Historical charm of London is increasingly shrinking and changing, taking on the higher dose of modern cities of the future. It proves the latest plans for the highest skyscraper in British capitol. Designed by London’s Eric Parry Architects, the new tower, called 1 Undershaft will rise 309.6m in the heart of the city’s financial district, squeezed between the Cheesegrater and the Gherkin – other two City’s existing 21st century landmarks.
London’s Panorama
The 73-floor structure has been commissioned by Singapore-based Aroland Holdings. It will host a free public viewing gallery and restaurant, while the bottom of the tower will be raised 10m above ground to create new public space below.
“It will be a building where the public are put first with a new public square at its base and the capital’s tallest free public viewing gallery at its top,” Eric Parry said.
When finished, the building will accommodate 10,000 people. Shower and changing facilities as well as bike spaces for 1,500 are being incorporated to encourage active commuting.
London’s Panorama
The unique element of this new skyscrapers will be at its very top. The matte Cor-Ten steel will absorb light, while the white gloss will glint all the way to the top, using colour-changing paint at the upper levels to cap the tower with a sparkly rainbow headband.
A date for completion is not yet set, with reports so far saying that it will open within the next decade.
London’s Panorama
