THE SHARD – LONDON
- The Shard, also known as the Shard London Bridge and formerly known as London Bridge Tower, is a 72-storey skyscraper located in London, England.
- It stands at 310 meters tall and is the tallest building in the United Kingdom. It was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and was opened to the public in 2012. The building contains office spaces, apartments, restaurants, and a hotel.
- The Shard’s distinctive design features a glass facade that reflects the surrounding skyline, and the building’s shape tapers as it rises, creating a pyramid-like effect. The top floors of the building provide panoramic views of London, making it a popular tourist attraction.
- In addition to its impressive height and design, The Shard is also notable for its sustainable features, including the use of recycled materials and rainwater harvesting.
THE ATOMIUM – BRUSSELS
- The Atomium is a modernist landmark in Brussels, Belgium, consisting of a giant model of an iron crystal lattice structure magnified 165 billion times.
- It was built for the 1958 Brussels World Exposition and stands at a height of 102 meters. The Atomium has nine interconnected spheres, each with a diameter of 18 meters, which represent the nine provinces of Belgium.
- Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the top sphere and enjoy panoramic views of Brussels. The spheres also house various exhibitions, including a permanent exhibition about the Atomium’s history and significance, as well as temporary exhibitions on art, science, and culture.
- The Atomium serves as an established landmark of Brussels and a notable illustration of mid-century architecture and design. It is a popular tourist destination as well as a representation of Belgium’s technological and scientific accomplishments.