London’s Iconic Modern Architecture
Big Ben and Tower Bridge have long been the avatars of the city. The current century has added many more buildings that are unique and distinctive not just in London but in the world. Many are designed as public spaces, for the London public to use and enjoy:
- The Millennium Bridge : on TV and film every day
- The Millennium Eye
- The O2 Arena
- The new Wembley stadium
- The Olympic stadium
Private buildings for public viewing
Private buildings in London are also designed to be eye-catching and memorable. The architects are charged with creating a memorable and unique building, even though the use is as mundane offices. Here are some examples:
The Shard
Designed by Renzo Piano, The Shard is a 310-metre tall skyscraper located in Southwark. Its glass façade reflects the sky, creating an ever-changing appearance. As one of the tallest buildings in Europe, it houses offices, restaurants, a hotel, and an observation deck.
The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe)
Designed by Foster + Partners, this iconic building is known for its unique, rounded design. Its energy-efficient features and innovative construction have made it a symbol of sustainable architecture.
The Walkie-Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street)
Designed by Rafael Viñoly, this building stands out with its distinctive, top-heavy shape. The structure is home to offices and the Sky Garden, a public viewing platform offering panoramic views of the city.
One Canada Square
Located in Canary Wharf, One Canada Square was designed by César Pelli. This 50-storey skyscraper features a pyramid roof and remains a key part of London’s financial district skyline.
City Hall
Designed by Norman Foster, this striking building on the Thames serves as the headquarters of the Greater London Authority. Its rounded, leaning design promotes energy efficiency while offering a modern civic presence.
The Scalpel (52 Lime Street)
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, The Scalpel features sharp, angular lines that complement its surroundings in the financial district. It serves as a prime example of contemporary office design.
The Switch House, Tate Modern
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the Switch House is a bold extension of the Tate Modern art gallery. Its twisted, brick-clad design contrasts with the original power station while offering expansive views from its terrace.
The Leadenhall Building
Known as “The Cheesegrater,” this building was designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Its distinctive tapering shape ensures it does not block views of St Paul’s Cathedral while offering modern office space.
One Blackfriars
Designed by SimpsonHaugh and Partners, this mixed-use skyscraper is nicknamed “The Vase” due to its curving form. It houses luxury apartments and a hotel, making it a landmark on the South Bank.
Coal Drops Yard
Designed by Heatherwick Studio, this shopping and dining destination repurposes two 19th-century coal warehouses. The unique “kissing rooftops” design blends heritage with contemporary architecture.
Your building, our name
One way Londoners adapt to the city’s rapid pace of change is with words. New buildings are given new names, and once this happens they are somehow part of the fabric of the city and of daily life. It’s not the name the builders or owners chose, but it is the name that sticks. For example, think of the Wobbly Bridge, and the Gerkin.
Ever Higher
The iconic Shard is the highest building in London, and also the highest building in Western Europe. A new building called The Tulip will claim second place, at just over 300m. It will be built in Bury St, and is planned for 2025. Almost everybody objected to its construction, from the mayor of London to English Heritage. Despite that money talks and the building will go ahead.
Both buildings are also instantly recognisable. It’s interesting that the developers are now nicknaming their own buildings, to pre-empt the names Londoners will invent. Given that the new tulip is clearly also a phallic symbol, that’s probably a good idea.