Calling All Citizens! Have You Spotted London's Gigantic Gadget?
Ever squinted at the London skyline and thought, "Hold on, is that a giant walkie talkie?" Well, my friend, you're not seeing double (unless you've had one too many bangers and mash)! There really is a behemoth of a building that playfully resembles our childhood communication device.
Unveiling the Mystery: The Walkie Talkie Building (Officially Known as 20 Fenchurch Street)
This quirky skyscraper, nicknamed the Walkie Talkie for its, well, obvious reasons, is a 38-story titan in the heart of London's financial district. Designed by the ingenious (and some might say playful) architect Rafael Viñoly, it wasn't just built to impress with its size (although it certainly does that at a whopping 525 feet!). The Walkie Talkie boasts a whole lot more than just office space.
Top-Secret Tatsache (Top Secret Fact in German, because we're feeling fancy): The building's design actually caused a bit of a stir initially. Apparently, the curved glass facade acted like a giant magnifying glass, focusing sunlight onto neighboring buildings and, well, melting things a bit! Don't worry, some clever tweaks were made, and now everyone can enjoy their lunch without the fear of spontaneous combustion.
Beyond the Nickname: Unveiling the Walkie Talkie's Hidden Gems
So, the Walkie Talkie isn't just a pretty (or should we say, walkie-talkie-shaped) face. Here's what this architectural marvel has to offer:
Sky High Oasis: The Sky Garden - Nestled within the top floors is a three-story public garden! Imagine escaping the urban jungle for a breath of fresh air and panoramic views of the city. Perfect for a lunchtime escape or an after-work wind down.
Calling All Foodies! - The Walkie Talkie isn't all business. The top floors also boast swanky restaurants and bars. Fancy grabbing a cocktail with a view? This is your spot!
So, the next time you're in London, keep an eye out for this quirky skyscraper. And hey, if you manage to snag a reservation at the Sky Garden, be sure to post those Insta-worthy pics!
How to Get Your Walkie Talkie Fix: FAQs
1. How to Visit the Walkie Talkie Building?
Unfortunately, you can't just waltz into the Walkie Talkie for a tour (although that would be pretty cool). However, the Sky Garden is open to the public with free tickets, which can be booked in advance https://skygarden.london/booking/.
2. How Did They Solve the Heating Beam Problem?
The architects added louvers (fancy grills) to the facade to deflect the sunlight. So, no more melty mishaps!
3. How Tall is the Walkie Talkie Building?
The Walkie Talkie stands tall at 525 feet, making it one of the tallest buildings in the City of London.
4. How Much Did the Walkie Talkie Cost to Build?
This architectural marvel came with a hefty price tag of over £200 million!
5. Is There Anywhere Else I Can See the Walkie Talkie Building?
Of course! The Walkie Talkie is a prominent part of the London skyline. So, a simple Thames River cruise or a trip to the Shard will give you a great view.
