What is the Gherkin in London?
The Gherkin is the nickname for 30 St Mary Axe, a 180-metre skyscraper in the City of London with a distinctive rounded shape. Designed by Norman Foster's firm, it was completed in 2003 and has become a symbol of modern London.
The building's shape, which resembles a pickled cucumber, gave it the nickname. Its curved design reduces wind at street level and helps natural ventilation.
The Gherkin stands on the site of the Baltic Exchange, which was badly damaged by an IRA bomb in 1992.
Design and features
The building has a diamond-pattern steel frame and glass panels. Gaps between floors create spiral light wells that help circulate air and reduce energy use.
At the top is a glass-domed restaurant and bar with panoramic views of London. It is mainly used for private events.
The Gherkin won the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004. It appears in many films and television shows and is one of the most recognizable buildings in the City of London skyline.
Unlike many skyscrapers, the building uses only one curved piece of glass, at the very top of the dome.