This part of Holloway Road is dominated by what was originally
called the North London Polytechnic, opened in 1896. It’s
stated aim was “to promote the industrial skill, general
knowledge, health and well being of young men and women belonging
to the poorest classes of Islington.
You are standing by The Graduate Centre building which was
designed by the internationally renowned architect, Daniel
Libeskind, whose portfolio includes the Jewish Museum in Berlin,
and the redevelopment of the World Trade Centre site in New
York.
The building acts as a major gateway to the London Metropolitan
University (as it is now called). Completed in December 2003 and
opened in March of 2004, it is a multi award winning piece of
architecture.
Libeskind's internal project name was Orion and it is sometimes
referred to as The Orion Building. As this was to be a major
building in North London the project took inspiration from the
Orion constellation as a significant feature in the northern sky.
From the side, the buildings profile resembles the angles of that
constellation. Explaining the inspiration for the Graduate Centre
on his official website, Libeskind stated the purpose behind his
design: "The building is composed of three intersecting volumes
with a distinctive presence on the street and unique interior
spaces. The building is clad entirely with embossed stainless steel
panels creating a shining and ever-changing surface. Windows are
conceived as large geometrical cuts providing accentuated natural
light for the interior.
I kinda like it, but your mileage may vary. It certainly adds a
striking presence on the otherwise boring Holloway Road. Your
thoughts welcomed in the logs.
