The Shard, also known as the Shard of Glass or the Shard London Bridge, is a 72-story skyscraper in Southwark, London. It is the tallest building in the United Kingdom.
The building was intended for multiple uses, such as a vertical city where people can live, work, and relax.
You can see this building from the South Downs to the Thames Estuary 40 miles away. Renzo Piano designed it.
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The Shard Facts for Kids
- Construction started in March 2009 and finished on March 30, 2012.
- The Shard is 309.6 meters (1,016ft) high.
- It has 11,000 glass panels.
- It has 44 lifts, including double-decker lifts.
- It has 306 flights of stairs.
- The total floor space is around 11 hectares (27 acres).
- The Shard has 72 habitable floors.
How many floors does the Shard have?
The Shard has 96 floors, 72 of which are habitable. The top 15 unused floors will be permanently left unused, and the penthouse is the highest residence in Europe.
It was completed in 2012, with apartments costing £50 million each at the time of construction.
How tall is the Shard?
The Shard is an impressive 306 meters tall, making it the tallest building in Western Europe. If you’re looking for breathtaking views of London, make your way to the viewing platform at 244 meters!
When was the Shard completed?
The Shard was completed and officially opened by the Prime Minister of Qatar on February 1, 2013
Who designed the Shard?

The Shard was designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect. He is known for his unique and beautiful designs, which often reflect the natural world around him. In this case, he designed the Shard to look like a splinter of glass, which catches the light in different ways throughout the day.
Despite its beauty, the Shard has not been without controversy. English Heritage did not approve of its design when it was first proposed, and it has been met with criticism and praise alike from people all over the world. Nonetheless, it remains an iconic part of London’s skyline.
What is the Shard made of?
The Shard is made of 11,000 glass panels. It’s also made of a total of eight football pitches worth of glass- that’s a lot of glass! In fact, the Shard is so full of glass that it was officially named “The” rather than just saying it was called “The Shard.”
This building’s wiring stretches 320km (200 miles) from London to Paris.
It took 1,450 construction workers from 60 countries to build The Shard.
How many glass panels make up the Shard?
The Shard is made up of 11,000 glass panels.
How much did the Shard cost to build?
The Shard is a skyscraper in London that was completed in 2012. It has been the tallest building in the European Union since 2014.
The construction of The Shard cost approximately £435 million, making it one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed in the United Kingdom.
However, this was not the only cost associated with its construction; additional expenses included things such as railway improvements and land acquisition.
How many people live and work in the Shard?
The Shard is one of the most well-connected buildings in London. Not only does it have a world-class restaurant and observation deck, but it’s also home to many businesses and residents. In fact, approximately 5,000 people live and work in the Shard!
It’s no wonder that The Shard is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. With its incredible views of the city and easy access to transportation, it’s perfect for tourists and locals alike. Plus, with so many businesses located in the building, there’s always something new to explore.
What is the highest viewing platform in the Shard?
The Shard is one of London’s most iconic skyscrapers – and its highest viewing platform is a major tourist attraction. At the height of 801 feet, the observation deck offers visitors stunning views across the city. In its first year, over a million people visited The Shard’s observation deck, making it the most popular in London.
From level 2 to level 28, the Shard offers office space that is both inspiring and award-winning. Between levels 53 and 65, private residences occupy the highest addresses in London. But it’s the View from The Shard that really takes your breath away. Offering 360-degree panoramas stretching 40 miles in every direction, it’s no wonder this has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.
What can you see from the Shard?
London’s skyline can be seen up to 40 miles (or 64 km) on a clear day. You can see sights such as
- Tower Bridge
- London Bridge station
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower of London
- Houses of Parliament
