top of page

The questionnaire responses provide evidence that most people have positive attitude to the shape of these buildings. The results also show these buildings get more attention because of their shape, so that they bring more vitality into their surroundings. Next, I will do further research, which includes how these buildings work with their surrounding and observing the human behavior around them. In terms to get a more comprehensive understanding about the relationship between the building and its surrounding, each building is observed and drawn from different angles in different areas. The following images are all from my own sketches, which includes three rendered images.

This picture shows the locations of several landmarks, which comprises the Shard, City Hall, 30 St Mary Axe, Tower Bridge, London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral and Embankment Place.

From the picture, we can see both 30 St Mary Axe and St Andrew Undershaft. We can see the contrast in material and shape.

This picture shows City Hall, the Shard, as well as their surroundings. We can see the landscaping in the street and piazzas contains water features and tree planting and extends to the design of paving and street furniture. The buildings and the public square work together to formed a vibrant and modern environment on the riverside.


The Shard and Southwark Bridge are shown in this image. Comparing to other buildings on the riverside, the Shard is the tallest. It makes the Shard become a significant landmark on the London skyline.​

This picture shows the Galaxy Soho from the aerial view, we can see courtyards and pathways weave between the buildings, while bridges and platforms form connections on the upper levels that provides shaded outdoor plateaus. The architecture unfolds below, which creates a variety of public spaces that directly engage with the city.​

I draw this picture at Hutong, which is a historical street that still retains lots of traditional features, such as local courtyard houses. Modern architecture juxtaposed by historic architecture that creates a visual contrast whatever in architecture style or colour scheme. Its material identifies with the traditional Hutong district context of Beijing.

We can see a media park is located around CCTV Headquarter, which is an extension of the central green axis. Because this area is a busy commercial block in Beijing; there are a lot of modern office buildings and wide streets.

There is a huge flow of people and traffic around the building.

The CCTV Headquarters is seen from a residential area, its height and its unique shape as well as its facade materials that give the building an apparent presence in the Beijing skyline.​

This marker drawing shows the style of traditional houses and colour feature of old street in Beijing.

Analysis - Site information

Because of its height, we can still easily find the Shard even from a distance.

The above evidences show these buildings have lots of similar features except the unique shape, for instance, modern technology and materials, energy saving design, multi - functional use and a good connection between inside and outside spaces. Art is not the only factor that considered by architecture. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the process of architecture, as well as support them become the landmarks in their city.

bottom of page