If reports out of London are to be believed, the buildings... are fighting back!
Well, just one building in particular: the still-under-construction skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street. Passersby had been complaining that light bouncing off the building's concave surface was sending a blinding ray into the streets. (Via The Independent)
The light is reportedly six times brighter than direct sunlight, something one London driver learned the hard way.
Martin Lindsay says he left his Jaguar XJ parked across from the building for an hour. When he came back, some of the panels were warped beyond repair and he could smell burning plastic. (Via London's Biggest Conversation)
Developers Land Securities and Canary Wharf have apologized and paid for the repairs, noting in a statement: (Via BBC)
"The phenomenon is caused by the current elevation of the sun in the sky. It currently lasts for approximately 2 hours per day, with initial modelling suggesting that it will be present for approximately 2-3 weeks." (Via Land Securities and Canary Wharf)
The building is nicknamed the "Walkie Talkie" due to its distinctive shape. It's scheduled to be completed in 2014 at a cost of £200 million, or just more than $310 million. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Miller Hare)
Locals, who always seem to have a parody nickname handy, have already dubbed it the "Walkie Scorchie." As a precautionary measure, the City of London has agreed to close three parking spots in the area which would be most affected.
- See more at Newsy.com
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