The Orion Building, London Metropolitan University Post Graduate Centre, 2003. Exterior. Architect: Daniel Libeskind
ORION - the spatial emblem of the Northern sky - is the guiding light for developing a unique icon for the London Metropolitan University on Holloway Road. The Orion project provides a landmark attracting visitors to the cultural program within by its articulated forms. The Orion project has an enlivening impact on the wider urban context and particularly on the image and accessibility of the University. The three intersecting elements that form the building strategically emphasise certain relationships: one creates a connection between the public, the new building and the university behind, one form gestures from the university toward the tube connection to the city and one more regular form stitches the new building into the context of Holloway Road. A small plaza at the entrance provides an accent and an engaging gateway. The ORION 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 coloured stainless steel panels creating a shining and ever-changing surface. Windows are conceived as large geometrical cuts providing accentuated natural light for the café, galleries and seminars. The interior spaces are simple, bold volumes which provide multi-purpose flexibility for programmatic events. The design accommodates the public functions of the building, while securing the more private University functions. The entire building or parts of the building can be separated to be used for public events. At the same time, the new building is integrated into the circulation patterns of the University and if need be can be totally closed off to the public. ORION is a contribution to the intense urban life on Holloway Road and to the graduate students of the University of North London. The interior and exterior provide a unity of composition and a magnet to the facility.
Size: 3809px × 2826px
Location: United Kingdom
Photo credit: © Nicholas Kane / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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