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
High-rise Construction | Apr 20, 2016
OMA reveals designs for its first Tokyo skyscraper
The goal is for the Toranomon Hills Station Tower to transform its neighborhood and serve as a hub for international business.
High-rise Construction | Apr 12, 2016
Santiago Calatrava tower in Dubai could be taller than the Burj Khalifa
The slender structure will have 10 observation platforms, two Hanging Gardens decks, and a illuminating flower bud at the top.
Virtual Reality | Apr 8, 2016
Skanska will use Microsoft HoloLens to lease planned Seattle high rise
The mixed reality headset will allow people to take a holographic tour of the building while keeping visual contact with the leasing representative.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 5, 2016
Interactive 3D map shows present and future Miami skyline
The Downtown Miami Interactive 3-D Skyline Map lets users see the status of every downtown office, retail, residential, and hotel project.
High-rise Construction | Mar 28, 2016
SOM’s Salt Lake City skyscraper uses innovative structural system to suspend itself over a neighboring building
The hat truss-supported office tower was topped off in January, rising 25 stories above the Salt Lake City streets.
High-rise Construction | Mar 18, 2016
'High-Rise' movie, based on the novel of the same name, headed to theaters
The story, which was originally thought to be a critique of London’s city planning, takes place in a high-rise divided to mimic the historical class structure of Western society.
High-rise Construction | Mar 10, 2016
Bigger, taller, wider: London’s skyline is about to have a major growth spurt
More than 100 tall buildings have been added to the plans for the capital city since this time last year, and the overall number of tall buildings planned for London is now over 400.
High-rise Construction | Mar 9, 2016
Seismic Design Working Group calls for participation in peer review process
Research at an advanced stage.
High-rise Construction | Mar 8, 2016
Weston Williamson designs vertical neighborhood with ‘kissing towers’ in Hong Kong
The towers will connect between the 21st and 25th floors. The entire complex will sit above a high-speed rail line.
High-rise Construction | Mar 7, 2016
Russian architect Vasily Klyukin unveils design for Asian Cobra Tower
The skyscraper, which can change colors and would house a nightclub in its "mouth," is the latest idea from an unconventional thinker.
