One of London's most modern buildings, City Hall houses the Greater London Authority (GLA) including the mayor of London and the London Assembly. The GLA is responsible for the administration of Greater London.Completed in July 2002 and situated on the south bank of the Thames River near the Tower Bridge, City Hall was designed by well-known British architect Norman Foster, who also designed the Millennium Bridge and was responsible for the renovation of Berlin's famed Reichstag.
The subject of some controversy among those who dislike modern architecture, the bulbous-shaped building has been compared to a misshapen egg, a motorcycle helmet, and an onion. Designers say they chose this particular shape for the glass and steel structure because it reduces surface area and makes the building more energy efficient.