Kenya boasts of a diverse architectural landscape that blends elements of its colonial past with a modern twist. As one traverses the nation's capital, they notice several buildings which exude a resemblance to the iconic structures of London, United Kingdom.
From towering skyscrapers punctuating Nairobi's skyline to elegant buildings adorning historic districts, Kenyan buildings pay homage to the architectural grandeur of London while infusing them with their unique African identity.
Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at three buildings in Nairobi that resemble other towers in the United Kingdom.
Britam Tower - The Shard
Britam Tower, situated at the heart of Upper Hill, is the iconic flagship investment building of Britam Insurance Company.
The tower consists of 31 storeys, a 6-storey entrance atrium as well as three levels of basement parking. At a height of 200.1 metres, it is the tallest building in the country.
According to GAPP architects, the prism-shaped building was inspired by the iconic Mount Kenya and provides exhilarating panoramic views over the city.
Interestingly, a building located in London also exemplifies a similar prism shape. Perceived as a new approach to expanding the urban landscape, the Shard's developer had the vision to create a striking vertical 'city' which incorporates offices, hotels, apartments, restaurants and a public viewing gallery.
Formerly known as the London Bridge Tower, the 72-storey skyscraper was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and is located in Southwark, United Kingdom.
One Africa Place - the Gherkin in London
Nestled at the heart of Westlands is the One Africa Place building which is coincidentally shaped like a bullet. The building comprises 138,000 square feet spread across 21 floors.
The urban sculpture stands out in Nairobi's corporate office scene- making it an attraction for both investors as well as tourists. Some of the features include double-glazed solar efficient glass, 6 high-speed lifts, three stand-by generators, conventional and automised parking systems as well as face recognition cameras.
The architects behind the unique design are BAA Architects, who are also the brains behind the Goodman Tower and Avellino Apartments in Nairobi.
Similarly, a commercial skyscraper in London resembles the One Africa Place building with bullet-shaped architecture. Situated a few metres from the Bank of England Museum, the building stands out owing to its aesthetic design.
The construction began in 2001 and was completed in December 2003. The sculpture comprises 41 floors and is 180 metres
Known as the Gherkin, the building is a commercial Skyscraper in London's Primary Financial District in the city of London. Its construction started in 2001 and was completed in December 2003. Towering 41 floors above London, the building stands 180 meters tall.
The building was designed by Norman Rober Foster whose idea revolved around a series of diagonally interlocking steel beams that made triangular prisms on the exterior.
Parliament building - The Palace of Westminister
The Palace of Westminister in London serves as the meeting point for the two Houses of Parliament; the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
The historical building consists of a mixture of both ancient and modern architecture and houses an iconic collection of furnishings and art.
The building was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin and was completed in 1847 and the Commons Chamber in 1852. Owing to the magnanimous design, Barry received a knighthood during the same year.
Similarly, the tower resembles the Parliament building in Nairobi situated at the heart of CBD. Another feature that strikes a similar resemblance is the world's famous clock known as the Big Ben.
The building in Nairobi also has a replica of the clock which epitomises the entire building.
Famous architects, Amyas Connell and Thornley Dyer designed the legislative building for the British Administration in 1963. The duo sought to replicate a miniature version of the Palace of Westminister in London.
