There was a program about the way the 'Shard' came into being, to its present state, a few weeks ago on television.

As the headline of this thread suggests 'Rich persons toy' is about right. Nobody with less than a few millions to spare, would even fit the criteria for an apartment there.

Considering that some of these places are built on a virtual mud pile, you wonder why they don't sink (taking modern engineering out of the loop!).

Regarding the laser show, I wonder how this is effecting Heathrow and the congested airspace?.

Do you think that the tower's opening has been the cause of the futures market in "Chamois" rising steeply? :-)

Regardless of the negative reactions appearing here, I still think that The Shard is an absolutely stunning building, and one which enhances the already impressive London skyline.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Quite right. I'm sure that The Shard will come in for its share of criticism, but the fact is, it's here to stay, and no doubt over time it will become a familiar and instantly recognised London landmark.