London’s Shard officially opened
Europe’s tallest building has been officially opened in central London.
The Shard’s tapered design and glass panelling have already made the skyscraper one of the capital’s most noticeable landmarks. Just yards from the Thames in Southwark, it seems to pierce the sky.
The tower, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, will contain offices, exclusive residences, a luxury hotel, restaurants and a viewing gallery across 72 floors which can be occupied. There are a further 15 levels which make up the “spire”.
The 1,016ft (309.6m) skyscraper was inaugurated by the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Qatar, Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, and the Duke of York.