London's 'Walkie-Talkie' Skyscraper Melts Cars

The new "Walkie-Talkie" skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street in London has been accused of using the sun to melt cars, damage bikes, and blind pedestrians.

1 minute read

September 4, 2013, 10:00 AM PDT

By NicoleFerraro

Duncan Harris / Flickr

"This week businessman Martin Lindsay has complained that sunlight reflected by the skyscraper has warped panels on his Jaguar XJ saloon after he parked in a bay under the tower, which is officially called 20 Fenchurch Street. Engineer Eddie Cannon's van suffered a similar fate, and so have bikes..."

"The City of London Corporation has suspended parking in three bays in the way of the rays."

"Architect Rafael Vinoly designed the 37-storey building. It is not his first experience with the problems caused by a concave-glass front."

FULL STORY: London: 'Walkie-Talkie' Skyscraper Melts Cars

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 in Future Cities

Architecture Infrastructure Urban Development Europe United Kingdom Architecture; Buildings; Built environment; London; Walkie-Talkie View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.