[nito]

There are a few contenders, I’d personally lean towards the excellent restoration and expansion of St Pancras station, followed closely behind by 30 St Mary Axe (aka the Gherkin) and Battersea Power Station. In chronological order since the start of the century.


London Eye, Marks Barfield Architects, March 2000
A modern interpretation of the Ferris Wheel, opting for a cantilevered approach to provide unobstructed views. Originally only meant to be a temporary structure, it acted as a catalyst for similar versions to proliferate globally.

Tate Modern, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (original building) and Herzog & de Meuron (conversion and 2017 extension), May 2000 and 2017
Stunning conversion of a former power plant into one of the most visited art galleries, particular highlight being the Turbine Hall for unprecedented large-scale art installations.

The Great Court at the British Museum, Colin St John Wilson (original idea) and Foster + Partners, December 2000
Once a large book depository, the creation of the largest covered square in Europe, revitalised one of the world’s grandest museums with a new focal point that opened up and aided accessibility across the entire museum

30 St Mary Axe, Foster + Partners, April 2004
Derided by some for its unconventional shape, 30 St Mary Axe features a variety of innovative designs (six vertical chimneys, unique floor plans) and helped to rejuvenate the concept of high-rises in London.

St Pancras Station, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (hotel), William Henry Barlow (train shed), and Foster + Partners (renovation and extension), November 2007
An exceptional renovation of the historic Midland Hotel and Barlow train shed complimented by a sympathetic expansion using the old vaults created a major new national and international railway station, but also one of the finest transit interchanges on the planet.

Lee Valley Velodrome, Hopkins Architects + Grant Associates, February 2011
Akin to a giant pringle, the wood cladding set amongst the parkland setting was one of the highlight (and permanent) venues from London 2012.

Aquatics Centre, Zaha Hadid Architects, July 2011
A highlight of London 2012, the unique organic structure that to this day is an example of exemplary modern architecture.

King’s Cross Station, John McAslan, March 2012
Another renovation and modernisation project of a dilapidated station that created a vast new concourse and opened up the front to create a new piazza

The Shard, Renzo Piano, July 2012
Akin to a church steeple, London’s tallest tower that pushed the boundaries of high-rises in London.

Canary Wharf Station, Foster + Partners, May 2022
Once a dock, the station structure rises up like an island and is capped by a giant roof garden

Battersea Power Station, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (original power plant) + WilkinsonEyre (and others), October 2022
One of the world’s largest brick buildings, this vast Art Deco building was derelict until it and the surrounding 42-acre site was redeveloped. Consisting of several large halls, and developments by Ghery and Foster. The old control room is now a bar.