The shape of the 50-storey tower, designed by Ian Simpson from Simpson Haugh Architects, was inspired by Finnish artist, Timo Sarpaneva’s Lansetti II vase, and it’s this elegant, deceptively simple geometry that has, according to project manager, Aret Garip, been the main challenge of the project. “Every floor is a different size and shape,” he explains. “The stability system, which has staggered outrigger elements strategically placed to control the tower’s movement, with minimum impact on apartment layouts, was particularly complex, as was determining a suitable arrangement of raking and walking columns which best fits the building geometry.”

Aret has been part of the structural design team on the project for six years, “It’s so rewarding to see our building on the skyline for generations to come,” he continues. “I’m very proud to have worked on it, and hope that it will inspire the imagination of future designers. The project stands as a centrepiece for architectural and engineering excellence.”

One Blackfriars is a mixed-use development on the South Bank of the river Thames close to Blackfriars Bridge. In addition to the tower, there is also a boutique hotel, retail and gym facilities. The entire development is built over a three-storey basement structure which accommodates a swimming pool, spa, wine cellar and a private cinema.