Dec 30, London

In Southwark, one of Europe's tallest buildings began to rise in late 2009. The Shard may not be more than a handful of steel beams at this stage, but it's already a firm fixture in the London psyche. The tower was first mooted by architect Renzo Piano almost a decade ago. After years of planning and funding difficulties, the Shard has now begun its ponderous climb...more