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Can design inspire romance? Bompas & Parr aim to find out with winter pop-up at The Shard
POSTED 10 Nov 2015 . BY Kim Megson
The 'Height of Winter' will answer the question of whether architecture, sound and smell can create a romantic frisson Credit: Bompas & Parr
Experience designers Bompas & Parr have partnered with composers, perfumers and academics to transform the top of The Shard in London into “the most romantic place in the world.”

The studio – best-known for its contemporary food design, culinary research and creation of flavour-based experiences – will operate the ‘Height of Winter’ experience from 23 November until the end of January 2016.

According to the company, “super-scaled crystals, gem-studded snow dunes, an iridescent grotto and carolling plants” will be installed at the top of the Renzo Piano-designed tower; western Europe’s tallest building.

The installation is based on the theory that setting, architecture and design can be used to provoke a romantic response. Bompas & Parr say their combination of innovative interior design, specially-created food and drink, use of scents and sound and the sensation of being stood at an altitude of 244m (800ft) will get visitors’ hearts racing.

The installation has been created with the help of academics, including Richard J Williams, a professor of contemporary visual culture at the University of Edinburgh. He said: “There are few things so reliable at producing the frisson essential to romance as the view from a tall building.

“There has to be a sensuousness about the place, activating touch, or taste, or smell as well as sight and hearing. And there has to be – somewhere, however slight – a sense of danger that throws two people upon each other for safety.”

A separate Bompas & Parr project, called Alcoholic Architecture, is currently making waves in the basement of a Victorian building in London’s Borough Market.

Designed as an “alcoholic weather system for your tongue”, the visitors can stroll through a walk-in cloud of breathable cocktail. According to the studio, “meteorology and mixology collide against a canvas of monastic mayhem, referencing the gothic splendour of neighbouring Southwark Cathedral.”
The installation is taking over The View from The Shard until the end of January 2016 Credit: The View from The Shard
PROJECT PROFILE:

Height of Winter
Experience designers Bompas & Parr have partnered with composers, perfumers and academics to transform the top of The Shard in London into “the most romantic place in the world.”


RELATED STORIES
  Fearne Cotton launches Shard's new sky garden attraction


Radio star and TV presenter Fearne Cotton cut the ribbon this morning (11 June) on London's highest roof garden – a summer installation at The View from The Shard attraction.
  London's Shard evacuated after smoke reported in building's basement


Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper, the Shard, has been evacuated as firefighters investigate reports of smoke in the building’s basement.
  'Mirror effect' offers Shard Shangri-La guests an unexpected vista


Guests at the newly-opened Shangri-La Hotel in London’s The Shard are being warned to close the blinds at night as the glass structure’s panels make it sometimes possible to see into other rooms.
  RIBA Regional Awards 2014 shortlist revealed


The Shard, the London Aquatic Centre, and Portsmouth’s Mary Rose Museum are among 233 projects shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Regional Awards.
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NEWS
Can design inspire romance? Bompas & Parr aim to find out with winter pop-up at The Shard
POSTED 10 Nov 2015 . BY Kim Megson
The 'Height of Winter' will answer the question of whether architecture, sound and smell can create a romantic frisson Credit: Bompas & Parr
Experience designers Bompas & Parr have partnered with composers, perfumers and academics to transform the top of The Shard in London into “the most romantic place in the world.”

The studio – best-known for its contemporary food design, culinary research and creation of flavour-based experiences – will operate the ‘Height of Winter’ experience from 23 November until the end of January 2016.

According to the company, “super-scaled crystals, gem-studded snow dunes, an iridescent grotto and carolling plants” will be installed at the top of the Renzo Piano-designed tower; western Europe’s tallest building.

The installation is based on the theory that setting, architecture and design can be used to provoke a romantic response. Bompas & Parr say their combination of innovative interior design, specially-created food and drink, use of scents and sound and the sensation of being stood at an altitude of 244m (800ft) will get visitors’ hearts racing.

The installation has been created with the help of academics, including Richard J Williams, a professor of contemporary visual culture at the University of Edinburgh. He said: “There are few things so reliable at producing the frisson essential to romance as the view from a tall building.

“There has to be a sensuousness about the place, activating touch, or taste, or smell as well as sight and hearing. And there has to be – somewhere, however slight – a sense of danger that throws two people upon each other for safety.”

A separate Bompas & Parr project, called Alcoholic Architecture, is currently making waves in the basement of a Victorian building in London’s Borough Market.

Designed as an “alcoholic weather system for your tongue”, the visitors can stroll through a walk-in cloud of breathable cocktail. According to the studio, “meteorology and mixology collide against a canvas of monastic mayhem, referencing the gothic splendour of neighbouring Southwark Cathedral.”
The installation is taking over The View from The Shard until the end of January 2016 Credit: The View from The Shard
RELATED STORIES
Fearne Cotton launches Shard's new sky garden attraction


Radio star and TV presenter Fearne Cotton cut the ribbon this morning (11 June) on London's highest roof garden – a summer installation at The View from The Shard attraction.
London's Shard evacuated after smoke reported in building's basement


Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper, the Shard, has been evacuated as firefighters investigate reports of smoke in the building’s basement.
'Mirror effect' offers Shard Shangri-La guests an unexpected vista


Guests at the newly-opened Shangri-La Hotel in London’s The Shard are being warned to close the blinds at night as the glass structure’s panels make it sometimes possible to see into other rooms.
RIBA Regional Awards 2014 shortlist revealed


The Shard, the London Aquatic Centre, and Portsmouth’s Mary Rose Museum are among 233 projects shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Regional Awards.
MORE NEWS
Taking GLP-1s is linked to a decline in physical activity
People taking GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound may be losing weight, but they’re also becoming less physically active, according to new research presented at the ENDO 2026 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Synergy The Retreat Show launches resource for retreat business leaders to showcase specialisms
Global retreat trade show, Synergy The Retreat Show, has launched a resource called The Source, which hosts an open-access online Transformation Series programme.
The SATCC announces first five-day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat
The Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC) charity has announced its first five- day Living with Cancer and Beyond retreat, which will be held at Carden Park Hotel and Spa in Cheshire, UK, between 1 and 5 September.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Elemis

Elemis was founded in London in 1989 by Linda Steiner whose vision was to create a skincare range as [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

26-27 Jun 2026

The Longevity Show

Tobacco Docks, London, United Kingdom
03-05 Jul 2026

World Championship in Massage

Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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