The Shard: scintillating or a scar?

[Anna]

Oh what a shame - we were so looking forward to your visit... sometime

Well, that's you off my Christmas Card list!! And, no, don't bother to wave at me during the Proms!

[Serial_Apologist]

Well, that's you off my Christmas Card list!! And, no, don't bother to wave at me during the Proms!

Well if I do go to the Proms, I'll raise you the victory salute instead then.

[Northender]

Firstly, I've only seen the Shard in photographs so maybe I shouldn't comment. Personally I like the Eiffel Tower but you cannot compare that to the Shard except comparison of height and the Tower is, I think, quite elegant in that it tapers away into almost nothing but straddles Paris in a totally non-threatening way.

The Shard (to me) just seems a very vulgar ostentatious display of wealth which would be fine if sited in Dubai, but it's not in Dubai, it's in London and it seems to be looking down on St. Pauls and saying 'well, you didn't kick the moneylenders out of the Temple did you?' In fact, should it be renamed Barclays Tower? Which, having just seen S_A's post it seems he thinks the same.

Well said, Anna! May I suggest 'Mammon Monster' as an alternative name?

[jean]

The Italians seem rather proud of it:

http://www.corriere.it/esteri/12_luglio_03/giovedi-inaugurazione-shard_ab26c7ae-c523-11e1-a141-5df29481da70.shtml

[MrGongGong]

Personally I like the Eiffel Tower but you cannot compare that to the Shard except comparison of height and the Tower is, I think, quite elegant in that it tapers away into almost nothing but straddles Paris in a totally non-threatening way.

hummmm

is that because it's been there a long time ?
one could say that it "straddles" the city in a stance of dominance ? (where is Susan Sontag when you need her ?)
what about the Tokyo tower ?

[Flosshilde]

The Italians seem rather proud of it:

http://www.corriere.it/esteri/12_lug...9481da70.shtml

& la Scheggia doesn't sound quite so aggressive as 'The Shard'.

[Northender]

I've seen the Shard a couple of times when in London for the day - it doesn't so much emerge quietly from its surroundings as thrust itself, shouting, at you. If it was a piece of music it would be something by Harrison Birtwotsisname.

[scottycelt]

But is your opinion of the ET swayed by your liking it? It could equally well be called a monstrosity that squats by the Seinne (spelling?) and looms over Paris, with no grace or style. The Shard, by comparison, is a gleaming, elegant needle, pointing to the sky. The 'vulgar, ostentatious display of wealth' is not intrinsic to the building, but a subjective view, coloured by knowledge of its owners & the accomodation in it. If it consisted of 'social housing' (unlikely, I know, but not, in other political circumstances, impossible), or even 'ordinary' offices, then would it still be a vulgar display of wealth?

Your opinion is based on total ignorance. You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. The ET is an architectural masterpiece. What do you know about architecture, or 'a subjective view' for that matter? Kindly exit this discussion and leave it to members who are well-read on such matters.

[Flosshilde]

I am, actually, so sucks to you. :thumbnose:

[gradus]

Dear Mercia
I hated the Shard because it was an invasion of the South side of the river by The City and its gimmicky shape irritated me. I still resent the invasion but seeing the thing in its completed state I have to admit it has an imposing presence and adds an air of fantasy in the mundane context of London Bridge, otherwise devoted to scurrying commuters.
G

[AmpH]

[Mind you the views from the top must be fantastic]. I wonder from what furthest distance it can be seen.

Indeed the views are fantastic .... especially at night. Have a look at this ..... amazing pics !

http://www.placehacking.co.uk/2012/04/07/climbing-shard-glass/

[MrGongGong]

Dear Mercia
I hated the Shard because it was an invasion of the South side of the river by The City and its gimmicky shape irritated me. I still resent the invasion but seeing the thing in its completed state I have to admit it has an imposing presence and adds an air of fantasy in the mundane context of London Bridge, otherwise devoted to scurrying commuters.
G

I was in London and walked over the "wobbly bridge"
I was struck by the huge upside down breast that someone seems to have placed on the cathedral

[Flosshilde]

Indeed the views are fantastic .... especially at night. Have a look at this ..... amazing pics !

http://www.placehacking.co.uk/2012/0...g-shard-glass/

Eeeeeeek!!!! You could have given a warning for those of a (very) nervous disposition. Once I'd started to look I couldn't look away

[jean]

& la Scheggia doesn't sound quite so aggressive as 'The Shard'.

My dictionary says scaglia minuscolo frammento staccatosi da un corpo solido so it doesn't seem a very appropriate word at all.

[mercia]

£25 to go up to the viewing platform

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-18716658