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Monday 14 February 2011

The Coen brothers - mapping America

The 80's was not a great decade for cinema as I recall. So many Hollywood blockbusters which did nothing for me at the time. 

But I did see Blood Simple on release in 1984, and the Coen Brothers have been on my radar ever since.

So to mark the occasion of True Grit being released in the UK, I thought I'd plot the locations of their films. 

A very American odyssey...

Tuesday 1 February 2011

London's growing up!


The UK has never done skyscrapers very well. 
In London sensitivity towards the local heritage, concerns over sight lines to St Paul's, the proximity to Heathrow and recent economic uncertainty have conspired to keep building heights in check. 
But that is now set to change, with a 'cluster' of new buildings either complete, under construction or planned for the City of London. 
The designs are generally quite restrained - this is not Dubai after all - and I'm generally in favour.
The Shard (whilst not within the Square Mile) leads the way - in more ways than one. I can't wait to see it completed - a must see London sight.
You can't fail to miss these landmark buildings in London, especially with the help of my handy spotters guide.

1 The Shard 305m
With the completion of it’s central core, The Shard has overtaken 1 Canada Square (Canary Wharf) as the UK’s tallest. The bottom third has already been clad in glass. It will be the highest building in Europe when complete in 2012 – at least for a while. Rival buildings for the European crown are mooted in Frankfurt, Moscow and La Defense. It is mixed use, comprising a hotel, residential, offices and a viewing gallery.

2 Bishopgate Tower (The Pinnacle, or Helter Skelter) 288m
Will be the tallest building in the City of London when complete, and Europe’s 2nd highest. Under construction - the core has reached the 9th floor.

3 The Heron Tower 230m
Recently topped out and due to open in February 2011. Currently the tallest building in the City of London. The design includes a Restaurant and Sky Bar at the top and a 70,000 litre aquarium in the reception area.

4 The Leadenhall Building (The Cheese Grater) 225m
This Richard Rogers design has had a stop-start history, with demolition of the previous building at 122 Leadenhall Street commencing back in 2006. However, construction started again in January 2011.

5 Tower 42 (formerly The National Westminster Tower) 183m
Arguably the first skyscraper in the UK by international standards, Tower 42 was the highest building in the City for 30 years, until the Heron Tower just over the road reached it’s 44th floor and overtook it in 2009.

6 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) 180m
An iconic building, this Norman Foster design stands on the site of the former Baltic Exchange. It won a host of awards, including the 2004 RIBA Stirling Prize.

7 100 Bishopsgate 165m
Approved for construction, which should start in 2011 once the existing lease expires on the site.

8 Broadgate Tower 164m
At the northern end of the city, completed in 2009.

9 20 Fenchurch Street (The Walkie Talkie) 160m
The design of 20 Fenchurch Street divides opinion on a grand scale! The top-heavy appearance is driven by the higher rents that upper floors command – hence it’s bigger at the top. The groundwork is complete and work has started on the basement levels. Features 3 levels of ‘Sky Garden’ at the top.
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