Critics pan ‘public space’ as public flock to visit
The long-awaited Skygarden in Rafael Vinoly’s Walkie Talkie building in the City of London has opened to the public.
The Gillespies-designed space at the top of the 160m-high tower has been dubbed London’s “highest garden” with 360-degree views by the firm marketing it.
As well as the Skygarden itself there are three restaurants occupying the three-storey landscaped space.
The controversial tower was given permission to be built at 20 Fenchurch Street, outside the City’s “central cluster”, because it promised a free public garden in the roof.
But the result has already taken a drubbing from architecture critics for failing to live up to the promise.
To visit the public must book tickets through the website Skygarden.london. These are free but places for the whole of January were snapped up within about 24 hours. Tables at the restaurants have also been going quickly.
The building, developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group, is 90% let. The first office tenant moved in in May 2014.
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This story first appeared on Building Design here.
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