Question
Here is the question : WHICH CITY HAS A BUILDING NICKNAMED “THE WALKIE-TALKIE BUILDING”?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- London
- Rio de Janeiro
- Chicago
- Dubai
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Some people refer to it as “the ugliest building in London.” The Walkie Talkie building is another name for it. However, it is actually 20 Fenchurch Street, a central London building that resembles a very large walkie talkie. And it has the following distinction: The building was given the Carbuncle Cup by the Royal Institute of British Architects in 2015, which is given to ‘the ugliest completed in the last 12 months’.
London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, is home to a distinctive building that has garnered attention and earned the nickname “the Walkie-Talkie building.” This architectural marvel, officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street, stands out among the city’s iconic skyline and has become a symbol of modernity and innovation. With its unique design and controversial history, the Walkie-Talkie building has left an indelible mark on London’s architectural landscape.
Located in the heart of the City of London, the Walkie-Talkie building was designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly and completed in 2014. Its distinctive shape, characterized by a curved and concave façade, sets it apart from the surrounding buildings. The building’s nickname, “Walkie-Talkie,” derives from its top-heavy design, which widens as it rises and resembles the shape of an old-fashioned handheld communication device.
The Walkie-Talkie building’s unconventional design has both captivated and divided public opinion. While some admire its modern aesthetic and unique profile, others have criticized its impact on the city’s historic skyline. The building’s distinctive shape has been described as both bold and disruptive, challenging traditional architectural norms and sparking debates about the balance between modernity and preservation of London’s historical character.
One of the most remarkable features of the Walkie-Talkie building is its expansive top-floor Sky Garden. Spanning three floors, this public space offers panoramic views of London’s skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the Shard, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Visitors can experience the beauty of the city while enjoying a range of dining options and immersive botanical displays, creating a unique fusion of nature and urbanity.
However, the Walkie-Talkie building gained notoriety shortly after its completion due to an unexpected and controversial issue. During certain times of the year, the building’s curved façade acted as a concave mirror, reflecting and intensifying sunlight onto the streets below. The concentrated rays of sunlight caused damage to parked cars, melted plastic surfaces, and even prompted the nickname “the Fryscraper.” The phenomenon led to public outcry and raised concerns about the building’s design and its impact on the surrounding environment.
To address the sunlight reflection issue, modifications were made to the building’s façade. A sunshade system consisting of horizontal aluminum fins was installed on the south-facing side of the building, mitigating the reflective effect and ensuring the safety of pedestrians and nearby structures. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of considering environmental factors and the need for responsible architectural design in urban spaces.
Beyond its architectural significance, the Walkie-Talkie building has played a role in London’s commercial landscape. It houses a mix of office spaces,