Skyscraper Mary Ex. London cucumber
The Mary Eix skyscraper, better known as the London Cucumber, is one of the most attractive buildings in London and stands out against the backdrop of the city skyline. Mary X is one of several modern buildings that were built over the years in the historic district of London.
The construction of the skyscraper was financed by the insurance company Swiss Re. The 41-storey skyscraper was built in 2004 according to the modern glass and steel design of the architectural firm Foster and Partners. Originally known as Swiss Re, the skyscraper was later renamed according to its address 30 St. Mary of Ex. This happened after Swiss Re sold the building in 2007. Even before the completion of construction, Londoners called the skyscraper ‘Cucumber’ because of its distinctive shape. And most often the building is called by this name.
This London landmark was built in the heart of the financial center on the site of the Baltic Exchange building of 1903, which was damaged by a terrorist attack in 1992. The construction of a brilliant high-tech skyscraper in the middle of a relatively small area with lots of historic buildings and narrow medieval streets sparked a new debate about the need skyscrapers in london city. And although many new skyscrapers have already been built in Canary Wharf outside the historic center – Mary Ex’s Cucumber has become a catalyst for a growing group of tall buildings in the city.
The cigar-shaped structure has an expressive steel construction with round floors and a glass facade with diamond-shaped groups. The circulating striped pattern on the facade is the result of an energy-efficient building system that allows air to flow through spiral wells. On the ground floor, the Cucumber is well combined with an open public square. A huge white X-shaped portal creates a dramatic entrance. The top of the tower with an open hall and a glass conical dome is even more spectacular. From here there are beautiful views of the city. Unfortunately, the building is closed to tourists and the public. The unique, bold and energy-saving design won many awards for Mary-Ex at international architectural competitions. The building is on the list of 10 architectural wonders of modernity according to LifeGlobe.
