London’s new site

Modern architecture is one of those things, it stands out, it causes discussions, and it suits you, or it doesn’t suit you. London has some extreme examples to offer in this regard. Thus, this part is a must for those interested in architecture. Then, during my visit on a beautiful morning (the only one where the sun was shining), I chose a route that conveniently combines some of the latest pieces of architecture.

I took the tube to Bank station and then walked east along Cornhill Leadenhall Street. On this street, there are some modern highlights in a tiny space. First you pass the impressive construction site of the “Pinnacle”. This 288 m high building was designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox.

Just behind it is the Swiss Re building, designed and completed by Norman Foster. Personally, I don’t like this cucumber at all…

Lime Street is home to Lloyd’s of London and next to it is The Willis Building (also by Norman Foster). The Lloyd’s of London is similar to the Centre Pompidou in Paris, as it was also designed by Richard Rogers and all utilities, stairs, etc. were “attached” outside.

The walk then takes you past an older building, the Tower of London, over Tower Bridge to the other side of the Thames. There it has a beautiful waterfront that runs past the new building complex of the London Riverside Development Area. At the very end of the short architectural walk, my personal highlight was the tallest building in Europe – the Shard. Designed by Renzo Piano, the 310-metre-high building was completed this summer and is a real landmark. How do you like it?