Swiss Re Headquarters

The new Swiss Re Tower or Gherkin as it is affectionately known, rises like the fabled phoenix from the ashes of the bombed Baltic Exchange site in the heart of London’s financial district. At 180 metres, the forty-storey tower breaks free from the traditional box-like buildings that currently dominate the London skyline. “It’s part of a wider evolution toward more interesting forms of buildings around the world,” says Lord Foster. But far from being a gimmick, this environmentally friendly structure heralds what could be seen as a new beginning in inner city building design.

Lord Foster: "we did all the modelling, all the computer simulations to explore how it would look and how it would sit in the city. Yet, I love the way I still get unexpected views of it from all over London, and unexpected reflections of other buildings in its walls."

www.fosterandpartners.com