Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa October 2016 | Page 60

UK

London

21st century architectural wonders that have transformed the city skyline
BY JAMES GLEW

S

o, what makes London special, both as a place to
live and as a place to invest in? One aspect that
both Londoners and property investors agree on
is its amazing mix of architecture.
We all grew up with the iconic images of historical
London buildings capturing our imaginations, from
Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London
to the magnificent Houses of Parliament.
What I love about the London skyline today is
the way old and new fit so well together. They do not
compete, they complement each other. It really is a
marvellous, intriguing, vibrant city.
For me, the development of Canary Wharf ,
beginning in the 1980s, into a modern business district
rivaling London’s traditional financial centre, The
Square Mile, opened the door to this new London. It
takes guts and perseverance to make something this
visionary, happen.
Following on from Canary Wharf, the 21st century
has brought with it a number of new architectural
wonders that are once again transforming and adding

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OCTOBER 2016 SA Real Estate Investor

to the already iconic London skyline. Here are some
of the most significant new designs.

The Gherkin

30 St Mary Axe, better known by its nickname the
Gherkin, is one of the most eye-catching buildings
in London and it stands out prominently in the city’s
skyline.
The 41-story skyscraper was built in 2004 with
a modern glass and steel design. Even before its
construction was complete Londoners dubbed the
building the ‘Gherkin’ for its distinctive shape and it
is still known by that name.
The tower was built in the heart of the City of
London. The construction of this futuristic energy
saving, steel and glass high-rise in the middle of
a relatively low-rise area with plenty of historic
buildings and narrow medieval streets set off a new
debate about the need for tall buildings in the City
of London. It did however act as a catalyst for the
growing cluster of high-rises in the City.
www.reimag.co.za