Its design began back in 2001, when Rogers' workshop was invited to participate in a closed competition, but the implementation - due to the crisis and other unfortunate circumstances - did not start until 2011.
Perhaps Leadenhall will turn into one of the symbols of the city: it looks original, therefore, even at the stage of the project, it received the nickname Cheesegrater from Londoners - “cheese grater”. And this "float" with a height of 224 m has become another silhouette-forming dominant in the panorama of London, competing with other skyscrapers of the City, first of all - "Gherkin" on Lord Foster's St. Mary-Ax. With its streamlined silhouette, Leadenhall contrasts with its angular form: this is how Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, who once began their architectural careers together, have clearly embodied their rivalry on the "skyline" of London.
The steel structure, enclosed in a glass shell, resembles a giant mast with a sail. The beveled shape is a response to the urban planning situation, first of all - a measure to preserve the views of St. Paul's Cathedral. The glass triangle tapering upwards is formed by office premises: each next floor is 75 cm shorter than the one below. In the "mast", adjacent to it from the north, there is a structural core with technical rooms and high-speed panoramic elevators (in addition to the usual passenger and freight).
Unlike most office skyscrapers, the technical core is removed from the main volume of the building (Rogers did the same in his Lloyd’s building), making this volume completely transparent. Top-floor occupants, usually occupied by executive offices, will find exquisite interiors of black reflective glass, shiny steel and granite, as well as breathtaking views of the City and Thames. Automatic blinds take care of protection from excessive sunlight and heat. However, a well-lit glass anthill itself will become an outstanding "view" of the City of London and will be able to significantly diversify the visual impressions of the townspeople.
In addition, the base of the tower is a semi-open public space with a height of 7 floors, which the creators of the building compare to a cathedral. There is a landscaped area and terraces with bars and restaurants. Also, this "plaza" connected St. Helen Square and Leadenhall, increasing the permeability of the urban fabric.
