Southwark, United Kingdom

Demolishing a 100-meter high-rise is no easy feat, but that's exactly what happened to Southwark Towers in 2008 to make way for the Shard. This 25-floor office building, once home to Price Waterhouse, had a history of financial troubles and political controversy. Dismantling the structure piece-by-piece was a complex undertaking due to its proximity to nearby hospitals and buildings. Bureaucracy appears to be a persistent headache in this city, with allegations of questionable dealings between the developer and the building's auditors. For those undeterred by these realities, Southwark may hold appeal, but it's certainly not for the faint of heart.