Tall buildings are seen as a symbol of success and status by many but they are not always popular with local residents,particularly in some historic cities. London is very old and is spread over a vast area,so there are not many tall buildings in the center of the city. As a result, the construction of the Shard, the tallest building in London and in the entire European Union, has been highly controversial. lt is only a few hundred meters across the River Thames from the Tower of London-one of the oldest and most famous landmarks in London.Many feel that such modern constructions should not be built near to historic sites.