The Shard

I've seen this building many times over the years as it slowly grew and took shape. The official opening took place recently.

The Daily Telegraph had an article at the time of the opening which explores the various impacts that the Shard is likely to make on the city.
Has the Shard changed London forever ?

The tallest building in Western Europe at 1016ft (309.6m) in height, the Shard skyscraper in London Bridge was inaugurated yesterday. Today the first batch of tickets is released for its viewing platform, the View from The Shard.
The View from The Shard observation area will be housed in the 68th-72nd floors of the skyscraper some 800ft (244m) above the capital. From that vantage point, guests will be able to see up to 40 miles (64km) away.
The viewing platforms are accessed by two high-speed ‘kaleidoscopic’ lifts that ascend to the building’s 68th level in 30 seconds. From that point, visitors are invited to the triple-height, glass-fronted Level 69 where the surrounding cityscape is fully exposed. The highest point accessible to The View from The Shard visitors is on Level 72 where it will be possible to look upwards and see the few remaining floors taper out of sight as the separate panels of the building converge at its tip.


Image: Alan Parkinson

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