London
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The Shard, designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano, is the City of London's newest landmark and Western Europe's tallest building. Once open, visitors will be able to experience London's changing cityscapes from 09.00 am to 22.00 pm daily.
Construction of the Shard, began in early 2009 and was completed summer 2012. The skyscraper is situated on the South Bank of the River Thames and emerges from the ground like a sliver of glass. Its location, in between London Bridge station and
Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust was once the home of the Southwark Towers, a 24-storey office building.
Once open it will provide interested parties with office space, restaurants, hotel accommodation and luxury apartments.
Renzo Piano's eye catching architectural phenomenon, literally towers 310m (1160ft) above London and can be seen at almost any point.
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You can walk along and see it from the opposite side of the River Thames
The Shard, located behind London Bridge station.
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or from just further east from The Tower of London just across the river.
The Shard, London, towers above the city.
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The Shard from the grounds of the Tower of London.
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Or even if you travel seven miles away, you can spot it from Hampstead Heath in North West London.
The Shard from Hampstead Heath.
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Even when you do not want to see this amazing building; even if you turn your head away and admire the reflection of the clouds in the window wall of a nearby building,
Modern architecture mirrors nature.
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the Shard suddenly appears.
The Shard, seen everywhere in London.
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Once the public are allowed to go up the tower in February 2013, they will enter ‘kaleidoscopic’ lifts that will transport them to floors 68, 69 and 72 and they will see a view of London approximately 244m (800ft) above the Capital.
The Shard's viewing points are almost twice the height of any other viewing platform in London, higher than those seen from the London Eye further upstream from which you already get great views of Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace and Horse Guard's Parade, Whitehall, from the London Eye.
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and the City District of London.
Looking east from the London Eye. St. Paul's Cathedral to the left of the heart of London's City district - the hub of business.
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Visitors will get to experience an astonishing 360 degree, 64km (40mile) view over London city and beyond.
Once at the highest viewing platform, level 72 visitors will look to the sky through ‘shards’ of glass that form the top of the building and give it is distinct architectural design.
The Shard - 'topped out' summer 2012.
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