The Shard

The Shard, which is located on the southern bank of the Thames, towers over the iconic London Bridge Quarter. Called by some a monument to greed and a “broken Britain,” the building is almost entirely owned by the state of Qatar. But it is hard to deny that the 72-story mixed-use development, which boasts 360 degree views that extend 40 miles across the city, involves an extraordinary feat of both design and engineering. After three years of construction the mammoth 1,016 foot “vertical city” is now Western Europe’s tallest building.

As far as massive skyscrapers go The Shard is eco-conscious. Of the steel that was used in construction, 20% was recycled, while 95% of the waste produced during construction was recycled as well. Also, sky gardens on each floor promote natural ventilation and improve air quality. Whether one loves or hates the newest, tallest addition to London’s skyline is probably a matter of taste.