The greenhouse at the top of the controversial Rafael Viñoly-designed Walkie Talkie skyscraper, has opened to the public for the first time

Officially known as 20 Fenchurch Street, the tower, which made headlines last year after solar glare coming off the tower melted parts of parked cars, has a public space in the shape of the Sky Garden on the 35th, 36th and 37th floors, which is open to everyone as long as they book in advance.

Aside from the top-floor greenhouse, the Sky Garden – designed by architectural firm Gillespies in conjunction with Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Growth Industry and Biotecture – also includes a Seafood Bar & Grill, all-day brasserie, and the Sky Pod Bar, with all offering unique views of the London skyline.

Developed as a £200m (US$301m, €256m) joint venture between Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group, the Walkie Talkie development was given the go-ahead despite many criticising the building for its looks, with English Heritage going as far to say that the tower was an “oppressive” addition to the London skyline.

To combat the solar rays coming off the building, developers were forced in September 2014 to build a scaffold shade to protect people and objects from the building’s reflective, curved design. Tor Systems has provided the management system for bookings at the new attraction.