Rights Managed > Historic England > Abstracts > Reflections
The Helicon JLP01_10_61481
Filename: jlp01_10_61481.jpg
Size: 5104 x 6478 (6.1MB)
Date: 5th April 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: © Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
The Helicon JLP01_10_61481
The Helicon, South Place, Finsbury Pavement, Islington, Greater London. A view from the top floor of the glazed central atrium at the Helicon building, Finsbury Pavement, London.
The Helicon was named after the sacred mountain of the muses in Greek mythology and in reference to a bookshop called Temple of the Muses that previously occupied part of the site. Laing began work on the foundations in May 1994 and the project was complete by June 1996. The building is divided between office and retail space, the lower 3 floors are occupied by Marks and Spencer whilst the 6 above are office accommodation. Designed to maximise natural light and be energy efficient the triple glazed curtain walls are vented in summer to allow cooling through air circulation and closed in winter to provide insulation. An automated system of metal louvres within the curtain wall close and open in response to the sun to regulate temperatures inside the building. The post-tension technique of construction of the concrete frame allowed the size of the columns and depth of floor slabs to be reduced and maximise usable floor space. The building won a CONSTRUCT Award for Innovation and Best Practice in 2000. The photograph was taken on the day the completed building was handed over to the client
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24672240
© Historic England Archive
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the breathtaking view from the top floor of The Helicon building in Finsbury Pavement, London. Named after the sacred mountain of the muses in Greek mythology, The Helicon stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and innovation. Formerly occupied by a bookshop called Temple of the Muses, this iconic structure was completed in June 1996 after meticulous construction work that began in May 1994. Divided between office and retail space, Marks and Spencer occupies the lower three floors while six above provide office accommodation. Designed with a focus on natural light and energy efficiency, The Helicon boasts triple glazed curtain walls that can be vented during summer months for cooling purposes and closed during winter for insulation. An automated system of metal louvres within these walls responds to sunlight, regulating temperatures inside the building. The post-tension technique used in constructing its concrete frame allowed for reduced column size and increased usable floor space. This innovative approach earned The Helicon a CONSTRUCT Award for Innovation and Best Practice in 2000. The photograph itself holds historical significance as it was taken on the day when this remarkable building was handed over to its client. Preserved by Historic England Archive, it serves as a visual reminder of both architectural excellence and urban development in Greater London's Islington district.
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