Rights Managed > Historic England > Abstracts > Reflections
The Helicon JLP01_10_61491
Filename: jlp01_10_61491.jpg
Size: 5040 x 6480 (5.6MB)
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_61491
The Helicon, South Place, Finsbury Pavement, Islington, Greater London. A view down 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 24672244
© Historic England Archive
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a mesmerizing view from the top floor of The Helicon building in Finsbury Pavement, London. Designed to embrace natural light and energy efficiency, this architectural masterpiece showcases a glazed central atrium that offers an awe-inspiring perspective of the bustling city below. Named after the sacred mountain of muses in Greek mythology, The Helicon stands as a testament to both artistic inspiration and modern innovation. Its construction began in May 1994 and was completed by June 1996 under the guidance of Laing. Divided between office and retail spaces, Marks and Spencer occupies the lower three floors while six above are dedicated to office accommodations. The triple-glazed curtain walls not only allow for ample sunlight but also provide ventilation during summer months through air circulation. In winter, they serve as insulation against harsh weather conditions. An automated system of metal louvres within the curtain wall adjusts according to sun exposure, regulating temperatures inside the building. Utilizing post-tension techniques for its concrete frame construction allowed for reduced column size and increased usable floor space. This innovative approach earned The Helicon recognition with a CONSTRUCT Award for Innovation and Best Practice in 2000. This photograph marks an important moment – it was taken on the day when Historic England Archive handed over this remarkable structure to its client. It serves as a timeless reminder of both architectural brilliance and meticulous attention to detail that went into creating The Helicon's unique design.
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