DOUNIAMAG-BRITAIN-ARCHITECTURE-CONSTRUCTION-TOURISM-SHARD-FILES

DOUNIAMAG-BRITAIN-ARCHITECTURE-CONSTRUCTION-TOURISM-SHARD-FILES

(FILES) In a file picture taken on July 22, 2012 the recently-completed Shard tower is seen on the south bank of the river Thames in central London. The Shard — western Europe’s tallest skyscraper — opens its viewing platform to the public on February 1, 2013 giving unrivalled views over London and defiantly snubbing critics of the gigantic tower. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL