Standing tall in the bustling city of London, the Walkie Talkie building, officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street, has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline. This distinctive skyscraper has a rich history and is known for its unique design and stunning views of the city. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of the london walkie talkie.
The Walkie Talkie building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2014. Its distinctive shape, with its curved glass facade, earned it the nickname “Walkie Talkie” due to its resemblance to the handheld communication devices of the same name. The building stands at 525 feet tall and features 34 floors of office space, as well as a public sky garden on the top three floors, offering panoramic views of London.
One of the most notable features of the Walkie Talkie building is its unique concave design, which caused unexpected problems after its completion. In 2013, the building gained notoriety when it was reported that the curved glass facade was acting as a concave mirror, reflecting intense sunlight onto the street below. The concentrated sunlight was so intense that it caused damage to parked cars, melted bicycle seats, and even scorched a doormat. This phenomenon became known as the “Walkie Scorchie” and led to the installation of a temporary sunshade to mitigate the sunlight reflection.
Despite this early hiccup, the Walkie Talkie building has since become a popular landmark in London. Its public sky garden, located on the 35th floor, is a unique feature that sets it apart from other skyscrapers in the city. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the River Thames, the Tower of London, and other iconic landmarks while surrounded by lush greenery in the sky garden.
The Walkie Talkie building has also become home to a number of prestigious tenants, including financial services firms, insurance companies, and media organizations. Its prime location in the City of London makes it a desirable address for businesses looking to establish a presence in the heart of the capital.
In addition to its architectural and design features, the Walkie Talkie building is also home to a variety of amenities for its tenants. The building boasts a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as a fitness center and bicycle storage facilities. Its central location provides easy access to public transportation, making it a convenient choice for commuters and visitors alike.
The Walkie Talkie building has received numerous accolades for its design and sustainability features. It was awarded the 2015 Carbuncle Cup for the worst building in the UK, but it has also received praise for its innovative design and energy-efficient features. The building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating for its sustainability initiatives, including green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient systems.
In conclusion, the london walkie talkie building is a striking addition to the city’s skyline with a rich history and unique design. Despite its early challenges with sunlight reflection, it has become a popular landmark in London, known for its stunning views, public sky garden, and desirable office space. Whether you’re a visitor admiring the views from the sky garden or a tenant enjoying the amenities, the Walkie Talkie building offers a truly unique experience in the heart of London.