National Post

A Shard pierces heart of London: Europe’s tallest building launched amid debate
Europe’s tallest skyscraper the Shard was inaugurated Thursday with a spectacular laser show, as critics debate whether it is an architectural triumph or a blot on the London skyline.

Boris Johnson, the London Mayor, sang the Shard’s praises, calling it “a quite astonishing piece of architecture.”

“Of course it’s not like any piece of architecture in the city at the moment, but that’s the whole point about London,” he told BBC radio.

But in a nod to Londoners’ split opinions on the building, he added, “I think it is important that we do not pepper-pot the city with skyscrapers everywhere. There’s got to be control.” (Photos: AP Photo; Getty Images)