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The Gherkin at 20: Is London now a skyscraper city?

In April 2004, a landmark building opened in The City of London, at 30 St Mary Axe. Thanks to its distinctive shape it quickly became known at 'The Gherkin'.

At forty storeys high, it was at the forefront of a new London skyline, and is arguably just as recognisable other skyscrapers like The Shard or One Canada Square.

The Gherkin is also broadly liked, with architects continuing to praise its construction.

So - is London now a city of skyscrapers akin to New York? And what makes a good skyscraper?

大象传媒 Radio London's Robert Elms has been speaking to architecture critic Ike Ijeh.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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9 minutes

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