This month our artist in residence Bill Hunt shares his interpretation of Daniel Libeskind and the Tower (LMU)

• Architect: Studio Libeskind
• Date: 2001-2004
• Location: London Metropolitan University
• Building size: 1,000m2

Description:

Daniel Libeskind won the competition for the proposed new Graduate Centre for London Metropolitan University to be sited on the frontage of their Holloway Road Campus. The completed building is quite a striking addition to this bustling part of the A1 arterial road in North London.

The Centre consists of three intersecting volumes, clad with embossed stainless steel panels for a shining and ever-changing surface. It houses a lecture theatre, seminar rooms and breakout space for staff and the university’s graduate students. The interiors are filled with natural light by way of large windows of geometrical cuts and slashes, a major feature of the road elevation.

The Centre serves not only as a facility to enhance the staff and student experience, but acts as a major gateway to the University on Holloway Road.

Interesting facts and quote:

Daniel Libeskind returned to visit the building for it’s 10th birthday celebrations held by the University in June 2014

During construction a passer-by reported to the police that the roof of the building had collapsed during the night, that nearly shut the A1.

The A1 is Britain’s longest road running for 410 miles from London to Edinburgh.

“At £3m all in, this is not an expensive building. What it has that distinguishes it from what a client might ordinarily expect for that money is great presence… When you visit the area, you immediately realise that Libeskind’s explosive building acts not only as a junction box for the university but as a landmark for the entire street.” – Jonathan Glancey, The Guardian (February 2004)

The 11 storey Tower Building was designed by GLC Architects and completed in 1966.Originally at the case of the tower was a large concrete relief by William Mitchell, this was demolished to make way for Daniel Libeskind’s 2003 Graduate Centre.

AWARDS:

• 2005 – Royal Fine Art Commission Trust’s Building of the Year Awards, Jeu d’Esprit Award
• 2004 – RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Regional Award (London North & West)