Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, have you seen 20 Fenchurch Street? This skyscraper boasts a unique shape. It is located in London’s historic financial district.
20 Fenchurch Street is known as “The Walkie-Talkie”. This nickname comes from its resemblance to the communication device. Let’s explore the facts and controversies surrounding this building.
Construction finished in spring 2014. The “sky garden” opened in January 2015. The building has 38 stories and stands 160 meters tall. That is 525 feet.
Originally, the tower was planned to be taller. Concerns arose about its impact on St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. The design was scaled down and approved in 2006.
Even after the height reduction, worries persisted. A public inquiry in 2007 ruled in favor of the developers. Full planning permission was granted.
The building’s distinctive top-heavy design is striking. It widens as it rises. A viewing deck, bar and restaurants occupy the top three floors. These are open to the public with some restrictions.
In 2015, 20 Fenchurch Street won the Carbuncle Cup. This award is given to the worst new building in the UK. Critics have not been kind.
One major issue was solar glare. During construction, the building acted as a concave mirror. It focused sunlight onto the streets below. Temperatures soared. A car’s bodywork melted. Someone even fried an egg using the reflected heat. The media then nicknamed it the “Walkie-Scorchie”.
Permanent awnings were installed in 2014. They diffused the reflections. The architect also designed the Vdara hotel in Las Vegas. It had a similar “death ray” problem.
The Sky Garden was meant to be a public amenity. It was part of the justification for building such a large structure. Critics say the garden does not live up to expectations. Access is restricted. The design is underwhelming.
Another problem emerged after construction. The building created unexpected wind tunnels at street level. Complaints increased about the strong draughts.
Despite the criticisms, 20 Fenchurch Street has many tenants. Insurance companies and IT firms occupy its office spaces. The ground floor is used for retail.
In 2017, Lee Kum Kee Groups purchased the building. The price was a staggering £1.3 billion. Savills Management Resources manages 20 Fenchurch Street.
Previously, a different building stood here. It was a 91-meter-tall structure with 25 stories. It was built in 1968.
20 Fenchurch Street remains a topic of discussion. Its unique design sparks both admiration and controversy. It is a prominent landmark in London’s skyline.