In the heart of London, the Walkie Talkie building, also known as 20 Fenchurch Street, stands tall and proud. However, this iconic building has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The unique design of the building has led to a number of issues that have caused inconvenience and even danger to those in and around the area.
The Walkie Talkie building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2014. The most striking feature of the building is its curved glass facade, which reflects sunlight and creates a magnifying effect. This has led to some serious problems.
Firstly, the intense heat generated by the sun’s reflection has caused damage to nearby buildings and cars. In 2013, a Jaguar owner claimed that his car’s wing mirror melted due to the concentrated sunlight reflected from the Walkie Talkie building. The damage was so severe that it even warped part of the car’s bodywork.
Secondly, pedestrians walking on the street below have reported feeling intense heat from above, with some claiming it was like walking through a “heat ray.” In fact, temperatures on the pavement have been recorded as high as 91°C (196°F), hot enough to fry an egg.
The issue was so severe that in 2015, scaffolding was erected along the south-facing side of the building to prevent further damage and reduce glare. This cost over £5 million and lasted for over a year.
In addition to these problems, there have also been reports of strong winds around the building due to its unique shape. This has caused some people to struggle to walk on nearby streets due to powerful gusts of wind.
Despite these issues, efforts have been made to address them. Sunshade panels were installed on the south-facing side of the building in 2016, which have reportedly reduced solar glare significantly. However, concerns about wind remain unresolved.
In conclusion, while the Walkie Talkie building is certainly an impressive architectural feat, its unique design has caused a number of problems. From melting cars to scorching pavements, the building’s curved glass facade has led to a range of issues that have caused inconvenience and danger for those in and around the area. While some solutions have been found, the building remains a controversial landmark in London’s skyline.
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