Foster + Partners reveals tulip-shaped skyscraper for London

Glass bubbles will convey tourists around Ferris wheel-like “petals” on the face of the 305-metre tower, giving views of the capital’s skyline and The Gherkin next door.

Foster + Partners is working with the banking firm J. Safra Group on the skyscraper which aims to draw tourists into the capital’s financial district, the City. 

At 305.3 metres in height, The Tulip is just a few metres shorter than London's tallest skyscraper – Renzo Piano's The Shard.

Continuing the London penchant for skyscrapers nicknamed after their shape (The Can of Ham, The Gherkin, The Shard, The Walkie Talkie) Foster + Partners has taken hold of the reins and named the tower The Tulip after its resemblance to the flower. 

A bulbous glass viewing deck is depicted mounted atop a slender stalk rooted to the street by a concrete core.

Glazed arches in the base aim make the attraction permeable at street-level – something Foster + Partners achieved with the tapering base of its 30 St Mary Axe (more commonly known as The Gherkin). 

“Deriving its name from its nature-inspired form, The Tulip would enhance The Gherkin, one of London's most cherished and recognisable buildings and offer a new state-of-the-art cultural and educational resource for Londoners and tourists,” said a statement from Foster + Partners.

Glass pods are shown circuiting curving “petals” on the exterior of the 12-storey observation area. 

For those seeking a lesser thrill, a sky bridge spans the atrium within, curving away from the glass façade to give uninterrupted views of the skyline. 

The Tulip is expected to host a range of facilities catering to tourists, schools and businesses., randing from education spaces to shops and restaurants.

"In summary, it will enhance the City’s Culture Mile as a tourist destination, and deliver significant economic and social benefits to London," said a statement from the development website. 

Foster + Partners submitted a planning application for The Tulip on 13 November. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2020, with completion slated for 2025. 

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