The building was built in 2001-2004 by the famous architect Norman Foster on the site of the Baltic Stock Exchange, damaged in the 1992 terrorist attack by the Irish Republican Army. Construction cost – $ 500 million.
Foster wanted to use sunlight and natural ventilation. The 180-meter-high building turned out to be economical: it consumes half as much electricity as other buildings of this type.
In 2004, the project received the prestigious annual James Stirling Award (from the Royal Institute of British Architects), and in 2003, the annual Emporis Skyscraper Award for the world’s best skyscraper.
