Modern Architecture of London

London is full of exciting architecture, mixing the old with the new. Focusing on the modern architecture there are a few pieces that are a must-see. One of the most recent additions is Norman Foster's "Gherkin" which is an office building. This is closed to the general public but can be seen from some bridges and from the plaza of the building. The plaza contains retail shops and restaurants. This building is also designed to be more environmentally friendly using natural light and uses less energy to light and heat/cool the building.

Another modern piece is Lloyd's building desidned by Richard Rogers. It was built from 1978 - 1986. Innovation was key in this building where staircases, elevators, and pipes are located on the outside of the building leaving the inside open and uncluttered. There are 12 glass lifts that were the first of their kind in London. Rogers also helped design the Pompidou Center with Renzo Piano which had the same kind of design.

Tower 42 is the fifth tallest skyscraper in London. It was originally built for the National Westminster Bank and resembles the NatWest logo. The tower was design by Richard Seifert and was built 1971 - 1979. It is 600 feet high. It was the first skyscarper in the city and was extremely controversial at this time. It had gone against the previous restrictions on tall buildings in London. It is constructed around a huge concrete core where the floors are cantilevered from, which gives it strength but also limits the amount of space.

Cesar Pelli designed One Canada Square which is the tallest building in London and is 50 stories high.This bulding was completed in 1991. This building is identifiable by it's obelisk-shaped tower that contains and aircraft warning light flashing on top. This building is known as Canary Wharf or Canary Wharf Tower but was formerly known as Canada Tower. It is a well visible London landmark and is clearly visitble at a far distance.

Millenuium Dome was built to hold a major exhibition celebrating the new millenium. This exhibition ran from Jaunuary 1, 2000 to Decmeber 31, 2000. This exhibition was a political controversy and did not bring in the amount of visitors that it had hoped for. Since then many ideas for the reuse of this building have been proposed ut mostly rejected. It is now to be turned into and indoor sporting arena.