SHANGRI-LA HOTEL

The Shard building came about from an ambitious vision of developer and joint-owner Irvine Sellar. He wanted to create an “architecturally striking vertical city” that incorporated offices, retail, restaurants, residential apartments, a hotel and public viewing gallery.

Partnering with the State of Qatar and award-winning Italian architect Renzo Piano, the vision was realised with a beautiful mix of Oriental and Italian inspiration. The spire-like sculpture of The Shard emerges from the river Thames, its tapering peak mirroring the spires of London churches and the masts of tall ships. A diverse, vibrant community that provides multiple areas where the public can experience the building and its magnificent views. And all this astride one of London’s major transport hubs.

A mix of uses occupies the space. Offices on 24 floors directly connect to the busy transport hub at ground level. Three floors house restaurants and bars. Residences at the top and the exclusive Shangri-La Hotel boast incredible vistas for guests. With a height of 240m above street level, The Shard presents one of the most breathtaking views over London.

Lightness and transparency are the core of the building’s nature, giving the tower a sensitivity to the changing sky. The lights, the atmosphere, and the connection to the city outside are always in motion. The Shangri-La Hotel’s Welcome Lobby and Sky Lobby feature heavy marble and warm dark wood panels that have a calm grounding effect in the impressive space. It is solid yet tranquil, with carpets and textiles to soften the spacious areas with the remarkable view. Several of Jamie Hayon’s Ro™ chairs provide an exclusive opportunity to find elegant tranquillity in this enormous complex. Classically placed, surrounded by big lamps, carpets and huge windows which display the metropolis outside, the chair carries the feeling of a safe home.