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NEWSFLASH 1.4.2003
Designed by Italian architect Sergio Thomperoli, the ‘Erotic Gherkin’ rises 180 meters with 41 storey’s to become the 3rd tallest building in London on the site of the old Baltic Exchange which was badly damaged by a bomb in 1992. The design has been fiercely criticised from a number of quarters and comparisons made to a cigar, a rocket, an upturned zeppelin and an exotic gherkin.  Thomperoli
has been a controversial figure among the worlds leading architect’s
since the early 80’s when he began to radically change the
way in which he approached building design. A keen gardener, Thomperoli
began looking at ways in which he could include the natural shapes
of fruit and vegetables into his designs. His first, and some say
his most successful attempt, was the once controversial Jafrah Dome
theatre in Hong Kong. The phrase ‘Jaffa Orange’ was instantly
coined and propelled Thomperoli to what can only be described as
celebrity status among his peers.  In
1991 he began work on the ‘Silver Dome’, probably the
least well known building from the portfolio of Thomperoli. Situated
in the main shopping plaza in Cologne, it caused uproar when officially
opened in 1993. Knowing Thomperoli’s inspiration to be drawn
from vegetables, the local commerce society labelled it the ‘Silver
Onion’. It is generally  accepted
that the ‘Silver Onion’ is the least attractive of all
of Thomperoli’s creations. There are many theories circulating
as to why such little thought went into the design of the ‘Silver
Onion, the most popular being that Thomperoli was pre-occupied by
the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur where it is believed he was secretly
employed as the chief architect on the project. Thomperoli has always
strongly denied any links with the structure but the building bears
all his trademarks. Just look at this picture and tell us you don’t
see two cumbers. The opening of the ‘ Exotic Gherkin’ is the latest episode in the controversial career of Sergio Thomperoli. Whether you love him or loathe him you cannot escape the fact that he has had a major inpact on city skylines across the globe. To celebrate the opening of his latest creation, members of the general public are invited to view the ‘Exotic Gherkin’ between 9am and 12.00 noon for guided tours, presentations on design concepts of modern buildings and a photographic exhibition on the work of Sergio Thomperoli. There will be refreshments served in the Alpine Lounge, gherkins on cocktail sticks have been banned by the way, and this is where you will be able to meet us for a bit of gherkin fun *. We have loads of goodies to give away that include, tee-shirts, baseball caps, key-rings, pens and much more. So, for a great day out make a note in your diaries and from the crew of IHATEGHERKINS.COM we look forward to meeting you all very soon *. How to get to the Exotic Gherkin
Latest Weather near the Exotic Gherkin |
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Page Last Updated: 27/03/2008 00:54:20