The 30 St Mary Axe Building

We are going to introduce one of the most buildings in a historic area of London, the 30 St Mary Axe Building.This building has a distinctive shape and it is better known as The Gherkin.

First of all, we are talking about its history. Who is the architect.

We are talking about about its location and we are describing the neighborhood.

Then We are introduce the reasons for its construction, why did the building built.

After that we are talking about its construction, how the building made of. We'll explain its structure

History

The beginning of the 30 St Mary Axe Building started by an explosion in the financial district of London. The IRA made a terrorist attack near the Baltic Exchange, causing high damage to the building. Thereafter, the building was demolished by city officials decision. Then a larger tower was built at its place. At its beginning the 30 St Mary Axe building was a taller building better known as the “ Millenium Tower “. The construction of this original tower has never begun because it could be a negative impact for the air traffic. So the projectwas broken and Norman Foster, the architect in charge, created a new version, The 30 St Mary Axe Building.The skyscraper was built in 2004 and designed by Foster's firm. Foster and company is a famous firm working in Europe. They work to create a new approach. They are convinced that the environment directly affects our lifestyle at home or at public places. That is why this building is so important because it represents this new idea. The 30 St Mary Axe Building construction began in 2001 and it was completed in December 2003. it was then acquired by an insurance company, and became known as the Swiss Re Building.

The 30 St Mary Axe comes from the street address but the Londoners nicknamed “ The Gherkin “ even before the construction is finished. They call it “ the Gherkin ” ofr its unique and clear shape.

Its location

The gherkin is considered as one of several modern buildings in the area of London.

The tower was built in the site of Baltic Exchange, in the heart of London Financial district .

It is located in liveliest neighborhoor of the city. You can find a lot of restaurants and bars, a lot of transport hubs and premium stores near the Gherkin. This part of the town has many historic buildings and narrow streets. Many people has criticized the presence of this modern tower in the center of London. The contrast between new and older buildings was shocking but the Gherkin can also provide a new working context. it infuses a new energy in the city of London. it infuses a new energy in the city of London while remaining inconspicuous and its transparency.

The 30 St Mary Axe Building is a special London address because it provides a highly flexible space and many views for spectators of the city and plus it is an outstanding place to work.

Why did the building build ? The reasons of its construction

The 30 St Mary Axe Building is the first ecological tall building in London. It proposed in a radical and innovative approach – technically, architecturally, socially and spatially.

Thanks to its energy-conscious enclosure, it helps to have a triangulated skin for walls and roof allowing column-free floor space, light and views.

It rises fourty-one storeys and provides 76 400 square meters of accomodation including offices and a shopping accessed from a new created public plaza. At the very top of the building, there is a club room that offers a spectacular 360 degree panorama across the capital. This distinctive shape responds to the constraints of the site. The building appears more slender than a rectangular typical skyscraper ; reflections are reduced and the 30 St Mary Axe Building can be more transparent.

Environmentally its profile reduces the amount of wind deflected to the ground compared to a rectilinear tower helping ti maintain pedestrian comfort and creates external pressure differentials that are exploited to drive a unique system of natural ventilation.

Conceptually the 30 St Mary Axe Building suggests a new rapport between nature and workplace.

The Gherkin frame opens up the building to light and views and also offers large social spaces.

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