The Shard is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, standing tall and proud at a height of 309.6 meters. It’s a marvel of modern architecture, boasting 95 floors and breathtaking views of the city.
But is it really the tallest building in London? Let’s take a closer look.
London’s Skyline: A Brief History
London has always been a city of tall buildings and impressive architecture. From the medieval spires of St Paul’s Cathedral to the Victorian grandeur of the Houses of Parliament, London has never shied away from building upwards.
However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that London started to truly embrace skyscrapers. The first notable example was the NatWest Tower (now known as Tower 42), which was completed in 1980 and stood at 183 meters tall.
The Race for the Skies
Since Tower 42, London has seen a flurry of new skyscrapers being built, each one taller than the last. In fact, there seems to be an unspoken competition among architects and developers to create the tallest building in London.
For many years, Canary Wharf was home to some of London’s tallest buildings, including One Canada Square (235 meters) and HSBC Tower (200 meters). However, these were soon surpassed by The Shard when it was completed in 2012.
The Shard: Tallest or Not?
So, is The Shard really the tallest building in London? Well, it depends on how you define “tallest”. If you’re talking about overall height from ground level to roof level, then yes – The Shard is currently the tallest building in London.
However, if you’re talking about height from ground level to highest point (including antennae or spires), then The Shard falls short. In fact, there are several buildings in London that are taller than The Shard by this definition.
For example, One Canada Square in Canary Wharf is actually taller than The Shard if you include its spire. Similarly, the BT Tower in Fitzrovia is taller than The Shard when you take into account its antennae.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – The Shard is the tallest building in London if you’re measuring from ground level to roof level. However, if you’re measuring from ground level to highest point (including spires or antennae), then there are several buildings in London that are taller.
Regardless of where it falls on the list of tallest buildings, there’s no denying that The Shard is an impressive feat of engineering and architecture. Its unique design and stunning views make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting London.
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