The Shard

Renzo Piano's glass masterpiece is set to light up Southwark

Location: 32 London Bridge

Description: 'Shard London Bridge', previously known as London Bridge Tower, and also known as the Shard of Glass,is a skyscraper under construction in Southwark, London.

When completed in 2012, it will be the tallest building in the European Union and the 45th tallest building in the world.

It is the second tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom after the 1,084ft (330.4m) Emley Moor transmitting station.

The tower will stand 1,017 ft (310 m) tall and have 72 floors, plus 15 further radiator floors in the roof. The building has been designed with an irregular triangular shape from the base to the top. It will be clad entirely in glass. The viewing gallery and open-air observation deck will be on the top (72nd) floor.

The building replaces Southwark Towers, a 24-storey office building of 1976. Renzo Piano, the building's architect, worked together with architectural firm Broadway Malyan during the planning stage of the project.

Tours: camden town

Tours: New London Architecture 2012

Tours: New Tour

Themes: Architecture Architecture Theme