British firm Foster + Partners have proposed plans for a Tulip-shaped tower that would rise beside their London landmark, the Gherkin. The new skyscraper, which at 305-meters high would become the city's second-tallest building, is conceived as a state-of-the-art cultural and educational resource by the architects.
Also described as 'a classroom in the sky,' the future landmark will include an educational facility for local schoolchildren, with 20,000 free visits offered per year. In addition, the Tulip will have viewing galleries as well as bars and restaurants offering panoramic views of the city.
Visitors will have a variety of noteworthy ways to move about the 12-story observation tower, choosing between sky bridges, internal glass slides and/or a gondola pod ride.
Announcing the plans, Norman Foster described the project as "in the spirit of London as a progressive, forward-thinking city."
"It offers significant benefits to Londoners and visitors as a cultural and social landmark with unmatched educational resources for future generations," he added.
The scheme is being funded by the Gherkin owner Jacob J Safra, whose Bury Street Properties company submitted the application for the Tulip under their name. Safra said in a statement that they "are delighted to benefit from the exceptional talent of Foster + Partners in bringing to London this world-class visitor attraction."
If the project moves forward with city approval, work could begin in 2020 and finish in 2025.
6 Comments
Foster + Partners: If you want a building that looks like a sex toy, We're Your Firm!
It's certainly ribbed for our pleasure.
sir norman, your envy for renzo is showing.....
Channeling Paul McCarthy in Paris .... I wonder if Foster will get the same treatment?
Here's a Paul McCarthy in Rotterdam: "Kabouter(Gnome) Buttplug"
the q-tip
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