In London’s skyline filled with skyscrapers, The Fenchurch Building stands out with a structure that immediately catches the eye. Also known as the ‘Walkie Talkie Building’ among the public, this structure is the work of renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. Its unusual shape stands out with an appearance resembling a walkie-talkie that widens upwards and leans against the ground, rather than a classic skyscraper. The design aims to offer wide panoramic views for users on the upper floors. At a height of 160 meters, the building has become one of the iconic symbols of London’s modern architecture.
Renowned Architect Rafael Viñoly’s Unconventional Design
However, the striking design of The Fenchurch Building also came into the spotlight with an unexpected problem. The building’s curved glass surface concentrated sunlight at a specific point, causing excessive heating at this spot. In 2013, this concentration was so intense that the bodywork of a Jaguar car melted, leading to the nickname ‘fryscraper’. This situation also caused damage to other surrounding objects like bicycle seats and signboards.
Beyond Interesting Design: Unexpected Problems
The issue came into the spotlight as Rafael Viñoly had previously designed structures leading to similar problems. The problem was resolved by adding light-reflecting shades to the exterior of The Fenchurch Building. This event led the building to be recorded in history as both an architectural marvel and a design flaw. The Fenchurch Building stands out as a structure that serves as a lesson in modern architecture with its design and associated problems.
Source: BBC