The Shard, the Tallest Building in the UK
Hi, I’m Irynka. I read about sightseeing in London and got interested in the sight which would be great to visit some day. I’d like to tell you about the Shard, the tallest building in the UK and one of the tallest in Europe. It’s a glass skyscraper that looks like a shard of glass piercing the sky. It dominates the London skyline and is visible from many parts of the city. It is a 95-story skyscraper known for its unique design and impressive views.
The word ‘shard’ means a small, sharp piece of something that has broken off — usually glass, metal, or pottery.
- A shard of glass from a broken window.
- A shard of pottery found at an archaeological site.
The building is named ‘the Shard‘ because it looks like a sharp piece of glass rising into the sky. The architect, Renzo Piano, even described it as a ‘shard of glass’ during the design process.
The Shard is 310 meters high. There are 95 floors total, 72 floors are habitable. The exterior is covered by 11,000 glass panels, equivalent to the area of eight football pitches.
The building was designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, and features a “double skin” glazed facade with automatic solar blinds between the exterior and interior. The design style of the building is Neo-futurist. It was built with sustainability in mind, it uses energy-efficient systems and materials. The Shard was opened in 2012.
What is Neo-Futurist Architecture?
Neo-futurism is an architectural style that emerged in the late 20th and early 21st century, known for its innovative use of technology, fluid forms, and bold futuristic visions. It pushes the boundaries of materials, structure, and design, often inspired by science fiction, advanced engineering, and sustainability.
Neo-Futurism uses cutting-edge materials and technology (glass, steel, carbon fiber, and high-tech composites). It integrates green roofs, solar panels, smart systems.
Neo-Futurism seeks to inspire and connect emotionally with users. This style blends art, architecture, and technology.
Some famous Neo-futurist architects are:
- Zaha Hadid, known for flowing, gravity-defying forms
- Santiago Calatrava who merges structure and sculpture
- Norman Foster (in some works) combines tech with sleek futuristic aesthetics.
The Museum of the Future in Dubai is one of the most iconic examples of Neo-futurist architecture in the world today.
Neo-futurism reflects the hopes and anxieties of our technological age. It’s not just about wild shapes, but about imagining better ways of living, integrating innovation, sustainability, and humanity into the built environment.
The Shard has 36 lifts, and they can travel at speeds of up to 6 meters per second.
The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, is a mixed-use building, meaning it serves many purposes. There are offices where people work. Many global companies rent office space here. There are several high-end restaurants, including Aqua Shard, Oblix, and Hutong where people can eat fancy food. The Shangri-La Hotel occupies floors 34–52. There are also some expensive apartments for people who want to live high above the city. A public observation deck on floors 68–72 gives visitors stunning panoramic views of London. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of London including landmarks like the Thames, Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Shard appears in films, music videos, and media, symbolizing modern London. It is a great example of modern architecture and a place that both Londoners and visitors enjoy.
Hi Ira, I’ve never heard of this building before.I was interested in reading and learning something new. I imagine how vast and magnificent this building is.It’s amazing that you can work and live there.I also deepened my knowledge in an architectural style called neo-futurism. I have heard of it before but never delved into what it was.