Introduction
When we think of London’s iconic skyline, the towering presence of the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, commonly referred to as the Walkie Talkie, is hard to miss. Designed by the eminent Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the unique building design of the Walkie Talkie has forever changed the London’s cityscape.
The Walkie Talkie skyscraper, with its unconventional architectural design, has gathered both praise for its exceptional features and notoriety for its controversial reputation. Boasting a distinctive shape and offering breathtaking views, the skyscraper has become synonymous with the London skyline. Its striking profile and the innovative concept of a public garden, known as the Sky Garden, at the top of the building have contributed to its prominence.
However, the Walkie Talkie building, in spite of its popularity, has also been at the center of controversy and criticism. Its nickname, the “walkie scorchie,” alludes to the building’s notorious ability to reflect sunlight in a concentrated manner, causing damage such as melted cars. The building’s distinctive shape has even prompted inventive references, with some dubbing it as the “death ray.” Despite these controversies, the Walkie Talkie remains a symbol of modern design and architectural innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
20 Fenchurch Street, the Walkie Talkie London
Located in the heart of the bustling City of London, 20 Fenchurch Street, commonly known as the Walkie Talkie, is a striking skyscraper that has become a prominent feature of the city’s iconic skyline. Crafted by the esteemed Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, this towering masterpiece of architecture – the Walkie Talkie building – stands tall, promising unmatched views of the cityscape beneath.
The design of the Walkie Talkie incorporates innovative elements, such as the Sky Garden, a public garden situated at the top of the building. This distinctive feature has not only elevated the building’s profile but has also provided visitors with the opportunity to enjoy panoramic vistas of London while surrounded by lush greenery, creating a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
Despite its architectural prowess and awards like the Carbuncle Cup – a dubious honor for the worst building of the year, the Walkie Talkie building has been riddled with controversy. The skyscraper’s unconventional shape and reflective surfaces led to it gaining the infamous nickname, the “walkie scorchie,” due to its ability to intensify and redirect sunlight, causing damage to nearby cars and earning it the less flattering moniker of the “death ray” building.
What is the Walkie Talkie London?
The Walkie Talkie building, also known as the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, represents a model of modern architectural innovation in London’s cityscape. The Walkie Talkie skyscraper has seized the interest of architects, visitors, and detractors alike, cementing its position as an emblem of London’s transformative growth and inventive building design. The tall building, the Walkie Talkie, not only provides a sneak-peek into the future of architectural potential but also stands as a symbol of the city’s continually evolving skyline.
Why is it called the Walkie Talkie?
The nickname “Walkie Talkie” for the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper stems from its unique appearance and its capacity to facilitate communications, albeit not in the traditional sense. The building’s distinctive shape and design led to it being synonymous with handheld communication devices, a similarity that captured the public’s imagination and gave rise to the popular moniker.
Moreover, the skyscraper’s design encouraged informal communication and interaction through its public garden, known as the Sky Garden, accessible to visitors. This communal space at the top of the building provides a platform for people to converse and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, reinforcing the notion of the “Walkie Talkie” as a place for social engagement.
The name “Walkie Talkie” reflects not just the physical attributes of the skyscraper but also its role as a landmark that brings people together, fostering connections and conversations within the bustling heart of London.
Where is the Walkie Talkie in London?
The Walkie Talkie, formally known as 20 Fenchurch Street, is situated in the City of London, a vibrant and bustling area known for its financial and commercial significance. This iconic skyscraper forms an integral part of London’s skyline, standing as a testament to modern architectural innovation and design.
Positioned amidst the diverse and dynamic landscape of the City of London, the Walkie Talkie is near prominent landmarks, including the Leadenhall Building and the bustling business district of Canary Wharf. Its strategic location, surrounded by various corporate and financial institutions, underscores its status as a symbol of the city’s commercial prowess and architectural prominence.
The Walkie Talkie’s unique location within the heart of the City of London, combined with its striking profile and innovative features, cements its position as an iconic structure that continues to shape and define the dynamic cityscape.
1. What is the Walkie Talkie London?
Commonly known by its nickname, the Walkie Talkie, 20 Fenchurch Street is a striking piece of architecture located in the heart of the City of London. It is a commercial skyscraper renowned for its distinctive shape, somewhat resembling a walkie-talkie, hence its nickname. The Walkie Talkie building was brought to life by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, who carefully crafted its unique design to stand out on the London skyline.
2. What’s the history of 20 Fenchurch Street, the Walkie Talkie Skyscraper?
The Walkie Talkie Skyscraper was designed by the architect Rafael Viñoly and developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group. Planning for the building began in 2004, and construction kicked off in 2009. Officially completed in 2014, the building at 20 Fenchurch Street now stands as a prominent feature in the City of London.
3. Why is it called the Walkie Talkie?
Its unique shape gives the Walkie Talkie its popular name. The building’s design broadens as it rises, contrary to most conventional skyscrapers, thus resembling the shape of a handheld two-way radio, or Walkie-Talkie.
4. What is the Sky Garden?
The Sky Garden is a unique three-story public space situated at the top of the building, offering stunning 360-degree views of the London skyline. Among its greenery, it features a restaurant, terrace, and café, making it a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals.
5. What infamous title has the Walkie Talkie received?
Despite its architectural grandeur, the Walkie Talkie has not been free from controversy. In 2015, it was awarded the infamous Carbuncle Cup for the worst building of the year, with critics citing its visually disruptive impact on the London skyline among other reasons.
What is the Walkie Talkie and where is it located?
The Walkie Talkie, formally known as 20 Fenchurch Street Skyscraper, is a prominent city skyscraper located in the city of London, specifically in the City of London Corporation’s jurisdiction. It’s a standout building in the UK with its unique concave structure.
Who designed 20 Fenchurch Street Skyscraper and what is its construction cost?
The Walkie Talkie was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and its overall cost for construction was approximately £200 million.
What makes this London skyscraper architecturally unique?
The Walkie Talkie is architecturally unique because of its distinctive concave design and glass facade that channelled the sun’s rays.
Why is 20 Fenchurch Street known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’?
The nickname ‘Walkie Talkie’ comes from the building’s distinct, concave shape that makes it resemble a handheld, two-way radio, commonly known as a walkie-talkie.
What issues have been reported with the Walkie Talkie building?
The Walkie Talkie building has been known to create a wind tunnel effect which at times is strong enough to knock people off their feet. Additionally, the glass facade channelled the sun’s rays in such a way it could scorch, singe or even “fry an egg” on the sidewalk below, earning it another nickname, the ‘fryscraper’.
Has anything been done to rectify the issues with this skyscraper in London?
Yes, following reports about strong sunlight reflections causing damage, the City of London Corporation approved plans to erect a sunshade to reduce the sun’s glare and thus eliminate the ‘fryscraper’ effect. The sun’s light is now properly shading.
Can you tell more about the Fenchurch Restaurant and Sky Pod?
The Fenchurch Restaurant and the Sky Pod are renowned features of the Walkie Talkie building. The Fenchurch Restaurant offers amazing culinary experiences with unparalleled views over the city of London. The Sky Pod, located at the highest public point of the building, provides visitors with breathtaking 360-degree views of London and the River Thames.
Who owns the Walkie Talkie building?
The building is owned by the famous Hong Kong-based sauce company Lee Kum Kee, after they purchased the property for an estimated £1.3 billion in 2017.
How has the Walkie Talkie building influenced London’s architecture landscape?
The Walkie Talkie building is an architectural feat in the London skyline. Its unique concave design, along with issues that initially stirred controversy, have been subjects of interest and study. The building, however, continues to contribute to the dynamic and evolving architectural landscape of London.
What do people say about this building?
Opinions about the Walkie Talkie building vary. While some laud its bold architectural design and the inclusion of London’s highest public garden, others criticise it for its initial heat reflection issues and its massive scaling that breaks the uniformity of London’s architectural skyline.
