Plans for TIAA Henderson Real Estate's "Can of Ham" skyscraper in London were stalled for the last six years. According to the trade journal Construction News, a pre-construction deal with the building contractor Mace has put the Can back on track.
The building proposed for 60-70 Street Mary Axe received its moniker due to its odd shape, which resembles the tins of canned meat that passed as sustenance during WWII. When completed, the Can will comprise 24 stories and 26,000 square meters of office space.
"The height and form of the building have been developed to create a distinctive form in response to local views," explained Foggo Associates, the firm behind the design. Foggo is named for Peter Foggo, its founder and a former Arup Associates partner. The building's contract is reported to be in excess of €100 million.
If and when the "Can" is constructed, it will join structures like the Scalpel (52 Lime Street), the Cheesegrater (the Leadenhall Building), and the Walkie Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street) on London's skyline. According to The Daily Mail, these are only four of the 236 skyscrapers projected to go up in London. Like the Can, other projects were delayed previously due to the global financial crisis.
Photos courtesy of Foggo Associates and Dezeen.
