London’s Vertical City

When the Shard went up, many Londoners, including myself, were like, oh no, not another Skyscraper. Over time, and 14 years later, the Shard has become a landmark seen from many different spots across the capital.

However, having visited it countless times, I'm overwhelmed by its magnitude and height, especially when you stand at the base.

Looming Presence

No matter where you go in central London. You'll likely see it; I can even see it from my high street😅. I was in Camberwell in South London on my way home, and as soon as we got closer, I could see the famous icon looming large like a friendly presence.

I have clients inside, so I get to go every so often. I’ve also been to the Shangri-La, all the way up to the 50th Floor.

Economic Revival

Walking around the London Bridge area these days is a great reminder of how much the area has changed and for the better. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and independent shops. Plus Borough Market is around the corner.

People flock to London Bridge, not because it’s a mainline hub, but because there’s lots to do. I believe The Shard was a major catalyst for the area's development. Considering the area’s Roman history, the recent developments are so spot on.

Cultural Trendsetter

Many people want a slice of the action. The building has been used as a backdrop for numerous films, TV shows, and music videos, including the James Bond film Skyfall and the Doctor Who series.

The Shard has also been featured in several art installations and performances, including a vertical dance performance by the French choreographer Philippe Petit in 2015.

I’m always discovering something new about The Shard and never shy away from bringing out my phone to snap a photo. Let me share the top 10 facts about The Shard.

Here are 10 facts about The Shard in London

1. The Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and Western Europe, standing at 309.6 metres (1,016 feet) high.

2. Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the building. He drew inspiration from the spires of London churches and the masts of ships (as seen in Canaletto's paintings). His vision was that of a “shard of crystal” or a spire emerging from the River Thames.

3. Construction began in March 2009 on the site of the former Southwark Towers. It was topped out in March 2012 and formally inaugurated on 5 July 2012, with completion fully completed later that year.

4. The building has 95 storeys in total, of which 72 are habitable. The highest public observation deck (The View from The Shard) is on the 72nd floor, at around 244 metres.

5. Its exterior is covered by approximately 11,000 glass panels, with a total surface area equivalent to about eight football pitches (or roughly two and a half Trafalgar Squares).

6. Renzo Piano described it as a “vertical city” or “little vertical city.” It is a mixed-use building containing offices, restaurants and bars, the Shangri-La Hotel, private residences, and a public viewing gallery.

7. On a clear day, visitors to The View from The Shard can see for up to 40 miles (around 64 kilometres)across London and beyond. It is worth visiting on a clear day.

8. The building is served by 36 lifts (some double-decker), which travel at speeds of up to 6 metres per second. The total length of wiring inside is about 320 km (200 miles), which is roughly the distance from London to Paris.

9. A diverse workforce built The Shard. At the busiest point of construction, around 1,450 workers from 60 different countries were employed on the site. The structure was deliberately designed with only about 48 parking spaces to encourage the use of public transport, given its location next to London Bridge Station.

10. It is jointly owned by the State of Qatar (approximately 95%) and Sellar Property Group (5%). Where did it get its name? From the critics. Originally, it was called the London Bridge Tower. However, the critics won. They described the design as a “shard of glass through the heart of historic London.”

Parting Thoughts

As you know by now, I love spending time in the air…literally. In the beginning, I would feel a little lightheaded after a couple of hours, but not anymore.

If you want to see what a vertical city looks like, pop along to the Shard. From the base upwards, the place is bustling with people coming and going.

Can you visit The Shard for free? No. You would need to book tickets at the Shard Viewing Platform. However, if you don’t want to visit the Viewing Platform, head up to one of the restaurants or the Shangri-La Hotel for a light bite and drink.

Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply breathtaking views, visiting the Shard is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most vibrant cities.

Thank you for your attention, as always.

Best wishes

Tabby London