20 Fenchurch Street

20 Fenchurch Street
Name	20 Fenchurch Street
Caption	The building, known for its distinctive top-heavy form and public Sky Garden.
Location	City of London, London, England
Coordinates	51, 30, 41, N...
Start date	2009
Completion date	2014
Opening date	2014
Height	160 m
Floor count	34
Architect	Rafael Viñoly
Developer	Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group
Structural engineer	Halvorson and Partners
Main contractor	Canary Wharf Contractors

20 Fenchurch Street is a prominent commercial skyscraper located in the historic City of London financial district. Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, the 34-storey tower is notable for its distinctive top-heavy form, which widens significantly at its upper levels. Completed in 2014, the building is most famous for housing the triple-height public Sky Garden, London's highest public park, offering panoramic views across the Thames, Tower Bridge, and The Shard. Its unique design and subsequent notoriety have made it a significant, if controversial, addition to the London skyline.

History

The site at 20 Fenchurch Street was previously occupied by a 1960s office building owned by British Land. Planning for a major redevelopment began in the early 2000s, with the current design receiving planning permission from the City of London Corporation in 2006. The project was a joint venture between developers Land Securities and the Canary Wharf Group, aiming to create a landmark tower in the heart of the Square Mile. Its construction coincided with other major projects like the Walkie-Talkie and the Cheesegrater, reshaping the eastern cluster of the City's skyline. The building opened to tenants and the public in early 2014, quickly becoming a tourist attraction due to its Sky Garden.

Design and architecture

The architectural design by Rafael Viñoly is defined by its dramatic cantilevered form, where the upper floors are significantly wider than the base. This shape was conceived to maximize floor space on the upper levels, which command premium rents, while minimizing the building's footprint at street level. The facade is clad in a high-performance glass curtain wall, with distinctive concave sides. The crown of the building houses the celebrated Sky Garden, a vast landscaped public space with lush planting, observation decks, and restaurants operated by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection. The design has drawn comparisons to a handheld radio, leading to its popular nickname, the "Walkie-Talkie".

Construction

Construction was managed by main contractor Canary Wharf Contractors, with structural engineering by Halvorson and Partners. Work began in 2009, utilizing a reinforced concrete core and steel frame structure. The project faced significant engineering challenges due to its complex geometry and the need to support the massive overhanging sections. The construction process was closely monitored by the City of London Corporation and involved numerous subcontractors and specialists. The tower reached its full height of 160 metres in 2013, with the intricate installation of the curved glass panels and the internal fit-out of the Sky Garden taking place in the final year before completion.

Tenants and facilities

The building primarily houses office space for major financial and professional services firms. Key tenants have included major insurance companies such as Markel and Liberty Mutual, alongside other corporations like Samsung. The upper floors, with their panoramic views, are occupied by a private members' club and event spaces. The primary public attraction is the Sky Garden, which offers free public access via pre-booked tickets and features observation terraces, botanical gardens, and dining venues including the Sky Pod Bar and the Fenchurch Restaurant. The ground floor contains retail units and a direct connection to the Monument tube station.

Incidents and controversies

Shortly after completion, the building gained notoriety in 2013 for focusing sunlight reflected from its concave glass facade, which created a dangerous "death ray" effect. This concentrated beam of sunlight damaged parked vehicles on Eastcheap, including melting parts of a Jaguar, and was reported by outlets like the BBC. The issue required the installation of a permanent sunshade, or "brise soleil," designed by architects at Vickery Holman. The building has also been criticized for its aesthetic impact on protected views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London, and for wind tunnel effects at street level. It infamously received the Carbuncle Cup for worst new building in 2015 from magazine Building Design.

In popular culture

The building's striking silhouette has made it a frequent feature in depictions of modern London. It has appeared in establishing shots for television series and films, including the BBC's *Sherlock* and the cinematic adaptation of *The Danish Girl*. Its distinctive form and the public allure of the Sky Garden have also made it a subject in video games like *Microsoft Flight Simulator* and a backdrop in numerous photography books and documentaries about contemporary architecture, such as those featured on Channel 4.

Category:Skyscrapers in London Category:City of London Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2014