In London, 20 Fenchurch Street, known as "The Walkie-Talkie," created a strange phenomenon during its construction. The building's mirrored surface focused sunlight onto the streets below, acting like a giant concave mirror. This bizarre reflection caused street temperatures to soar, reportedly reaching as high as 117 °C.
As a result, parked cars in the vicinity suffered damage from the extreme heat. One vehicle, parked on Eastcheap, had its bodywork melted, leading to the owner receiving £946 for repairs from the building's developers. This wasn't just an isolated incident; multiple vehicles were affected by the intense glare emitted by the building.
The design of the skyscraper has drawn significant criticism since its completion, including receiving the Carbuncle Cup award for the worst new building in the UK. Even before it opened, concerns were raised about its visual impact on London's skyline, particularly regarding its proximity to historic sites like St Paul's Cathedral.
Despite its controversial design and the solar glare issue, the building has become a notable feature of the London skyline. The three-floor sky garden offers public access, albeit with some restrictions, making it a popular destination for visitors. Yet the fact that a building could inadvertently cause such havoc below remains a curious point of contention and humor among Londoners.
