facades that meet at the building’s apex, which is the spire.
Construction and Location
The Shard’s location is in Southwark, a bustling district on the south bank of the River Thames. Its construction was completed in November 2012, and the public could access the building from February 2013.
The Shard’s construction took 3 years to complete, and it was done in phases to avoid disruptions to the surrounding buildings. The building’s construction employed innovative engineering techniques, such as offsite prefabrication of sections to minimize the number of staff and equipment required on the building site.
Design and Planning of the Shard
Initial Design and Architect
The Shard’s initial design, conceived by architect Renzo Piano, was a spire-like glass edifice inspired by the surrounding railway and church spires. The design was selected in 2000 through a design competition held by the London Bridge Quarter, and Renzo Piano Building Workshop was lucky to win the competition.
The winning design focused on creating a mixed-use public space that would benefit the surrounding neighborhoods and communities.
Planning and Approval
In 2003, the design received approval, but it was not until 2006 that the planning authority issued a decision on planning permission. The authorities called for a full public inquiry into the plans, which lasted until early 2008.
The inquiry covered all aspects of the plans, such as the design, the effect on the local amenities and transport infrastructure, and the impact on the environment. The inquiry concluded that the Shard’s design had an outstanding quality that would benefit the city’s skyline positively.
A CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) review of the Shard design also provided favorable comments on its visual and economic characteristics. In November 2008, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the Shard’s planning approval.
Conclusion
The Shard in London is a unique addition to the city’s skyline. It encompasses a multifunctional space that includes residential apartments, offices, restaurants, and retail space.
Its height, design, and innovative engineering techniques make it an iconic structure worldwide. The Shard’s design is a testament to the innovative thinking of its architects and the authorities’ planning and approval of the building.
The Shard’s impact on London’s skyline is immense, and its presence is an inspiration to the city’s future architects and engineers. Construction of the Shard: A Remarkable Feat of Engineering and Architecture
The construction of the Shard was a monumental undertaking that employed innovative engineering and construction techniques.
The end result is a breathtaking structure that stands out among London’s majestic skyline. In this section, we’ll explore the construction of the Shard, from the period methods used to the installation of the spire and the building’s completion.
Construction Period and Methods
The construction of the Shard began in March 2009 and was completed on schedule in November 2012. One of the notable techniques used during the construction was “top-down” construction.
This technique was essential in enabling the project team to build the underground floors while erecting the building’s superstructure simultaneously. The approach allowed the team to work without obstructing existing tube lines and utility networks.
Cranes played a critical role in the construction of the Shard. One of the project’s essential characteristics was a central core, which was a solid concrete tower that rose to a height of 244 meters.
The core was built using high-strength concrete in a continuous pouring process. Nineteen hybrid cranes, including several self-erecting city cranes, were used to lift the forms for the concrete core.
The concrete floors also played a critical role in the building’s construction, as they were essential in supporting the steelwork. The concrete floors were cast out of high-quality self-compacting concrete in a single pour.
In addition, cladding panels were also fitted using innovative techniques, including flying the panels in place using mini cranes.
Installation of Spire and Completion
One of the essential features of the Shard’s design is the 66-meter spire that adorns the building’s apex. The spire was fabricated out of steel, and it represents the Shard’s final structure.
After the steel was transported to the site, it was hoisted onto the building’s tower, with a mechanism designed specifically for its installation. During the installation process, the spire was divided into three parts, each measuring 25 meters, to reduce structural stress.
The sections were then installed using high-tension bolts, and the final section was topped by the crowning piece, which consisted of a 22-meter mast. After the spire’s installation, the building’s construction was complete.
The Shard stands tall at 309.6 meters, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the fourth-tallest in Europe.
Notable Events and Activities at the Shard
The Shard has been a platform for various events and activities since its completion. These events have ranged from base jumping and urban exploration to protests and special events.
Let’s explore some of these notable events and activities further.
Urban Exploration and Base Jumping
Urban exploration and base jumping are just some of the activities that people have engaged in on top of the Shard. One such example is Dan Witchalls, who is a member of the Place Hackers, a group known for infiltrating and exploring inaccessible buildings worldwide.
In July 2012, he made it to the top of the Shard and filmed the whole experience, showcasing sensational views of the city. Another notable event was in September 2012 when two base jumpers made their way to the top of the Shard and performed a stunt.
The event made it to the news, drawing attention to the Shard’s unique structure. The stunt also coincided with the building’s “topping out” ceremony, signifying the moment when the building’s highest point was finally reached.
Protests and Special Events
The Shard has also been an ideal location for hosting protests and special events. In December 2013, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, attended a top corporate meal at the Shard, but it was marred by anti-capitalist protests held outside the building.
In 2019, French daredevil Alain Robert climbed the Shard’s exterior, drawing attention to the building’s intricate design and impressive height. In May 2019, Greenpeace activists scaled the Shard to protest against BP’s oil rig currently situated in the North Sea.
The activists climbed 310 meters to the top, draped a banner, and spent several hours at the summit before coming down. In conclusion, the Shard is an engineering and architectural masterpiece that has captured the world’s attention.
Its construction was an immense undertaking that used innovative techniques to bring it to life. The Shard has also been a platform for various activities, ranging from base jumping and urban exploration to protests and special events, showcasing the building’s versatility.
The Shard will continue to be a symbol of London’s ingenuity and innovation for years to come. The Shard in Pop Culture: A Global Icon in Film, TV, and Video Games
The Shard has become an iconic representation of London globally, gaining popularity not only as a tourist attraction but also in popular culture.
In this section, we’ll explore the Shard’s various appearances in pop culture, from movies and TV shows to its role in the gaming industry. Movie, TV, and Video Game Appearances
The Shard has made several appearances in popular culture, including various movies, TV shows, and video games.
One notable example is the animated film “The Snowman and the Snowdog,” which features a scene where the film’s protagonist and a snowman ride the elevator to the top of the building and take in the stunning views of London. Another popular example is the TV show “Doctor Who,” where the Doctor is seen flying around the Shard with his TARDIS in the 2013 Christmas special.
The Shard also played a significant role in the 2019 Marvel superhero film, “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” The Shard is depicted as Tower Bridge in the film, where Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, fights elemental forces in the final battle scene. In the gaming industry, the Shard has played a role in various games, including “Batman: Arkham Knight,” where the building is a backdrop for some of the game’s missions, and “Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate,” where players can climb and explore the building’s exterior.
Beyond entertainment, the Shard has been a part of the music industry, with Machine Gun Kelly, an American rapper, performing a special concert from the building’s rooftop in 2020. The concert was available to stream live on his YouTube channel, gaining wide attention.
Tourist Attraction and Observation Deck
The Shard has established itself as one of London’s top tourist attractions, offering visitors spectacular views of the city’s skyline. The building’s observation deck, known as The View from The Shard, is the tallest viewpoint in London, standing 244 meters high.
The observation deck offers visitors a 360-degree view of the city, letting them see as far as 64km on a clear day. The View from The Shard has been visited by millions of people and is an excellent way for visitors to experience London’s majestic beauty.
In addition to the observation deck, the Shard is also home to several restaurants, bars, and retail spaces, making it a complete experience for visitors and locals alike.
Ownership and Financing
The Shard is co-owned by Sellar Property and the State of Qatar. The ownership structure came about after Irvine Sellar, the Shard’s developer, partnered with Qatari investors to buy out the remaining leases in Southwark Tower, which stood in the Shard’s future site.
Initial Funding and Investment
The Shard’s funding was a combination of equity and debt provided by a consortium of investors, with Irvine Sellar partnering with CLS Holdings. The total amount invested in the Shard’s development was 435 million, with most of the funds going towards construction costs.
The funding structure ensured that the project was not dependent on one single investor, allowing it to weather any financial challenges that could arise.
Current Ownership
Sellar Property and the State of Qatar each own a 50% stake in the Shard. The State of Qatar has been an investor in the UK property market, with investments in various other London landmarks, such as the Savoy Hotel and Harrods.
The Shard’s co-ownership structure allows both parties to leverage their expertise and push the building towards greater success. In conclusion, the Shard has established itself as a global icon and a prime representation of London’s architectural and engineering prowess.
The building’s appearance in various movies, TV shows, and video games has made it a part of popular culture. Its observation deck and various offerings have made it a must-see for tourists, while its co-ownership structure ensures it can weather any challenges and continue to be a beacon of London’s innovation for years to come.
In conclusion, the Shard in London stands as a remarkable feat of engineering and architecture, captivating both locals and visitors alike. Its unique design, height, and construction methods have made it an iconic structure that has left an indelible mark on the city’s skyline.
From its appearances in popular culture to its status as a popular tourist attraction, the Shard has become a symbol of London’s innovation and cultural significance. With its co-ownership structure and ongoing success, the Shard will continue to inspire generations to come, showcasing the power of visionary design and the ability to push architectural boundaries.