Swiss Re sets the agenda for future high-rise buildings

摘要

It has been likened to a gherkin, it ventilates like a sea cucumber, and with its spiral and opening and closing windows, it resembles a pine cone. It is, of course the new addition to London's skyline, the curved tower of the Swiss Re headquarters building, 30 St Mary Axe, which was opened to the media recently. The 180m high, 40-storey, circular tower has become a landmark structure, propelling its owners into the media spotlight, illustrating how powerful a symbol an innovative building can be. It is also likely to become a benchmark for the construction of towers which are more sensitive to the environment, their city surroundings and the needs of their occupants.