30 St Mary Axe in London (England) - The Gherkin, Swiss Re
Where is located 30 St Mary Axe?
Address of 30 St Mary Axe is Ltd, 20 Bury Street, London EC3A 5AA, England
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When was built 30 St Mary Axe?
Built date of 30 St Mary Axe is May 2004 - opening date
Facts, informations and history of 30 St Mary Axe
London is a city full of extraordinary buildings, and one of the most characteristic of them is 30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as The Gherkin. This modern, cylindrical tower, rising high above the capital of Great Britain, has become one of the symbols of modern architecture. Although its official name comes from the address where it is located, the popular name of the building "The Cucumber" perfectly reflects its unusual shape. This building, designed by the legendary architect Norman Foster, not only delights with its form, but also hides many interesting facts, secrets and impressive technical data. In this article, we will take a closer look at this iconic building, its structure, significance and unique features.
History and origins of the building
30 St Mary Axe was built on the site of the former headquarters of the Baltic Exchange, which was destroyed in an IRA bombing in 1992. After many consultations, it was decided to design a modern office building that would not only replace the destroyed building, but also become a new icon of London. Norman Foster, an architect known for his many innovative projects, took on the task, and his vision of a modern, ecological building was widely acclaimed. The Gherkin officially opened in 2004 and has been attracting the attention of both locals and tourists ever since.
But can we say that it is just another skyscraper? Absolutely not. 30 St Mary Axe is more than just an impressive building. It is a symbol of progress in architecture, building technology and environmental care.
Architecture and innovation
The 180-metre-high, 41-storey building was designed to maximise energy efficiency. Although its construction may seem complicated, it is one of the most energy-efficient buildings in London. The structure is based on a steel frame, which not only supports the entire structure but also allows for optimum use of natural light and ventilation.
One of the most interesting features of the building is the fact that although most of the surface is glazed, there is only one rounded piece of glass, which is placed at the very top, in the lenticular section. The rest of the glass is flat panels, which, thanks to the appropriate inclination, create the illusion of a rounded surface.
The office building gradually widens from the base to reach its maximum width at the height of the 16th floor, and then narrows again towards the top. This dynamic shape not only attracts the eye, but also serves an aerodynamic function, minimizing the force of the wind pushing against the building.
Technical facts: dimensions and structural data
At first glance, 30 St Mary Axe may seem like a simply modern skyscraper. However, its construction hides many interesting technical facts. The building has 41 floors, the first 15 of which are rented by the Swiss Re group, which was one of the main investors in the project. Floors 16 to 34 are rented out to various businesses, while the upper floors are dedicated to bars and restaurants with panoramic views of London.
The building's design allows for up to 4,000 people to sleep, which is an average of around 10 square metres per person. Each floor is tilted at a 5-degree angle to the neighbouring floors, giving the building a distinctive spiral appearance.
The Gherkin was built using 55 kilometres of steel, weighing around 10,000 tonnes. The foundation piles reach a depth of 27 metres, ensuring the stability of the entire structure. These are impressive figures that show how complex and precise the process of building this iconic tower was.
Eco-friendly solutions
It is worth noting that 30 St Mary Axe is an eco-friendly building. Its design was developed to minimise energy consumption. The glazed facades allow for maximum use of daylight, which reduces the need for artificial lighting. Moreover, special natural ventilation systems allow for air exchange without the need for intensive use of air conditioning, which significantly reduces electricity consumption.
The high energy efficiency of the building is the result of modern technologies that integrate cooling, ventilation and heating systems. Thanks to this, The Gherkin uses significantly less energy than traditional buildings of similar size. This approach to architecture is proof that modern buildings can be both beautiful, functional and environmentally friendly.
Elevator and stair system
The building is served by 16 fast elevators, which move at a speed of up to 6 meters per second. Thanks to this, even with heavy traffic in the office building, the elevator journey is fast and efficient. A lift at this speed can cover almost 360 meters in a minute, which means that getting to the upper floors takes literally a few seconds.
In addition, the building has two main staircases, each with 1037 steps. This is an excellent emergency solution, as well as an option for those who would like to choose a more active way of moving around the building. The stairs, although less frequently used, play a key role in ensuring the safety and functionality of the entire facility.
Restaurants and bars at height
One of the most interesting elements of 30 St Mary Axe are the restaurants and bars located on the highest floors of the building. From the 38th to 40th floors, there is an incredible view of the London skyline, which attracts not only businessmen but also tourists. During dinner, the bars can accommodate 50 to 70 guests, and during cocktail parties this number increases to 120-260 people.
Thanks to this, The Gherkin is not only a place of work, but also one of the most fashionable places to meet people in London. The high-rise bars offer amazing experiences, both culinary and visual, making it the perfect place to spend an evening in the capital.
Interesting facts and awards
Although The Gherkin seems to be a relatively new building, it has already won many prestigious architectural awards. The building has been honored with the title of Best Central London Office Development 2004 and Best New London Building 2004. Other awards include Best British Innovation 2003 and Skyscraper Award 2003. These awards confirm not only the uniqueness of the project, but also its huge impact on the London landscape and the development of modern architecture.
One of the most interesting features of the building is that the total area of the glass façade is as much as 24,000 m², which is equivalent to five football pitches! This is a huge area of glass, which not only looks impressive, but also provides natural light throughout the building.
30 St Mary Axe, despite being built relatively recently, has won recognition from both architectural professionals and lovers of modern urbanism. Its innovative design and impact on the London landscape have earned it a number of prestigious awards. One of its first accolades was winning the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2004, considered one of the highest architectural awards in the UK. The jury praised the building for its unique approach to form and function and for its innovative ecological solutions, which set new standards for contemporary skyscrapers.
In 2005, The Gherkin also won the Emporis Skyscraper Award, which is awarded to the best skyscrapers in the world. This success put the building on the map of international architectural icons. In addition, Norman Foster's design won numerous awards in the categories of Design Excellence and Best Corporate Architecture, underlining the importance of this building not only as an innovative project, but also as a business-friendly place.
The distinction that the building won for its ecological construction is also extremely important. Thanks to its energy-efficient design and intelligent energy management systems, 30 St Mary Axe is considered one of the most sustainable skyscrapers in the world. Its eco-friendly approach has been honored with numerous sustainability and ecology certificates, including the prestigious LEED Gold.
30 St Mary Axe in culture
Due to its unique shape and significant presence in the London landscape, The Gherkin has become not only an architectural icon, but also a frequent motif in popular culture. Its recognizability means that it has appeared in numerous films, books and TV series, both as a background element and a key plot point.
One of the more famous films in which the building can be seen is "Match Point" directed by Woody Allen. The Gherkin appears in scenes set in London, adding a contemporary character to the city. Its unique silhouette has also been a backdrop in films such as "Basic Instinct 2" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", where it symbolizes the modernity and dynamism of modern London. In the case of films such as "Thor: The Dark World", the skyscraper was one of the elements of the London skyline, showing the fusion of the old and new city.
30 St Mary Axe is not limited to films. It has also appeared in many books and novels, often serving as a symbol of technological progress and modernity. In crime novels and thrillers, such as those by Robert Harris, the building is often depicted as a meeting place for important businessmen, which emphasizes its corporate nature.
One of the most famous appearances in literature is its presence in academic books and albums on contemporary architecture. Many authors use The Gherkin as an example of innovative solutions in construction and energy, analyzing its impact on the development of 21st century architecture. The building is often mentioned in the context of sustainable development, making it not only a visual icon, but also a model for future architectural designs.
Summary
30 St Mary Axe is more than just a modern skyscraper. It is a symbol of innovation, energy efficiency and attention to aesthetics. Its distinctive silhouette has become one of the most recognizable elements of the London landscape. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, the building is ecological and efficient, and its functionality makes it one of the most desirable places to work and meet in the capital.
It is worth visiting the top floors and admiring the panorama of London from one of the most important buildings of the 21st century.
Architect of 30 St Mary Axe
How many meters have 30 St Mary Axe?
Height of 30 St Mary Axe is 180 meters
Construction/building type
Building 30 St Mary Axe is of type Office building, A modern skyscraper
Architectural style
Architectural style of 30 St Mary Axe is Modern
Modern architectural style is a style characterised primarily by simple and regular forms, a lack of ornamentation and the use of modern building materials. It is significantly different from other architectural styles, such as Baroque, Gothic or Renaissance, where more complex forms and rich ornamentation predominated. ... czytaj więcej.
What material is the building made of?
30 St Mary Axe is made of the following materials: Concrete slabs reinforced with steel, glass, aluminum
Other names
The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. The Gherkin, Swiss Re
Official website
The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://www.30stmaryaxe.com
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