Renzo Piano’s “The Shard” in London is an inspirational and awe inspiring piece of modern art and architecture.

Located in the London bridge Quarter, adjacent to the Burrows Market, the scale of the project is massive at 87 levels. Over 306m tall the building is the tallest building in the European Union and was jointly developed by Stellar Property and the state of Qatar. The Shard started construction in 2009 and reached practical completion in November 2012. The building is set to open in June 2014 and the viewing platform is open to the public now.

From the 72nd level viewing platform you can see the start of the “New London Architecture” government initiative, changing the face of the city, by promoting high rise buildings in London. The Shard, the Transistor, Gherkin and Cheese Grater to name a few of the modern buildings popping up in London. Over 200 high rise buildings are planned for London, 80% of which will be residential buildings. The initiative promotes higher density living in London and new public domain experiences.

What is even more impressive about The Shard, is Renzo’s understanding of architectural details. Beautiful glass curtain wall facade systems, float delicately in space at the edges of the building. Corners of the building are light and recessive. The edge of the building is detailed with articulated joints and sleeved stainless steel pipes which frame the building with colour and light.