30 St Mary Axe: London

Renowned architect Norman Foster wasn’t inspired by a pickle when he designed this building better known as the Gherkin. The building’s surface, made from adhered layers of diamond-shaped glass arranged in a lattice design, is actually modeled after the Venus’ flower basket sea sponge. Instead of filtering water through its surface, the building filters air to reduce the need for air conditioning. The 590-foot neo-futuristic building contrasts dramatically with the famous Georgian houses of London, but has become an iconic feature of the city’s skyline.

Photography by: Commerciallistings

Article by: National Geographic