No one noticed the problem with the skyscraper — until cars began to melt

In 2013, a London skyscraper (the 'Walkie Talkie' building) concentrated sunlight due to its concave design, melting plastic parts on cars and scorching carpets. Architect Rafael Viñoly admitted he knew about the possibility. A 2018 study found radiation intensity 10-15 times higher than normal. Shading was installed in 2014.

In 2013, a new London skyscraper, known as the 'Walkie Talkie' (20 Fenchurch Street), caused unusual damage to the nearby street due to its concave design. The reflective glass facade focused sunlight onto a single point, melting plastic parts on parked cars, scorching carpets, and allowing a journalist to fry an egg on the pavement. Architect Rafael Viñoly admitted in an interview with The Guardian that he knew about the possibility but lacked the tools to predict the intensity, noting that planned shading was removed due to cost cuts. A 2018 study from Imperial College London found that radiation intensity was 10-15 times higher than direct sunlight, and under certain conditions could have exceeded 4,100 watts per square meter, causing skin and eye damage. Cloudy weather prevented more severe harm. In 2014, permanent aluminum shading panels were installed, and the problem was resolved.