20 Fenchurch Street

The 39-storey tower at Fenchurch Street, nicknamed the Walkie Talkie and replacing a prominent 1960s tower, was given planning consent following a public inquiry. The memorable form of Vinoly's building was generated by the relationship of the site to the cluster of towers further to the north – the architect conceived the building as an 'outcrop' of the cluster – and to the River Thames. The appointment of Vinoly, chosen from a distinguished shortlist, reflects the increasing commitment of London developers to creating architecture of international quality. One of the first steps taken by DP9 was to establish that the existing building on the site was not worthy of listing, a point conceded by English Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society.

As the scheme developed, discussions with the City and English Heritage led to a reduction in height of 30m on account of the building's impact on views of St Paul's. The City subsequently resolved to grant planning consent. English Heritage was the principal objector at the public inquiry. Both the Mayor of London and CABE were supportive of the scheme and several distinguished architects spoke in its favour. In many respects, this is a visionary project, not least in terms of its public gains. The building's floorplates expand as they rise up the tower. As a result, there is space at the base for a new pocket park, while the top of the building is laid out as a spacious public garden, open to all, providing a new view of London.