In the bustling heart of London’s financial district, skyscrapers rise against the sky, each vying for attention in one of the world’s most iconic skylines. Yet, few buildings have stirred controversy and curiosity quite like 20 Fenchurch Street, affectionately nicknamed the “Walkie-Talkie.” This unique, top-heavy structure boasts impressive features like the Sky Garden, but for a time, it gained notoriety for something unexpected: it inadvertently became a “death ray” building.
The Origins of 20 Fenchurch Street
Designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, 20 Fenchurch Street was completed in 2014. Standing at 160 meters (525 feet), its unusual shape bulges outward as it rises, giving it the appearance of a two-way radio, hence its nickname, the “Walkie-Talkie.” The design was intended to maximize space in the upper levels, creating a striking addition to London’s skyline.
However, not everything about this design was as visionary as its creators intended. The concave glass façade, a key feature of the building’s aesthetic, soon began causing significant issues.
The “Death Ray” Incident
In 2013, as the building neared completion, reports began emerging of something bizarre occurring on the streets below 20 Fenchurch Street. Pedestrians and business owners in the vicinity noticed that during certain times of the day, intense beams of sunlight were being reflected off the building’s glass surface, concentrating heat to dangerous levels. This unintended “death ray” effect was so intense that it damaged parked cars and melted parts of vehicles, including a Jaguar, and reportedly scorched the pavement.
Dubbed the “Walkie Scorchie” by the press, the building quickly gained a reputation for being more than just an architectural curiosity—it became a public hazard. The phenomenon occurred because the curved shape of the building’s reflective surface concentrated sunlight into a small area on the street below, focusing the light and heat like a magnifying glass.
Addressing the Problem
After a series of complaints, the developers of 20 Fenchurch Street took swift action to address the unintended consequences of its design. The solution involved installing a sunshade, known as brise soleil, along the upper floors of the building to prevent sunlight from being reflected directly onto the street below.
The sunshade proved successful, and the “death ray” was neutralized. Though the building had become infamous for its ability to melt cars, the nickname stuck for some time.
A Sky Garden Amid the Controversy
Despite the initial uproar, 20 Fenchurch Street soon became a beloved part of London’s cityscape. One of its most popular features is the Sky Garden, a public space located on the top floors of the building. Offering panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge and The Shard, the Sky Garden boasts landscaped gardens, observation decks, and a variety of bars and restaurants. The space is free to enter (though advanced booking is recommended), making it one of London’s hidden gems for both locals and tourists.
A Building of Dual Reputation
The story of 20 Fenchurch Street serves as a reminder that even the most meticulously designed buildings can have unintended consequences. What started as a futuristic addition to London’s skyline became infamous for its architectural mishap, forever earning the title of the “Death Ray Building.” Today, with the solar glare problem resolved, the building has settled into its role as a bustling hub of offices, retail spaces, and a top destination for breathtaking city views.
Despite its initial hiccups, 20 Fenchurch Street remains a symbol of modern innovation in London’s ever-changing architectural landscape—a monument to both ambition and the importance of considering the sun’s path in design.