One London: The skyscraper that will change the skyline of the British capital

London`s financial heart could soon get a new city symbol. The One London project, formerly 1 Undershaft, upon completion in 2033 will reach a height of 309.6 meters and become one of the tallest buildings in Great Britain. Investors Aroland Holdings and Stanhope are behind the project, while the well-known British architect Eric Parry is responsible for the architectural solution. Construction should begin in 2028.

One London will be located in the very heart of the eastern part of London`s financial center, the so-called "Eastern City Cluster", the zone where the most important skyscrapers of the British capital are located.

One of the most interesting features of the project is the decision not to reserve the top of the building for luxury offices or private clubs. The top floors will house educational spaces managed by the London Museum. The intention is that students and young people from all over London have the opportunity to observe the city from a height of more than 300 meters and learn about the history, urban planning and development of the metropolis through educational programs.

The plan also includes the highest bar in London, as well as a series of public observation decks with panoramic views of the city.

One London is designed to be one of the most sustainable skyscrapers of its generation. The project team is planning certification according to BREEAM and NABERS UK standards, leading systems for rating energy efficiency and sustainability of buildings.

The fact that the project should achieve an almost tenfold increase in biodiversity in relation to the existing state of the site is particularly noteworthy. Great attention has been paid to urban greening through the planting of vegetation, the creation of new habitats for plant and animal life, and the integration of green areas into the building structure itself.

As the architect Eric Parry said, the basic idea was not to build another glass skyscraper, but to create a building that would have long-term value for the city.

The construction is characterized by huge support columns made of special steel that resemble redwood trees. They carry the garden on the 11th floor, but at the same time support the entire structure more than 300 meters high.

Parry believes that buildings of this size carry a special responsibility because they are almost never torn down, but become a permanent part of the city`s identity. The ambition of the designers is for One London to remain relevant and functional for decades, even centuries.

If realized according to plan, One London will not only be one of Europe`s tallest buildings, but also an example of how future skyscrapers can serve business, community and sustainable urban development at the same time.