Other than being an eyesore that alters weather patterns and reflects enough heat to melt nearby luxury cars, London's 'Walkie-Talkie' building has been a roaring success.
A panel of architecture critics at Building Design magazine named the 37-story structure as the U.K.’s worst new building, according to NPR. Instead of being awarded a prestigious Stirling Prize, it was given the 2015 Carbuncle Cup.
Playfully nicknamed because of its slightly rounded, top-heavy shape, the building is officially called 20 Fenchurch Street. Architect Rafael Viñoly designed it, and it was completed last year, costing more than £200 million ($305 million) to construct.
The Walkie-Talkie is spacious: 680,000 sf and an occupational density of one person per eight square meters.
The design has been criticized for a number of reasons. The building has created wind patterns at street level that have knocked pedestrians around. Due to all the exterior glass and the curved shape, intense amounts of light reflects off 20 Fenchurch Street, which set a carpet on fire and melted a car parked on the street (a shaded structure was later added to negate this). The building has received a few nicknames off its nickname, including Walkie Scorchie and Walkie Windy. Even the building’s rooftop park, the Sky Garden, has been panned.
The Walkie-Talkie “defeated” other worst building entries like a YMCA gym and a parliament house.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Oct 4, 2016
One World Trade Center officially awarded LEED Gold certification
The skyscraper received the certification despite a setback caused by Hurricane Sandy.
High-rise Construction | Sep 23, 2016
A massive redevelopment in Tokyo reunites developer and architect
Mitsui Fudosan and SOM join forces to create OH-1, a mixed-use complex with a prominent public square.
High-rise Construction | Sep 12, 2016
Bangkok’s tallest tower is also one of its most unique
At 1,030 feet tall, MahaNakhon Tower’s height is only outdone by its arresting design.
Mixed-Use | Sep 9, 2016
Rolled book scroll-inspired mixed-use project from Aedas planned for Chongqing, China
With a bookstore at the heart of the development, the project looks to exemplify an ancient Chinese proverb that says “knowledge brings wealth.”
Office Buildings | Sep 8, 2016
Taipei’s Lè Architecture, designed by Aedas, is almost complete
The 18-story building is designed to resemble a moss-covered river pebble in Taipei’s Nangang District.
High-rise Construction | Sep 8, 2016
Construction on the tallest residential tower in western Europe could start early next year
China’s Greenland Group is the developer of four of the world’s 10 largest skyscrapers
High-rise Construction | Sep 8, 2016
Lendlease to build Aykon London One Tower
Damac, the Dubai-based developer of the project, selected the Australian property construction and development company to build the tower.
High-rise Construction | Sep 7, 2016
Shenzhen Kingkey Group submits re-planning package for what could become China’s tallest tower
The high-rise, H700 Shenzhen Tower, is one of a group of towers being built in Shenzhen’s Caiwuwei financial and commercial area.
High-rise Construction | Sep 6, 2016
Peddle Thorp Architects' solar-powered Melbourne high-rise looks to go off the grid
The skyscraper would be the first in Australia to incorporate solar cells in its façade.
High-rise Construction | Aug 22, 2016
Tall buildings with a twist: CTBUH ranks the world’s 28 tallest twisting towers
In 2005, the Turning Toroso, designed by Santiago Calatrava, was completed, making it the first twisting skyscraper in the world.
