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Here's a spoiler alert on what I think about 'The Death of an Icon' in architecture: No, just no.

I mean, I kind of like the idea of buildings being less focused being on a contemporary icon or landmark, and only being used constructed for focusing on their core purpose. But it just doesn't work like that. It doesn't take a Postmodernist to know that weirdly shaped buildings are here to stay. Foster was clearly on to something when the first sketches for The Gherkin were conceived. Since its 2003 completion, this building has inspired others to craft other structures into London's dynamic. Let's take 32 London Bridge Street for example-

-oh, no bells ringing?

...That's because we know it as The Shard.


Similarly, though this is yet to be complete until 2014, Leadenhall Street's most aptly named building is being referred to among locals as The Cheesegrater, rather than just 'Number 122'.

With a focus on delivering office space for companies that is at the peak of efficiency, both in terms of its use and build, I guess 100 Bishopsgate is in its prime here. Matt Hewitt and Dan Scalon of Brookfield (Operations Director, Project Director) spoke extensively regarding its infrastructure, capabilities and what measures had been undertaken to ensure success of the build. Again, I should have really took notes, but utilising the most of the internal space was of the utmost importance here.

Even by simply removing columns within the building, vast office space increases tenfold (I say 'simply' removing columns, but I know that is anything but simple in terms of the engineering process). Ceiling height was reduced with each floor as well, which created an additional 2 floors for the entire structure. Not wanting to convey here that engineers focus on creating a packed battery-farm-hen-esque space for office workers, I should add that the needs of said office worker are of clear importance too. With pretty much all of the building's exterior being glass, it circulates masses of natural light flood into the space, thus allowing for a more pleasant atmosphere. I met one of the Heron Tower's hydraulic lift engineers a few days ago at work, and he spoke to me about the extensive process of designing lifts for buildings. Incidentally, lifts formed a part of this discussion about 100 Bishopsgate; some of had been designed so they wouldn't reach the top floor. This in turn would decrease traffic of people needing to use the lift, especially for those who would only need to access the second floor, for example. On another note, plant rooms are distributed across the building, which is much more efficient than placing them specifically in the basement or roof.... I must admit I'm rather chipper at the thought of going to the next breakfast morning next Friday, which is aimed towards archaeology.