2000-2013

Located beside London Bridge station on the south bank of the Thames, the London Bridge Scheme included in the first phase the iconic Shard and the adjacent London Bridge Place, later called NEWS Building. The Shard is a 72-storey, mixed-use tower. The slender and pyramidal form of the tower was determined by its suitability to this mix: large floor plates at the bottom for offices; restaurants, public spaces and a hotel located in the middle; private apartments at the top of the building.

The adjacent News Building maintains its own distinct identity. This 17-storey office building spans 43.000 qm and includes the reconstruction of the London Bridge bus station and a new public piazza, enhancing pedestrian flow between buses and the train station. Underground, it connects to the existing station with new retail space. Due to the complex underground infrastructure, 60% of the building is cantilevered. Features include landscaped roof terraces, winter gardens, a double-skin facade, photovoltaic panels, and a combined heat and power plant, achieving a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.

Photo credits: RPBW