It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a great big penis on the skyline. OK, not quite, but Londoners have dubbed architect Norman Foster's revolutionary 40-floor addition to their horizon the Erotic Gherkin. A better name might be the Jolly Green Giant, because Foster's controversial tower - the second tallest building in London - is stacked with breakthrough eco-friendly features. Insurance giant Swiss Re will spend three years and a reported $2 billion, um, erecting it, and expects to move in this winter. What's it like to be in a pickle? Take a tour.
Light
The building's framework is a series of spirals that turn 5 degrees per story as they snake upward. Six light wells embedded in the frame allow natural rays to flood the interior, reducing the need for artificial light. Movement sensors automatically flick the switch when no one's around.
Ventilation
A double-layer facade (twin panes of glass about 3 feet apart) and vented light wells increase airflow from floor to floor. The circulation reduces the need for heating and air-conditioning five months of the year, cutting electricity bills and carbon emissions.
Aerodynamics
The building's curves let air flow easily around it, reducing the wind tunnel often generated at the bottom of rectilinear towers.
Public space
The Gherkin's tapered base gives it a considerably smaller footprint than most skyscrapers, leaving more space for landscaping. The shape also reduces street-level reflections and increases the amount of sunlight at ground level.
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