What nickname is commonly used for London's 30 St Mary Axe skyscraper?

London’s 30 St Mary Axe is commonly nicknamed The Gherkin.

The nickname refers to the building’s distinctive rounded, tapering shape, which resembles the small pickled cucumber known as a gherkin. The skyscraper was completed in 2003 on the former site of the Baltic Exchange in the City of London. It was designed by Foster + Partners, led by architect Norman Foster, with Arup providing engineering services.

Its energy-conscious design uses a diagonal structural grid and six triangular light wells that create a spiraling pattern of naturally ventilated spaces. The building has also been known by formal and corporate names, including Swiss Re Tower and 30 St Mary Axe. “The Gherkin” is the enduring public nickname, while nearby London skyscrapers have their own informal names, such as The Shard and The Walkie-Talkie.