Is bigger better? London's tallest buildings

The Shard under construction. In about two weeks' time it will pass a new landmark, becoming the tallest building in London and thus the UK Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

When finally complete in 2012, the Shard will be 310 metres high, the tallest building in the EU Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

It won't be the tallest in Europe, though – that prize is being taken by the 380-metre Mercury City Tower in Moscow Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

Soon to be number two ... Canary Wharf Tower at One Canada Square, 235.61 metres, completed in 1991 Photograph: Sarah Lee

Heron Tower, at 110 Bishopsgate in the City of London, topped out earlier this year and clocks in at 230 metres Photograph: Tim Ayers/Alamy

Though not technically a building, the Crystal Palace television transmitter is one of the tallest structures in London, at 219 metres. It was built in the 1950s Photograph: Bruno Vincent/Getty Images

The HSBC building is at 8 Canada Square, just around the corner from the Canary Wharf Tower, and is 200 metres high (completed 2002) Photograph: David Levene

Citigroup Centre in Canary Wharf is 219.31 metres, and was also completed in 2002
Photograph: Graham Turner/The Guardian

Tower 42, formerly known as the NatWest Tower, was for many years Britain's only real skyscraper Photograph: Robin MacDougall/Photographer's Choice/Getty Images

The BT Tower from London's Primrose Hill; completed in 1965, it is 189 metres tall, including the telecommunications spire on the top Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

30 St Mary Axe, formerly known as the Swiss Ré building – and, of course, best-known as the Gherkin. It is 180 metres tall Photograph: Luke MacGregor/Reuters

Broadgate Tower, in the City of London, is a recent addition to the skyline. It was completed in 2009 and is 164 metres tall Photograph: VIEW Pictures Ltd/Alamy

The profile of the Shard, viewed from across London Photograph: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters