The 30 St Mary Axe is also known as The Gherkin, or The Swiss Re Tower, in London England. Completed in 2004, it was designed by Foster and Partners with Arup. From the Thames, one can see this missile-shaped building rise behind the Tower of London. This project explored new digital design techniques involving parametric modeling that had previously been used by the auto and aerospace industries. The diagonal structure optimizes the glass facade, with a maximum amount of light entering for the amount of space retained in an environmentally separate space.
The shape decrease the bulkiness of its appearance and reduces wind at street level. Atriums allow stack ventilation and light to penetrate deep to the center. Operable windows and exterior blinds allow easy control of this light admittance. Even the structure “breathes,” contracting as live load enters the building and expanding as people leave for the day.
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