Architect Eric Parry unveils design for London’s tallest building
By Mike Chamernik, Associate Editor
The 1 Undershaft tower’s plans were unveiled this week. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, it will be London’s tallest skyscraper.
The Guardian reports that the structure will be a giant rectangular block that will taper very slightly, the edges converging to a hypothetical point at 10 times its height. It will be covered in Cor-Ten steel, which absorbs light, and white gloss will shine all the way to the top. Solid bronze cross-bracing will be situated on its exterior.
Public space will be located at the base of the building, while the tower’s upper stories will have a viewing gallery and restaurant.
At 309 meters (a little more than 1,000 feet), the tower will rival The Shard, a 95-story tower, as London tallest. Both towers are capped at that height due to a city ordinance.
The 73-story 1 Undershaft is planned to house 10,000 workers and contain 90,000 sf of office space. The architects plan to submit an application to the City of London in 2016.