Gráinne Lyons Design Press

Discontinued Stock Sale "Crochet Cloud"

2014-01-24T06:24:00.001-08:00

The Crochet Cloud lighting collection was one of my first design to be developed after finishing college and joining the Malthouse Design Centre. It has proven to be a great starting point in my design career with the collection having been featured on many major design blogs and website including Design Spotter and Inner Design. The Crochet Cloud has appeared in a number of features and articles since its production including features in the House and Home Magazine, The Sunday Times, Irelands Interiors, Homes and Living Magazine, you can read the full articles from the press page on my website, www.grainnelyonsdesign.com. The Collection was developed through my interest in how flat sheet material can be constructed into three dimensional form through a variety of techniques. I was influenced by many great sculptures and designers with the same design philosophies as myself. The collection of pendant lights achieve their form through a technique of slotting 12 identical two dimensional modules together which have been sliced in a specific manner to create an overall sphere form. This form is create as a result of geometric mathematical systems. To add texture and pattern to the form, a photograph of Irish crochet has been digitally printed and transferred onto the plastic in variety of different colours. As many of you may know I have been working on the Gráinne Lyons Design brand and have developed further lighting collections and modular candle holder collections since, which I have blogged about previously. All these new developments are based on the same theories and philosophies, however these designs all sit as a family together. It is because of that reason that I have decided to no longer produce the Crochat Cloud collection and to concentrate on moving the brand forward with a full range of lighting and homeware which work with one another. All stock is limited so please email me grainne-lyons@hotmail.com for enquiries, availability and sales.

Will keep you all posted on further developements to the Gráinne Lyons Design brand and further additional to the new complete homeware and lighting range.

Forge Dublin to Connect Designers and Manufacturers

2013-10-29T11:30:00.005-07:00

Forge is a creative initiative started by three design led businesses; Rosemary Ryan of The Malthouse Design Centre , Elizabeth Fingleton of Klickity and Simon Keogh of Urban Assembly.It is a one day design forum taking place on Saturday, November 2nd, which aims to connect product designers with Irish manufacturers to promote collaboration among them.

Forge aims to establish clear routes to market for product designers by capitalising on existing Irish manufacturing bases leading to mutually beneficial relationships. This one day event will offer a platform which helps manufacturers expand the possibilities beyond their everyday operations to discover a new pathway to growth through collaboration with designers. There are significant opportunities to share design and manufacturing insider knowledge, co-create products and work together to bring them to market.

Forge acts as the starting point to achieve this through informal group discussions and presentations from experienced designers and manufacturers. Speakers on the day will include Paddy Tobin from Nadura Design and head of the design programme at GMIT Letterfrack, Furniture designers Peter McCann and Steurt Padwick and founder of the very resourceful website, FindItMakeIt, Tara Whelan.

Forge will take place in The Coachhouse, Dublin Castle this Saturday, Novemeber 2nd. Tickets are available to buy from the Forge Dublin website at a discount price of €50.00 if booked before Thursday 31st. An event all designers and manufacturers should not miss.

Hope to see you all there,
Gráinne
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com www.facebook.com/grainnelyonsdesign
www.twitter.com/glyons

Glow Getter - My First Solo Trade Fair

2013-09-30T09:13:00.001-07:00

I am both really excited and nervous to be taken part in my first solo trade fair during this year’s Irish Furniture and Interiors Fair at the RDS, Dublin from the 6^th-8^th of October. I will be using this as a platform to launch a number of new products which I have designed including the new collection of “Glow” lampshades which I launched during the summer.

“Glow” is a flat pack, reversible lampshade which have been inspired my Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes. The self-assembly lampshade consists of 12 individual modules that slot together to form a 400mm sphere structure and requires no additional fittings for assembly.

“The planar modules used, produce forms that appear complex yet have a basic underlying principle. The “Glow” lightshade was created through an exploration of a particular process rather than a predetermined outcome.”

Made using polypropylene, it is 100% recyclable. The white polypropylene has been treated with a coloured backing meaning that the internal surface of the light glows in colour. The coloured backing also allows the light shade to be reversible and can be changed to suit the user’s mood.

Material: White Polypropylene

Internal Colours: Black, Grey, Purple, Teal and Red

Dimensions: 400mm diameter

The very latest collection I have designed is the “Joyn” modular candle holder system which has been designed so that it can be joined and arranged like a puzzle in many variations. For anyone attending the show, this will be the first opportunity to see the Joyn collection which will go on sell the end of October and with some luck at the Irish Furniture and Interiors Fair will be on sale in a number of different stockist throughout Ireland in time for Christmas.

Its modular shape has been design so that it to work with a number of different shaped surfaces with endless arrangement possibilities. Joyn is available in two different styles; one holding 3 tea lights and the other holding 4 tea lights and a pillar candle in the centre. The candle holders will be sold as individual holders or as a set and will be available to buy from my website www.grainnelyonsdesign.com . Made from birch ply, it has been treated with a fire resistant lacquer for the user’s safety.

Material: Birch Plywood

Dimensions: 170mm x 170mm

The Gráinne Lyons Design stand will be situated at in the New Design Ireland section in the Main Hall at stand ND1. The New Designer Section in the Fair will give people attending the opportunity to keep a head of all the latest products being produced by Irish designer makers.

The Irish Furniture and Interiors Fair will be taking place in the RDS, Dublin from the 6^th – 8^th of October.

Hope to see you all there,

Gráinne

Reversible, Self-Assembly Lampshade Range

2013-06-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

The latest collection to be launched by Gráinne Lyons is the “Glow” lightshade. “Glow” is a flat pack, reversible lightshade which have been inspired my Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes.

“My interests lie in how construction techniques and form can combine to create structures which in essence are quite simple but make the most of visual form. Three dimensional design aims to establish harmony and order in design which generates visual excitement as its purpose. Taking this approach to my designs I am able to visualize the piece as a whole including its visual form from all angles and directions.”

The self-assembly lightshade consists of 12 individual modules that slot together to form a 400mm sphere structure and requires no additional fittings for assembly.

“The planar modules used, produce forms that appear complex yet have a basic underlying principle. The fabrication of my design is just as important in my projects as the end result. I aim to evoke a certain unity within my pieces to show that each individual module is important to the structure of each piece as a whole. The “Glow” lightshade was created through an exploration of a particular process rather than a predetermined outcome.”

Made using polypropylene, it is 100% recyclable. The white polypropylene has been treated with a coloured backing meaning that the internal surface of the light glows in colour. The coloured backing also allows the light shade to be reversible and can be changed to suit the user’s mood.

Material: White Polypropylene
Internal Colours: Black, Grey, Purple, Teal and Red
Dimensions: 400mm diameter
Price: €79.95

All products have been made using materials which have been sourced and manufactured in Ireland and are available online through Grainne’s website www.grainnelyonsdesign.com.

`Glow` by Grainne Lyons Design. Reversible, Flat-Packed Lampshade

Must Sees during Milan 2013

2013-04-09T12:28:00.001-07:00

With the Milan Design Week fast approaching, this year once again sees top manufacturers and some of the most promising designers from around the world display their designs and products.

Salone Internazionale del Mobile will take place between the 9th - 14th of April this year with many events taken place around Milan along side the main event.

We have decided to give you a sneak peek of some of the top events we would recommend visiting if your lucky enough to be going.

British designer Tom Dixon is back again this year with MOST at the Museum of Science and Technology. MOST provides a curated creative hub, promoting forward-thinking culture, commerce and creativity against the extraordinary backdrop of historic exhibits based on technological innovation. Brands showing include Tom Dixon together with Piet Hein Eek, Saunder Muler and online design brands, Designboom, Dwell and FAB. The brand showing will be exploring new materials, technologies, production techniques and distribution systems to the public. The space will also cater for the thirsty public with Tom Dixon’s Grand British Tea House situated in the shop space. Dixons new "Eclectic Tea Set" will be used to serve out tea and lunch to the public.

Showing also this year, are Dutch company Moooi. Moooi have prepared an entire collection of refreshing new designs and surprising experiences that will be held at Savona 56 from the 8th to the 14th. Moooi is taking up residence in the space and transforming it into a stylish assembly of colourful living quarters, new product displays, lounges together with an artistic exhibition. As well as their own products, the FRAME Moooi award nominees will also be on display with an exclusive ceremony and VIP cocktail evening included to mark the occasion.

Designs by Moooi

New on during this years Milan design week is a special collection of `New British` design showcasing at the Vivienne Westwood flagship store in Corso, Venezia. The design installation has been the collaborative work of the British fashion designer and one of the biggest design brands during London Design Week, 100% Design. The installation will provide evidence of a revived focus amongst these young designers on craftsmanship, high quality materials and skills, sustainability and innovative design solutions which are timeless and charming to the fore. Amongst other’s you’ll find works by Plant & Moss, James Smith Designs, Young & Norgate, Decode London, and Bethan Gray.

G&T table by Be than Gray

One Year On

2013-04-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I have posted on the blog, its been such a hectic start to year but one I cannot complain about.

So much has happened in the last 12 months since setting up the Design-Press and Gráinne Lyons Design that it has proven that hard work, determination and passion will get you on the path to where you want to be. Hard work is the key to success, so work diligently on any project you undertake. If you truly want to be successful, be prepared to give up your leisure time and work past 5.00pm and on weekends.
Have faith in yourself, if you come up with a new idea that you believe in, don't allow other people to discourage you from pursuing it.

Not long after setting up my blog I joined the Malthouse Design Centre where I set up a studio and began working on my own designs amongst a hub of other great young designers. With all the excitement and creativity going on within the walls of the Malthouse I got stuck into work pretty much from the first day. Upon arrival, The Light Fantastic exhibition was in its final stages of setting up and all the designers were putting the finishes to their final prototypes for the show which opened on the 17th of May. And like anyone who knows me, it wasn't long before I was following suit. Three weeks later I had the starting point of a lighting collection on show at The Light Fantastic. The show was a great success for all involved and as there were many people attending within the design sector in Ireland and editors from many of Ireland's leading newspapers and magazine, it was a great starting point for me to network.
Within a couples of months I was selling my finalised lighting collection the "Crochet Cloud" into number of well-known art and design retailers around Ireland including Designist, The Jam Art Factory, The Irish Design Shop and recently The Science Gallery and Dennison Design in Co.Kerry.

Since then the lighting collection has been featured in a number of national newspapers and magazines along with the newest of my products the "Bouquet" wine glass holder. The purpose of the wine glass holder came about when trying to design a product which would target the Christmas market. As wine is one of the top sellers at Christmas and is the gift of choice for many it was a no brainer. I wasn't prepared for the reaction I got and was overwhelmed by the interest. The "Bouquet" was featured in the Sunday Times magazine as one of the top Christmas gifts for 2012 and is currently selling within one of Ireland's oldest family run wine merchants, Mitchell&Sons as well as online from The Corkscrew.

Just last month Gráinne Lyons Design was featured in the designer profile section of Irelands Home, Interiors and Living Magazine and here I am, one year on, and in the process of designing a new lighting range which is coming to its finalised stage and prototypes are being made as I write this(blog post to come). With lots of exciting things coming up in the next few months, one I am particularly excited about is the Furniture and Interiors Fair in October. I will be doing my first solo trade show within the new designers section at the show in the RDS and hopefully another hardworking year will pay off and get me another step closer to where I aim to be both in business and in design.

From handbags to hammocks - Louis Vuitton

2013-01-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

French fashion designer Louis Vuitton launched his collection of travel furniture and accessories at this years Miami design week. Hanging chairs, lamps and handbags which transform into foldable furniture have been designed especially for the 16 piece collection.

Designers including Maarten Baas, Atelier Oi, Patricia Urquiola, Christian Liaigre and Nendos Oki Sato all collaborated with Vuitton to create this unique sophisticated collection for the fashion conscience globe trotter.

Christmas Boutique in Ranelagh

2012-12-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Boutique in Ranelagh is a 12day pop-up gift shop selling affordable Irish craft and design. Currently in its second year, the Christmas Boutique is organised and run by Irish design duo Klickity who's products will also be on sale throughout the 12day event. With a focus on contemporary, affordable, Irish made products the Christmas Boutique brings together 30 designer makers under one roof, an event which Gráinne Lyons Design is delighted to be apart of. Other designers taking part in this event include fellow Malthouse Designers, Jennifer Slattery Textiles and Jamie Lewis.

The 12 day event provides customers with an intimate Christmas shopping experience in the heart of Ranelagh. Choose from a selection of Irish made gifts including jewellery, accessories, homewares, ceramics, lighting, linen tableware, candles, framed prints and greeting cards all starting from €10.00.

The Christmas Boutique is open from 11am-6pm from Saturday 12^th December to Sunday 23^rd December with late opening until 8pm on Thursdays. Ranelagh Arts Centre is located at 26 Ranelagh Main Street, Dublin 6.

Hope to see you all there.
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com

A Desk Lamp You Can Eat...?!

2012-11-26T16:36:00.000-08:00

Yes,..Amercian designer Victor Vetterlein has made "Bite Me", an edible desk lamp. Bite Me has been designed and made using a material which is derived from gelatin which allows the user to consume the piece when it is no longer useful.
Bite Me is available in four different flavours, orange, cherry, blueberry and apple.
The gelatin used is low in sodium and very low in saturated fat as well as cholesterol.It is also a good source of vitamin E, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, zinc and copper, and a very good source of folic acid, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and magnesium.
So not only are you experiencing the unique interection with this design piece, its also good for your health :)

Gráinne
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com

Foam and Rubber Band Upholstery by Meike Harde

2012-11-13T08:21:00.004-08:00

German design graduate Meike Harde has designed a range of upholstered benches and stools which have been upholstered simply by folding foam mats and fixing them to wooden frames with elastic bands.
The simple, fast an effective upholstery method involves just three materials and two simple methods, using foam, rubber bands and wood the foam is folded and then held in place around the wood using the rubber bands.
The foam mat is layered and gathered tightly to create waves that are held together at the top and bottom with elastic bands. The cushion is then compressed and fixed using longer elastic bands in the opposite direction, before the wooden stool is inserted underneath the elastic.
The motivation behind Harde’s design was to explore new methods of upholstery construction, aiming to create a stiff cushion from a flat foam mat.

Gráinne
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com

Design Week Ireland 2012 5th-11th November

2012-11-02T11:16:00.001-07:00

Design Week Ireland which is funded by the Pivot Dublin and devevloped by Unthink runs from the 5th to the 11th of Novenber all over Ireland promoting and celebrating Irish design.
This years Irish Design Week began lastnight with the lauch of many exhibitions and showcases around Ireland including the exhibition "Designs for Life" running in The Malthouse Design Centre.
The Malthouse invites you to share in the story of everyday objects as seen through the eyes of a selction of Ireland's design professionals in the "Living with Design" exhibition. This exhibition introduces the wider public to the value of design and how design can enhance and benefit our loves. Irish designers taken part include Fashion Designer, Paul Costello, Johnathan Legge of Makers and Brothers and designer Orla Keily.

Hope to see you all there,
Gráinne
www.grainnelyonsdesign.com

New Design Gallery in London

2012-10-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

A new design gallery showcasing socially responsible design has opened in Soho coinciding with London Design Festival. The new gallery located at 19 Greek Street has been established by Marc Péridis, creative director of design studio Montage. The design collection features furniture from Brazil which has been curated by US specialists Espasso plus pieces by designers including Studiomama and Australian collective Supercyclers.

On the lower ground level is a screening room and an exhibition space featuring non-commercial works, including woven plastic chairs produced by former prisoners in Colombia for fashion house Marni.

On the first and second floors, Espasso showcases Brazilian design from the middle of the 20th century to the present day, including contemporary designers Arthur Casas and Carlos Motta.

The third floor gallery contains furniture from a number of international design studios, including pieces made from reclaimed pallets by Nina Tolstrup’s Studiomama and cardboard furniture to be used after natural disasters by Parisian studio Nocc.

Montage occupies the top floor of the Victorian townhouse alongside an exhibition space for Supercyclers, a collective of designers who seek to reuse waste materials in their work.

Waste Wood Chair by Marjan Van Aubel and Jamie Shaw

2012-10-16T09:53:00.004-07:00

London-based designers Marjan Van Aubel and Jamie Shaw have investigated ways of incorporating waste shavings into design using bio-resin. Between 50% and 80% of timber is wasted during the standard manufacturing process of furniture which was the influence behind their Waste Wood chair. When bio-resin is mixed with the wood shaving and scraps a chemical reaction occurs expanding it into foam. By adding colour dye and varied-sized shavings from different workshop machines, a colourful, lightweight and mouldable material is created.

London Tent 2012 Report

2012-10-04T09:22:00.001-07:00

The second stop during my trip to London Design Festival was this years Tent event. One of larger events being held over the 10 day festival. The event was held together with Super Brands London and was put on show in the Old Truman Brewery.
With such a vast amount of design talent and innovation it was hard to highlight the best on display.
The stand that stood out the most for me at this years event,had to be the carved geometric wood pieces by Hungraian designer Laszlo Tompa. His collection included a range of lighting aswel as stylishly carved boxes. The innovation, skill and standard of craftsmanship was next to none.

Another intriguing piece of design was the domino covered cabinet designed by Dutch design company Schelling and Borsboom. Stylist design with a bit of humour.

This next piece was probably one of the designs I have talked about the most since London Design Festival. A coffee table design by UK designer Toby Poolman which captured your attention as soon as you entered the top floor. A piece which demonstrated excelent innovation and craftsmanship but made the user question its production and the characteristics of its wood material.

It was great to see Eco design palying a big part of this years London Design Festival. One of the best examples of eco design and upcycling was the work of UK designer Sarah Turner. Her beautiful lighting has been designed using recycled plastic bottles which she cuts and forms into 3 dimensional flowers. When speaking to Sarah, it didnt suprise me to hear that she was commisioned by Coca Cola to design a chandelier for this years London Olympics.

London Design Festival Report - "A Place to Gather"

2012-09-28T05:40:00.002-07:00

My first stop during London Design Festival, "A place to Gather".
This show was dedicated to showcasing the design work of Irish designers based both here and in London itself. Organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland and curated by John Legge, the show transformed an old garage in the middle of Shoreditch into a creative,small but inviting hub of contemporary Irish design. All the designs featured were very much Irish in there design, materials and how they were made. Irish Oak furniture by Simon O'Driscoll which was upholstered in Donegal Irish tweed woven my Kieran Molloy, Irish Ash used by James Carroll of Stickman furniture, Irish willow baskets and lighting by Kathleen Mc Cormack of Basketbarn and Irish linen furnishings by Jennifer Slattery brought traditional Irish craft to a contemporary stage.

Culture Night 2012

2012-09-20T07:54:00.001-07:00

This year’s Culture Night takes place for one night only, this Friday the 21^st of September. All around Ireland, museums, galleries, historic houses and design studios will open their doors after business hours for a free night of entertainment, discovery and adventure. 2012 marks the seventh year of Culture Night and this year’s programme is the most diverse yet. People of all ages across the country are encouraged to take advantage of this national night and celebrate the art and design Ireland has to offer.

This year at The Malthouse Design Centre, we are opening our doors to every one of all ages to join us in creating a one off design piece where everyone involved will have their personal stamp put on display. A unique opportunity for anyone interested in design.

Nendo's "Bird House"

2012-09-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Japanese design firm Nendo have created a number of hybrid birdhouses that both humans and birds can share. The "Bird Apartments" have been constructed high in the trees at Komoro City’s Momofuku Ando Centre, Japan. The Momofuku Ando Centres main mission is to promote access to nature. Each Bird Apartment contains 78 separate nesting spaces for birds with a small peephole at the back of each where they can be viewed from inside the human living space. The structure’s design pushes the center’s vision to a whole new level by allowing visitors to get a spyglass look at the natural behavior of the birds that nest there.

World Design Capital Helsinki 2012

2012-09-07T06:03:00.002-07:00

This years World Design Capital, Helsinki, hosts its 2012 design week this week from the 6th - 16th of September. The theme of this years event is Co-Creation, the main events of which will be held in The Old Customs Warehouse in Katajanokka. Ireland will be represented by winners of the Pivot Dublin and the IDI design challange, The Dublin Design Collective, at the "Everyday Discoveries" Exhibition which will be held over the 10 day event.

"A Place To Gather" in London

2012-09-04T08:36:00.001-07:00

"A Place To Gather" is a unique exhibition designed by The Crafts Council of Ireland which will be running during London Design Week this month. The exhibition has been specially designed to showcase the work of top Irish designers including Claire-Ann O'Brien, O'Dricoll Furniture, Anthony Cleary, James Carroll and our very own Malthouse Designer Jennifer Slattery.
"A Place to Gather" will transform a recently discovered old warehouse in Shoreditch, into a creative and exciting glimpse of contemporary Ireland.
The exhibition will open its doors on Tuesday the 18th of September on Chance Street, near Redchurch Street as part of the Shorditch design triangle.

Claire-Anne O'Brien

Jennifer Slattery

James Carroll

Jamie Oliver's BIG Chair Project

2012-08-28T09:07:00.004-07:00

To celebrate the 60th year of Arne Jacobsens "Ant Chair", Fritz Hansen donated 25 chairs to the "Better Food Foundation" founded by chef Jamie Oliver for the BIG Chair Project.
The project involves some of the top names in fashion, design and art including Paul Smith, Quentin Blake, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and Tracey Emin who have all customized the chairs to be auctioned off in order to raise money for Jamie’s Better Food Foundation.
The unique collection of chairs were revealed lastweek at the Republic of Fritz Hansen store in London and will exhibited throughout September during London Desogn Week until auctioned off in October.
The collection will also include one of Jamie's own textile designs on the classic "Egg Chair".

Summer Holidays

2012-08-09T08:06:00.001-07:00

I will be away soaking up the sun in beautiful Bulgaria for the next couple of weeks to make up for the lack of summer and sunshine here in Ireland. I will be back bloggin and keeping you all up to date with the latest in design the end of August.

Until then,have a great couple of weeks. Talk to you all soon.

London 2012 Preview

2012-07-31T05:38:00.002-07:00

Continuing on with his metalic experimentation and lighting, Tom Dixon has created the "Lustre Pendants" which will be showcased in September at this years London Design Week. The collection of lights which exhibit an iridescent sheen which is a result of applying a specialized glaze composed of minerals and precious metals to the ceramic shades and firing them at 1200 degrees celsius. The ceramic forms of each pendant bring together lines and shapes derived from Mayan temples and the archiecture of the Art Deco period. The "Lustre Pendants' are the first ceramic designs in the studio's collection 'Luminosity' which will all be shown at London Design Week at Luminosity at the Dock.

Olympic Lighting Design

2012-07-25T10:31:00.006-07:00

Milliner Stephen Jones and Lighting Designer Cerith Wyn Evans have collaborated to design the “Celebias Bonnet” a light installation representing the five rings of the Olympics. The five LED rings orbit around a central head band inspired by a halo, allowing the viewer to step under the installation. Wyn Evans is known for using similar LED strips and neon in other lighting designs and installations. Here he has taken this idea and combined it with Jones millinery skills to create a piece which plays on the idea of wearing a halo like a hat.

Tent London 2012 Preview

2012-07-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Tent London have produced an ever-evolving design show for six years now and this year’s upcoming September 2012 edition brings together over 200 international exhibitors from over 26 countries. With the shows content expanding each year it always remains ahead of the curve. An event not to be missed full of inspiration, showcasing the best in London Design aswel as some top Irish designers and other design from around the world including Hungary, Norway, Japan,Taiwan and The Netherlands.

This weeks preview highlights the colourful and exciting work of Yorkshire based furniture designer Anthony Hartley. Having exhibited at Tent last year it is great top see Hartley back again showcasing his bright, fresh and engaging furniture which captured the attention of .
First launching at Tent 2011 The Edna Collection is a range of oak cabinets with a single multicolored laminated ply drawers which Hartley hand sprayed and lacquered to a high gloss finish. The addition of aluminum legs takes this collection to a level that not only is fun but combines elegance and style also.

This year at Tent we will see the Core Collection being showcased. This collection of pieces are made from clean and simple MDF or ply template shapes, sprayed in Hartley’s trademark fun and engaging colour palette. The innovation comes in the joining of the templates, which uses multi-coloured cable ties to secure them, and which can be easily assembled without tools. The cable ties are incorporated as a design feature, each one is inset in a small perfect groove which reinforces the clean and simple lines of the pieces.

The Shard - Europes Tallest

2012-07-11T04:30:00.001-07:00

Designed by Italian Architect Renzo Piano in 2000, London’s “Shard” building was finally completed this week and now stands as Europe’s tallest building at 309.6 meters above the new London bridge quarter in the South bank district. He considered the slender, spire-like form of the tower a positive addition to the London skyline, recalling the church steeples featured in historic engravings of the city and believed that its presence would be far more delicate than it was project alleged. The building features 11,000 panes of glass which Piano intended to reflect sunlight and the sky. The 72-storey mixed use tower was inaugurated with a nighttime light show, which combined 12 lasers and 30 searchlights to celebrate the skyline's newest addition. The Shard building contains premium office space, a hotel, luxury residences, retail space, restaurants, a five-storey public viewing gallery, and a spa.