'Walkie-Talkie' skyscraper melts Jaguar car parts

02-09-2013 09:00PM #1

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23930675
A new London skyscraper dubbed the "Walkie Talkie" has been blamed for reflecting light which melted parts of a car parked on a nearby street.
Martin Lindsay parked his Jaguar on Eastcheap, in the City of London, on Thursday afternoon.
When he returned about two hours later, he found parts of his car - including the wing mirror and badge - had melted.
Mr Lindsay said he "could not believe" the damage. The developers have apologised and paid for repairs.

This recently happened in London, hate to think what would have happened near the equator!

I thought they always tested cars in all different climates & conditions.

mickdw · 02-09-2013 09:09PM

Its got little to do with the actual temp on the day. The temp was nowhere near hot enough to melt car parts. What Im assuming happened is that the concave shape of that building is creating a reflected concentration of the sun on a particular spot or spots. Certainly, the shape of the building would suggest that to be the case.

colm_mcm · 02-09-2013 09:17PM

Maybe they can put some coating on the glass or something?
Pretty embarrassing for those involved anyway.

jimgoose · 02-09-2013 09:17PM

Bloody marvellous. Now all the hoodies will be out with magnifying glasses looking for Jags to melt. Come back Happy-Slapping, all is forgiven!

02-09-2013 09:19PM

Looks like they'll have to replace some of the glass with a low reflective coating to prevent hot spots from forming.

Skill Magill · 03-09-2013 09:10AM

The melted jag

[IMG][/img]

The hotspot

http://instagram.com/p/dwjIU_x44U#

"As a precautionary measure, the City of London has agreed to suspend three parking bays in the area which may be affected while we investigate the situation further."

Mr Lindsay said the developers had apologised and agreed to sort out the £946 repair costs.

Source : http://www.businessinsider.com/photo-of-jaguar-melted-by-walkie

BigEejit · 03-09-2013 09:49AM

Wing mirror was also damaged:

Someone said the temperature was between 93 and 140 degrees c.

Gosub · 03-09-2013 09:57AM

Put a few solar collectors there. Problem solved.

Gumbo · 03-09-2013 10:06AM

This building has been highlighted about this in the Architecture world already. Its a known isses for passers by etc

The developer may have to coat the glass with something before completion if possible, Maybe Vision FX can tint it for them

'Walkie-Talkie' skyscraper melts Jaguar car parts

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