20 Fenchurch Street

This is not an optical illusion but the as yet unfinished tower block at 20 Fenchurch Street. It is becoming known as the “Walkie Talkie”. I hate it when buildings are known by their nick-name rather than official address, such as 30 St. Mary Axe a.k.a. “The Gherkin” or 122 Leadenhall Street a.k.a. "The Cheese Grater". Sounds more like a fun fair than a financial centre. Maybe that explains the mess we are all in.

This 160m, 525ft tower is not that popular. If all buildings bent over at this angle the roads and walkways would become dark and claustrophobic.  It was only given planning permission after agreement was reached to reduce it’s original height. Designed by Rafael Viñoly and costing over £200 million the structure appears to be bursting out of its foundations. The top three floors will feature a sky garden and public viewing area. This type of access to London’s tall buildings, such as the Heron Tower and the exorbitantly priced Shard, can now be enjoyed by all and not just those fortunate to live or work in such buildings.