30 St Mary Axe, commonly referred to as the Gherkin, is a skyscraper in London’s main financial district. Due to its ingenious design the triangular skin of the structure allows for a column free floor space, enhancing the breathe taking views of the city below and allowing more light to enter the building. Similar to the City hall, Norman Foster designed this energy conscious building with a focus on curvature and transparency.
During the paper folding exercise this building inspired me with the curves and ‘twists’ created in my paper model.
Foster & Partners, “Swiss Re HQ, 30 St mary Axe, London,” accessed July 25 2011, http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/1004/default.aspx
http://www.completeofficesearch.com/provider/office/c40c5c53d5e2243a90aa61f942bceed4.jpg
http://weluv.it/explore/the-gherkin-30-st-mary-axe/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/thegherkin30stmaryaxe/london-gerkin-ian-muttoo.jpg
http://plus.maths.org/issue42/features/foster/gherkin_inside.jpg
http://www.wedding-news.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Gherkin_l.jpg