Renzo Piano, The Shard at London Bridge, The Latest Skyscraper in Europe

Destined to redefine London’s skyline, The Shard at London Bridge will surely become a recognisable symbol of the capital throughout the world.
Construction of the Shard began this week and by the time of its completion, in early 2012, London will be the host of one of Europe’s tallest buildings and one of the most technologically advanced towers ever built.

Architecturally breathtaking, the concept behind The Shard was designed within seconds in a Berlin restaurant by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, a few years ago.
“The tower is designed to be a sharp and light presence on the London skyline, and to be sustainable from every point of view: human, technological, energetic and economic.” Says Piano and he really means it.

The Shard has many sustainable credentials and is expected to use around 30% less energy than other comparable buildings and will also be a virtually car-free building. Can you imagine that? A 320 meter building with parking space for only 47 cars. Seriously!
Modern offices and efficient, flexible spaces suitable for a range of different working environments, a luxurious Hotel and Resort Group offering only the best in Hospitality, the finest apartments in London, providing an address of unrivalled status and gallery spaces, sky-high bars and restaurants will be available in The Shard.
And if you think that there is no market for such development projects in Europe, let me inform you that 40% of the building has been let out already, construction day 1!
If you are a Renzo fan you can also check out these articles:

Renzo Piano designs the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Renzo Piano and the California Academy of Science

Renzo Piano Designs the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center athens, greece – detail images courtesy of renzo piano building workshop

SNFCC, a new urban icon and an emissions neutral facility in line with the highest standards of environmental sustainability, will be housing the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera.

SNFCC has been designed by, one of the masters of sustainable architecture, Renzo Piano and is scheduled to open its 187.000 sqm’s to the public in 2015, at the Faliron Delta area in Athens. The cost of its development is estimated at approximately 450 million USD.

The SNFCC, will be entirely financed by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and once completed it will be turned over the Greek State thus becoming the first public-private endeavour of its kind in Greece.

Including the latest in environmentally progressive facilities, a roof with a series of interconnected photovoltaic cell panels, which will take advantage of the pure 'green' solar and wind energy covering the building’s needs and the incorporation of the see into the design, SNFCC will become a landmark of sustainable architecture in Greece.

For more on Renzo Piano, in Future Architecture:

Renzo Piano, The Shard at London Bridge

Renzo Piano, California Academy of Science

Renzo Piano and the new California Academy of Science

The new Academy rises on the same site of the former California Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park.The design required the demolition of most of 11 existing buildings, built between 1916 and 1991.

Its primary goal is to provide a modern facilitie for exhibition education conversation and research under one roof according to sustainable design strategies.

Natural ventilation insteed of airconditioning for large parts of the building, carefully chosen building materials, an efficient use and re-use of water, as well as the generation energy, are integral parts of the design.

source: http://rpbw.r.ui-pro.com/

An open-air observation terrace will enable visitors to get a close-up look at the roof’s lush canopy of plants. The view will encompass the densest concentration of native wildflowers in San Francisco. The expansive vista will also become an ideal location for watching Northern California’s birds, butterflies and insects. Skylights above the larger domes will open and close throughout the day, enabling sunlight to reach the exhibits below. The steep slopes of the rooftop's hills will draw cool air into the open piazza at the center of the building. Weather stations on the roof will monitor wind, rain, and changes in temperature to help inform the automated passive ventilation systems.

Below the earthen mounds is a 4 story re-created rain forest. Motorized porthole windows in the roof provide light and ventilation. A glass lobby and open exhibit rooms offer the sweeping natural views.
Renzo Piano's green roof cuts the building's energy needs by about a third.

For more on Renzo Piano in Future Architecture you can check out the following links:

Renzo Piano, The Satvros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, Athens

Renzo Piano, The Shard at London Bridge