London City Architecture – Reflections, Steel and Urban Drama
Discover photos of modern London architecture captured by Sebastien Desnoulez: steel and glass buildings in the City, urban contrasts, and visual drama from a photographer’s eye. A visual journey ideal for lovers of architecture, cityscapes, and design.
Architecture photography taken during a short trip to London in late March.
The city’s changing weather gave me ideal conditions to capture interesting photos of buildings and details in the City of London, the capital’s financial district. The contrast between 17th-century historic buildings and modern glass-and-metal architecture is striking. In that sense, London’s urban planning reminds me of major American cities, especially New York. This visual layering is far less present in Paris, where building height is strictly limited, except for a few areas like Montparnasse, Beaugrenelle, or parts of the 13th and 19th districts.
The building that struck me the most was the Lloyd’s Building, designed by architect Richard Rogers and built between 1978 and 1986. Its stainless steel pipes and staircases are placed on the outside to maximize internal space. The industrial look is highly photogenic—it feels like encountering a refinery in the middle of the city. I can easily imagine the scene at dusk, with a bit of fog and yellow streetlights, creating a Blade Runner-like atmosphere.
Another intriguing subject is the Fenchurch Building, located at 20 Fenchurch Street and nicknamed The Walkie-Talkie. Its concave shape and flowing curves make it ideal for creative photography angles.
Near Monument, I spent some time studying the twisted aluminum blades on the façade of the Caixa Geral de Depósitos building. The interplay of light and shadow makes it an excellent photographic subject.
I ended my architectural walk through the City with the iconic 30 St Mary Axe, better known as The Gherkin. Designed by Norman Foster and inaugurated in 2004, this distinctive skyscraper earned its nickname due to its unique shape.
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