Movie: The Leadenhall Building by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
This time-lapse movie by photographer Paul Raftery and filmmaker Dan Lowe documents the construction of "the Cheesegrater", a 225-metre skyscraper by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners that topped out today in the City of London.
Positioned opposite Richard Rogers' famous Lloyds Building, the 50-storey Leadenhall Building will feature a glazed body that is tapered to respect views towards St Paul's Cathedral. It was this angular shape that inspired its popular nickname.
Set to open in 2014, the tower will predominantly contain offices but its base will house a seven-storey public space filled with shops, restaurants and exhibition areas.
The movie by Raftery and Lowe frames the first six months of a year-long project to record the final stages of construction. Work on the building previously stalled for over two years when developer British Land experienced financial difficulties but has been progressing steadily since the start of 2011.
See more images of the Leadenhall Building in our earlier story, or see more architecture by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, including the soon-to-complete extension to the British Museum.
Music is by George McLeod and titles are by Alex Ashworth.