[animatedmartian]

Pictures are in reverse date order starting from July 15.

mattomatto (http://www.flickr.com/people/mattoshashin/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5941280776_6caf512a9f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattoshashin/5941280776/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5927353054_21cbf5a183_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattoshashin/5927353054/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/5912638403_10ac93fcce_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattoshashin/5912638403/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5072/5888418832_a7fe7e5d86_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattoshashin/5888418832/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5236/5816200712_587222881e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattoshashin/5816200712/)

[colemonkee]

Wow, that black and white shot is amazing. Good find, animatedmartian.

[chest]

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4192.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4233.JPG

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4186.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4216.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4231.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4146.JPG

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4176.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4246.JPG

[mousquet]

Yes, it looks good. Didn't they plan to re-clad the smaller high-rise standing next to it? Sorry for asking but I think I read so, and it'd be nice of them to do it.

[Dave84]

Yeah they are planning to re clad guy's soon, but they are doing it on the cheap, or so i heard.

[chest]

today - you can see the core of the second office building under construction next to the Shard
the Shard cladding which is light and transparent is also subtly reflective.



http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4497.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4484.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4490.jpg

[NYguy]

This has gone up really fast.

[HomeInMyShoes]

Is there a word that's better than groovy 'cause I'm looking for it right now.

[Tumbleweed_Tx]

what's the stats on the second building?

[george]

I like the fact that "The Shard" seems to be in a neighborhood primarily composed of 3 & 4 story buildings.

[chest]

the core box is slowly being dismantled, the concrete floors are at 65 and should be completed in about a month up to level 69 and then the remaining structure will be completed in steel - the spire etc

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4962.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4981.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4985.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4993.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_4999.jpg

[peanut gallery]

I love this building. It's going to be amazing when finished. Actually, it's already amazing.

[Bedhead]

Great shots, Chest - it really does look like something that has arrived from outer space - excellently caught in those last two shots.

I like the fact that "The Shard" seems to be in a neighborhood primarily composed of 3 & 4 story buildings.

Yes - it makes for a great contrast, especially with the old brick warehouses.

One pick from a hazy day this week

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z_pSssZQBMU/TjzuK14iF3I/AAAAAAAAHqM/T0ty2YWbwxk/s800/027.JPG
my pic

[THE BIG APPLE]

It appears this building will appear to appearently be a perfect isosceles triangle from four sides. Actually all the sides but it looks perfect from the one of the four sides that is seen in the first photo one this page.

[whiteford]

it looks great. even though it is surrounded primarily by low to mid-rise buildings. the fact that it if so far out of scale only improves the view imo.

[Adele]

can't wait to see this everday, when i move back to london :D beautiful project. bout time we had something else but that gerkin downtown. :banana:

[Fabb]

Today, august 11

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2753/p1070933.jpg

[Ehrgeiz91]

I don't suppose construction has been in any way affected by the riots? Honestly, something like the Shard, which will likely be a symbol of a modernized London looking towards the Olympics, would make much more sense as a target than family-owned shops and business...

That being said, when complete, this will be a shining achievement of what London is capable of producing, regardless of any turmoil. The Olympics will only further cement that.

[californiarox3]

I don't suppose construction has been in any way affected by the riots? Honestly, something like the Shard, which will likely be a symbol of a modernized London looking towards the Olympics, would make much more sense as a target than family-owned shops and business...

That being said, when complete, this will be a shining achievement of what London is capable of producing, regardless of any turmoil. The Olympics will only further cement that.

To be honest, the London 'Riots' where just young people who wanted what they couldn't have (eg high definition TV's, laptops, designer clothes...) and took advantage of a protest so they could break into shops - so I doubt the Shard would have even been considered a target as there would be nothing easy to make money from on site...

Back on topic though...
I am so pleased to see the Shard going up so quickly and I can't wait for the temporary white boards to be taken away as this makes the facade look very flat and detracts from the overall sleekness. I am really looking forward to the spire structure being put up as we will be able to see the full hight of the building! :D

[andydie]

these are from my weekend visit to London in the Southwark area:

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj269/andydie/Dublin%20and%20London%202011/100_40311.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj269/andydie/Dublin%20and%20London%202011/100_4032.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj269/andydie/Dublin%20and%20London%202011/100_4035.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj269/andydie/Dublin%20and%20London%202011/100_4037.jpg

[JOH]

pics from Tuesday morning (poor quality)

The view from leaving the London Bridge Station
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7286/imag0234m.jpg

Close up inspection
http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6505/imag0235z.jpg

:rainbow: :rainbow:

[Travis007]

Looks great so far. The Shard is going to be a true modern icon for London.

[jd3189]

This somewhat looks like a modern day Eiffel Tower. It stands alone and even has the triangle shape. First Big Ben,then the Eye,and now this.London becoming better than everyone else again.

[The Imster]

First of all what a truly splendid icon this building will be when completed I don't know if it will have the same status as nyc Empire states building. London needs more stunning buildings like this. Does anyone know how tall it is at the moment? And when it will be topped off? By the way Guys hospital next to.this buiding is an eye sore and looks out of place from a different era next to this building

[chest]

the final concrete floor - 69 has been poured today, the final part of the structure will be completed in steel

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5293.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5280.jpg

[Roadcruiser1]

I agree with some critics that mention this building is sort of weak for post 9/11 standards. The top part of the building is made out of steel and would be weaker then the rest of the building. I have a feeling that it won't fare well if a plane either struck it, or if an explosion happens on the top floors.

[animatedmartian]

:previous: And on the internet it's called trolling! :haha: I don't understand this idea that every building can somehow experience a 9/11 scenario in the same way WTC did. The shard is basically a triangle with a thick core. You'd need more than planes to take it out and not from the top. It's common physics, really. :koko:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6055494926_b0b3e66989_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gawatt/6055494926/)

Towards the City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gawatt/6055494926/) by gawatt (http://www.flickr.com/people/gawatt/).
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6058577919_3d54e990a8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddtmmm/6058577919/)
The Shard Guys SE1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ddtmmm/6058577919/) by Jamie Barras (http://www.flickr.com/people/ddtmmm/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6050326852_87b0a59d68_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lika_/6050326852/)
London (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lika_/6050326852/) by _lika_ (http://www.flickr.com/people/lika_/)

[Traynor]

:previous: And on the internet it's called trolling! :haha: I don't understand this idea that every building can somehow experience a 9/11 scenario in the same way WTC did. The shard is basically a triangle with a thick core. You'd need more than planes to take it out and not from the top. It's common physics, really. :koko:

What an immature and child-like viewpoint.

Fortunately Architects, Security Planners, Police and Engineers are not so naive (or rude) and don't stick their heads in the sand. Thinking about ALL possibilities is their job. This is a different world we are living in and denial makes buildings safe for no one.

Not speaking about it is an old fashioned philosophy akin to the days when superstiscious people would not even say the word Cancer out loud.

Grow up and learn to talk politely and with consideration of others.

[Greavsie]

not at all! why the constant need for violent imagery.Its irrelevant.

[Roadcruiser1]

All architects and civil engineers plan for all unlikely scenarios like me who have had taken courses in it. It is supposed to be taken as a significant factor in any design including fires, and anything else that might effect the building's structural integrity. So yes I was allowed to ask that question unless if you guys hate that idea or something.

[animatedmartian]

All architects and civil engineers plan for all unlikely scenarios like me who have had taken courses in it. It is supposed to be taken as a significant factor in any design including fires, and anything else that might effect the building's structural integrity. So yes I was allowed to ask that question unless if you guys hate that idea or something.

You didn't really ask a question. You said if the building's pretty weak for post 9/11 standards.

I understand that buildings are designed for things like bombs or airplane hits or whatever else happens, but I don't like the idea that suddenly every skyscraper is a potential 9/11 considering that the particular buildings destroyed had a unique variable(s) to their design.

I'm not saying it can't happen, but I'm saying look at the weakest flaw in the buildings that we suddenly have to compare every single one to before calling a design weak. If it is weak, then what is the suggestion that could be made to make it stronger? I think critics should offer suggestions rather than just criticizing something to make themselves feel better. ;)

[chest]

skies cleared today at last, the second part of the development an 88m building is now up to around 10 / 11 floors


http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5377.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5426.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5429.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5409.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5437.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5410.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5435.jpg

[chest]

spot the Shard...
http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5475.JPG

[animatedmartian]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6071463652_e8a1ea09ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalantziscope/6071463652/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalantziscope/6071463652/) by phillip kalantzis-cope (http://www.flickr.com/people/kalantziscope/)

[nito]

An interesting juxtaposition of Southwark Cathedral (1220) and the Shard (2012) picture taken by potto over at skyscrapercity.com.

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2821/20110820img7323.jpg

[Dave84]

Stunning pics on this page. The taller she get's, the better she looks!

[alleystreetindustry]

what a beautiful building! and i just love that it stands alone.

[photoLith]

Such an awesome city and tower, cant wait to see it completed!

[Davis137]

London is truely getting a fantastic skyline with all of these new towers going up in the last 5-10 years!

[Pizzuti]

So strange, as an American, to see a super-tall skyscraper standing by its lonesome in the middle of a massive city.

I'm sure that before a century's out, London will look like modern-day New York. That seems to be unpopular with people I've talked to from the region, but still preferential to losing land from the greenbelts.

There are about 7 billion humans and estimates are that we'll get to 10; still got another 3 or so billion people to pack into this planet...

Anyway I think it's a beautiful building and yet still quite small against one of top cities in the word in terms of size, and total amount of urban development. This building is nothing to be upset about at all!

[chest]

a couple at sunset last night from Canary Wharf

http://web.me.com/benveasey/sunSHARDorange.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/sunSHARDorange2.jpg

[The Imster]

It seems that concerete construction has finished some time ago - and that steel construction is well under way with the cladding moving on well - how tall is it at the moment - it looks a 800+ feet

[chest]

I think its around 244m - about 800ft

[animatedmartian]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6115817694_44c449ee7e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sliabhnacailleach/6115817694/)
Shard Tower (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sliabhnacailleach/6115817694/) by sliabhnacailleach (http://www.flickr.com/people/sliabhnacailleach/)

[chest]

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5889.jpg

[Davis137]

I think that it's really starting to take shape now that the steel frame and cladding are enclosing the concrete core...

[chest]

yes I agree its form is now taking shape, I like the way the cladding reflects light and textures and alters with the annoyingly changeable London weather.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_02566.jpg

[simms3_redux]

What's going up next to it?

[chest]

that building going up next to the Shard is part of the overall development and is called
New London Bridge House - "The Place" - 88m and 18 floors - the core is now at full height.

[Tumbleweed_Tx]

so The Shard is close to being topped out?

[gnmpf74]

so The Shard is close to being topped out?
Not really, I guess.;) The last "floors" will be made of steel, so there´re few meters or feet to go before topping out.

[chest]

It's London 'Open House Weekend' - buildings that are closed to the public open up - including the Broadgate Tower which allowed me to get these views of the shard.
You can see the next stage has now started - with a part of the central staircase within the soon to be constructed spire now in place

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5980.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6046.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6006.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6012.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_5972.jpg

[chest]

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6071.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6073.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6137.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6119.jpg

[Obey]

Fantasic photos. Fantastic building.

[Hayward]

Love the way the glass extends over the edges of the building.

[peanut gallery]

Great shots, chest. Thanks for all the updates.

[NOPA]

This is stunningly beautiful. I can't wait till I'm there in person!

[chest]

Love the way the glass extends over the edges of the building.


close up of the glass
the orange stripes you can see inside the glass at the tops are I believe the blind holders and will be covered over.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6135.jpg

[Yankee fan for life]

Great building one world trade center just hit 1017 feet back here in new york, so it give me the perspective of how tall the shard is going to be.

[lake of the nations]

close up of the glass
the orange stripes you can see inside the glass at the tops are I believe the blind holders and will be covered over.

I think he was talking about the building we see on this picture (the city hall).

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6119.jpg

[george]

Absolutely beautiful tower. Great shots, chest, you rule.

[chest]

now that the concrete floors are completed the final section in steel is shooting up I believe around 3 floors at a time

shooting up this evening


http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_3303.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_3311.jpg

[401PAS]

does anyone know if they are actually going to use those upper floors? Looks to be a ridiculously small area of usable space up there.

[animatedmartian]

It's going to be an observation deck.

[chest]

rush hour on London Bridge

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6435.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6414.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6419.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6444.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6424.jpg

[Fishman92]

Saw it in the flesh today while in hyde park. All i could say was 'WOAH THAT'S BIG'. If anything. I tried taking a picture, but my phone camera doesn't exactly 'zoom' well.

[Nightsky]

Now it's really taking shape, leaving a mark on London's skyline!

[jd3189]

This is be one of the highlights of the Olympics in 2012.

[cityenthusiast]

The top of that crane is that about how tall the shard will get?

[colemonkee]

Great shots, chest.

[MolsonExport]

pardon my relative ignorance, but would this be Europe's first supertall?

[Roadcruiser1]

There are some under construction in Moscow that would be even taller then the Shard.

[chest]

part of the skyline...looks like a developing Chinese city than a European one - or is that just me, may be its the white apartment buildings in the foreground.

http://web.me.com/benveasey/IMG_3566.jpg

[cityenthusiast]

That Brutalist 80s tower in the foreground next to the shard is the ugliest building ive ever seen isnt it supposed to get recladded? or was supposed to?

[chest]

that is Guys Hospital - the tallest hospital in the world I think - there are plans to redevelop it - not just because of its looks but also I believe the concrete is starting to wear. I'm not sure what stage the development plans are at as its all gone quiet. The building is so brutal and so monstrous that a small number of people think it should be preserved as its such an extreme example of a certain type of architecture - I am not one of them.

[george]

That Brutalist 80s tower in the foreground next to the shard is the ugliest building ive ever seen isnt it supposed to get recladded? or was supposed to?

I couldn't agree more about the fugly Brutalist tower in the foreground. It ruins the vibe of the Shard & it's neighbors.

[NYguy]

rush hour on London Bridge

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6435.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6414.jpg

http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6419.jpg


Couldn't pick a favorite, but they are all great.

[colemonkee]

That first one is classic. Looks like something out of a science fiction movie with all the guys wearing what looks to be the same suit.

[Inkoumori]

Glorious stuff, London!

[animatedmartian]

London has an awesome skyline growing save for the brutalist towers. :D

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6234893928_e83cca6873_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14274667@N03/6234893928/)
Shard. Again. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14274667@N03/6234893928/) by charlieinskip (http://www.flickr.com/people/14274667@N03/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6219269791_59a4fac522_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14274667@N03/6219269791/)
Shard in London skyline (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14274667@N03/6219269791/) by charlieinskip (http://www.flickr.com/people/14274667@N03/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6213638940_3faa205abd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/way19/6213638940/)
London Oct 11 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/way19/6213638940/) by way19 (http://www.flickr.com/people/way19/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6213123919_25e992cd83_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/way19/6213123919/)
London Oct 11 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/way19/6213123919/) by way19 (http://www.flickr.com/people/way19/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6238564591_fb0ef61e78_b.jpg
KarenB Photos
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/kbhb/6238564591/in/pool-990713@N24/)
Date September 27.

Past London
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/pastlondon/6235024849/in/photostream/)
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6235024849_424826db0d_b.jpg



http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6235508834_dd15d9445d_b.jpg

[chest]

showing the base of the tower as we move towards external completion


http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6845.jpg

[Aleks]

gawd that's sexy. i feel as if i don't need to comment anymore. this tower speaks for itself!

[george]

This is the first time I've seen the base view... very cool awning design & overhanging space. ^How is this public transit bus lane so close to the tower base? doesn't seem right.

[Greavsie]

:previous:its built right next to a major train station 'London bridge':tup:

[The Imster]

Does anyone know its height at the moment? It will be a first when it exceeds 1000ft!

London needs more stunning buildings! It will look awesome - just Guys hosiptal needs that urgent reclad!

[kenratboy]

This is the first time I've seen the base view... very cool awning design & overhanging space. ^How is this public transit bus lane so close to the tower base? doesn't seem right.

Doesn't seem right how?

Being able to step off a bus, walk 30 seconds, and be in my office would be a nice perk!

[george]

Doesn't seem right how?

Being able to step off a bus, walk 30 seconds, and be in my office would be a nice perk!

Doesn't seem right because the Shard or London Bridge Tower is probably one of the most significant structures built in London since Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament went up. It needs its own space at ground level to celebrate and experience the genius above. Not some run-of-the mill, fugly bus stop lane. Is that transit station in line for a face lift? Cause right now it looks like the end of the line/ lost & found at a Greyhound bus depot.

[N830MH]

showing the base of the tower as we move towards external completion


http://web.me.com/benveasey/_MG_6845.jpg

Looking good. When they will be completion new towers?

[Roadcruiser1]

May 2012.

[animatedmartian]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6263120309_3685ff4fda_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersg/6263120309/)
Shard #12, Oct 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogersg/6263120309/) by George Rex (http://www.flickr.com/people/rogersg/)

[Aleks]

^^^fucking.damn^^^

Doesn't seem right because the Shard or London Bridge Tower is probably one of the most significant structures built in London since Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament went up. It needs its own space at ground level to celebrate and experience the genius above. Not some run-of-the mill, fugly bus stop lane. Is that transit station in line for a face lift? Cause right now it looks like the end of the line/ lost & found at a Greyhound bus depot.

surely you don't believe it'll stay like this, right? you even said it, the tower deserves it's own space to compliment it, but this is london after all. there's limited space all around, and unlike the massive plaza's of la defense or (to a lessssser extent) chicago, this tower is best complimented by other structures. the bus depot is getting a face lift, which (excuse my rudeness) was sort of a silly question considering (as you said) the significance of this development.

[george]

^^^fucking.damn^^^



surely you don't believe it'll stay like this, right? you even said it, the tower deserves it's own space to compliment it, but this is london after all. there's limited space all around, and unlike the massive plaza's of la defense or (to a lessssser extent) chicago, this tower is best complimented by other structures. the bus depot is getting a face lift, which (excuse my rudeness) was sort of a silly question considering (as you said) the significance of this development.

Thanks for clarifying that. I'm glad a face lift is in the works. It would be nice to see a master place of the tower base site. I did just review the renderings from post #1 of this thread which conveys an idea of what to expect. Pardon my silliness, and I realize the Shard is built on a transit hub, but I was shocked to see such a mundane bus lane so close to this gem.

[SkyscrapersOfNewYork]

My God it looks divine...

[NYC4Life]

This tower is already an instant hit. Prior to this tower, I never would have thought London would see a supertall rise.

[animatedmartian]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6270066401_7596a7c6f6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobaliciouslondon/6270066401/)
The Shard of Glass - London Bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobaliciouslondon/6270066401/) by bobaliciouslondon (http://www.flickr.com/people/bobaliciouslondon/)

[towerpower123]

Three of four years ago, I saw this tower in the diagrams and thought it would never happen. Today, I am happily amazed. Any idea as to when it will top out?

[kenratboy]

Three of four years ago, I saw this tower in the diagrams and thought it would never happen. Today, I am happily amazed. Any idea as to when it will top out?

Agree, amazing this was approved and (being) built. It will set a strong precedence in the city and country.

[animatedmartian]

Benny_Jones (http://www.flickr.com/people/65482608@N04/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6289233490_41936846d0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65482608@N04/6289233490/)
Old and New (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65482608@N04/6289233490/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6289253594_15d2fe2df0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65482608@N04/6289253594/)
The Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65482608@N04/6289253594/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6289264932_f2c4e12285_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65482608@N04/6289264932/)
The Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/65482608@N04/6289264932/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6283848003_aafc75d962_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andybrittle/6283848003/)
The Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andybrittle/6283848003/) by andy.brittle (http://www.flickr.com/people/andybrittle/)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6284286176_b933e1ecfd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicnac/6284286176/)
The Shard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicnac/6284286176/) by nicnac1000 (http://www.flickr.com/people/nicnac/), on Flickr

[skymaster]

The floors at the very top seem to be incredibly small. What are they planning on using them for?

[Roadcruiser1]

They would be heater (mechanical) floors.