They'd done a lot of the prep, but hadn't got going on the construction proper. I'm surprised that the Bank St tower is big enough, compared to the two massive towers of Riverside South.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pesto
Well, since I didn't offend anyone with my ONC comments, let me try the Gherkin. To my thinking the principal building in that area was Holland House, which has a vaguely Tudor-esque, vaguely Dutch cross-hatched pattern, which has a nice rhythm and is quite attractive. The rest of the area is consistent with it in size and look, although not particularly interesting.
The Gherkin seems out of place. I tried to see it as a twisted version of a cross-hatch but I couldn't do it. Color and shape likewise seem alien to the area. I guess it is trying for an organic, growing, bursting out look, but again, that isn't the place for it.
I didn't think it played well from longer distance either. From across the Thames, it stands out along with St. Paul's and the towers of the Cannon St. Station. However, I couldn't feel any dialog among them. I don't think the Gherkin had much to say other than I'm big and green.
In the right place it could have been good. Maybe in Canary Wharf which could use a little jazzing-up and could certainly use some "greenery".
No offence taken - it's good to get a bit of debate going on these pages - though I do disagree! Although the Gherkin doesn't always blend in, it does provide a great contrast, especially when viewed from the west and south.
Before the Gherkin went up, the dominant building in that area was the Aviva tower, a stunted Mies-a-likey that dragged the mood down somewhat. The curves of the Gherkin contrast nicely with the van der Rohe style building, one curvey, the other sternly rectangular, one a little fanciful, the other serious and deliberate. They make a good couple.
Some pics of the New Change shopping centre, opposite St Paul's, now it's open:
Still not doing much for Cheapside:
But the pavement widening should make the road more bearable for pedestrians:
The south side is more elegant:
Nice view of the cathedral from the main entrance:
And it pops up in other places in the shopping centre:
At the centre is a Lloyds-style set of lifts:
Lots of shiny, funky shapes inside:
The centre opens up a pedestrian way from a back entrance to the charming Bow Lane. Sadly, you have to find your way through a poorly designed hole of a pedestrian passage on the way, but for those who persevere, it is a nice way to get from the edge of the City to its heart:
I think it will be nice. I've never been a fan of the egg like buildings of like Barcelona or London. I like how the Shard will look when done, but not nearly as much as I like the plans of the Pinnacle. I really like the Pinnacle design.
Went past Richard Roger's new luxury flats in Knightsbridge this week (1 Hyde Park). I didn't think much of them when they were being built, but now they are nearly finished, they look pretty classy. The patinated copper privacy screens blend in well with the red brick of the neighbouring buildings (I wonder if the screens will turn greenish with age?)
The glass - encased stairways in between the blocks look cool too - no doubt they look great at night when lit up.
When I did my tour of New Change, I neglected to go to the 6th floor roof terrace, which is open to the public but will only have restaurants etc. from March. Here are some shots from a cloudy evening last week.
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