The architects who’ve shaped London’s skyline

British architect Norman Foster has designed many iconic London structures, including Millennium Bridge and City Hall. But the Gherkin, opened in the City of London in 2004, is probably his most famous. Standing 41-storeys tall, the curved lines of this pickle-shaped skyscraper set it apart from its straight-edged, angular neighbours.

Christopher Wren was a scientist, mathematician and renowned British architect. After the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the City of London, Wren was tasked with rebuilding the old medieval St Paul’s Cathedral. The new cathedral, with its landmark dome, was finally completed in 1711.

Britain’s tallest building at 309.6m, the Shard in London Bridge pierces through the London skyline. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, it opened in London Bridge in 2012. The spire-like glass structure was inspired by London’s churches and the masts of tall ships painted by Venetian artist Canaleto in the 1700s.

Richard Rogers designed one of the City of London’s most fascinating office blocks: the inside-out Lloyd’s Building, opened in 1986. And just across the road sits another Rogers wonder. The Leadenhall Building, nicknamed the Cheesegrater because of its wedge shape, juts out 225m into London’s skyline.

One of the best views of London comes from a wheel on the South Bank. Designed by husband-wife duo David Marks and Julia Barfield, the London Eye opened to passengers in 2000 as the world’s tallest ferris wheel. It was meant to be temporary, but was so popular it was made permanent.

In 1834, a fire destroyed the old Palace of Westminster. Local architect Charles Barry won a competition to redesign the palace in a Gothic Revival style. And he recruited the 23-year-old Augustus Pugin to help. Both died before the building was finally completed in 1870.

Designed by artist Anish Kapoor and architect Cecil Balmond, this huge public sculpture from the 2012 Olympics is a twisted, towering addition to Stratford’s skyline. Yes, it’s not really a building. It’s actually a giant helter skelter claiming to be “the world’s longest tunnel slide”.

This skyscraper had already made the news before it opened in 2014. During construction, the building’s top-heavy concave reflected the sun onto the street so intensely that it damaged cars. On top of the 34 floors of office space is the landscaped Sky Garden with bars, a restaurant and a terrace.

The world-renowned Zaha Hadid designed the swimming and diving pool centre for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Inspired by fluid water in motion, the roof sweeps up from the ground like a wave. The building reflects the river landscape of the surrounding Olympic Park.