city of london approves foster + partners' tulip-shaped tower

plans have been approved for ‘the tulip’, a 305-meter-tall (1,000 ft) visitor attraction that will tower above the city of london. designed by foster + partners, the project has been conceived as a new public cultural and tourist destination that would enhance its surroundings. according to the team behind the project, the tulip will bring ‘wide cultural and economic benefits with a diverse program of events’.

all images © DBOX for foster + partners | video © foster + partners

the tulip was proposed by j. safra group and foster + partners, owners and architects respectively of ’30 st mary axe’, popularly known as the gherkin. the city of london corporation has now approved the building, which will have a total height of 305.3 meters (1002 ft) making it the second tallest building in western europe after the shard. ‘after a lengthy and robust debate, the committee agreed to approve this truly unique visitor attraction,’ says planning committee chairman, chris hayward. ‘this building has the potential to play an important role in realizing our vision of the square mile as a vibrant 24/7 city.’

gondola pod rides will take place on the building’s façade

at 300 meters (almost 1,000 feet) above ground, the tower’s viewing galleries will contain sky bridges, internal glass slides, and gondola pod rides on the building’s façade. meanwhile, a restaurant and bar will offer sweeping views across the city. the project also involves an educational component with a ‘classroom in the sky’ offering 20,000 free places per year for london’s state school children.

a restaurant and bar will offer sweeping views across the city

‘continuing the pioneering design of 30 st mary axe, the tulip is in the spirit of london as a progressive, forward-thinking city,’ says norman foster. ‘it offers significant benefits to londoners and visitors as a cultural and social landmark with unmatched educational resources for future generations.’ construction could begin in 2020 with completion projected for 2025. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

the project will top out at 305 meters (1,000 feet)