London is a city known for its stunning architecture and iconic landmarks. However, there is one building that has gained notoriety for an unexpected reason – it melts cars!
Yes, you read that right. The peculiar phenomenon has left many puzzled and curious as to how a building can have such an effect. In this article, we will delve into the details of what building in London melts cars and why.
The Walkie Talkie Building
The culprit behind the melting cars is none other than the Walkie Talkie building, officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street. The 37-story skyscraper located in the financial district of London was designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2014.
At first glance, it appears to be just another modern glass tower with a unique curved shape. However, its distinctive design has caused some unexpected issues.
The Sun’s Reflection
The Walkie Talkie building’s concave shape acts like a mirror, reflecting sunlight onto the surrounding area. This is known as the magnifying glass effect or the solar convergence phenomenon. The reflected sunlight can reach temperatures of up to 91 degrees Celsius (196 degrees Fahrenheit), hot enough to melt cars parked nearby.
Recorded Incidents
The first recorded incident of car damage occurred in 2013 when a Jaguar owner claimed that his car was partially melted due to the heat from the reflected sunlight. Since then, there have been several reported cases of melted car parts including wing mirrors and bodywork.
One of the most notable incidents involved Martin Lindsay, a businessman who parked his Jaguar XJ at a nearby parking lot in 2013. When he returned to his car after two hours, he found that part of his car had melted due to the intense heat from the reflected sunlight.
Preventive Measures
The Walkie Talkie building has since undergone modifications to prevent further incidents. In 2014, the developers installed a temporary sunshade on the building’s exterior to block the reflected sunlight. This was later replaced by a permanent brise-soleil system, which consists of a series of horizontal fins that reduce the amount of sunlight reflected onto the street.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the Walkie Talkie building’s unique design has caused unexpected issues due to its ability to reflect sunlight onto nearby areas. While it may be an impressive feat of engineering, it highlights the importance of considering the potential impact of architectural designs on surrounding environments. So next time you park your car near a glass tower, be mindful of where you’re leaving it!