Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building Offices
The Helicon JLP01_10_61703
Filename: jlp01_10_61703.jpg
Size: 6771 x 5338 (5.8MB)
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_61703
The Helicon, South Place, Finsbury Pavement, Islington, Greater London. A night time view of 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.
This photograph was used in the April 1997 issue of Team Spirit, the Laing company newsletter
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24672248
© Historic England Archive
1990s Concrete Department Store Glass Night Office Steel
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the magnificent Helicon building, located in Finsbury Pavement, London. Bathed in the enchanting glow of nightfall, this architectural masterpiece stands tall and proud against the city skyline. Named after the sacred mountain of muses in Greek mythology, The Helicon pays homage to its literary roots as it was built on the site previously occupied by a renowned bookshop called Temple of the Muses. Completed in June 1996 after meticulous construction that began two years prior, The Helicon is an amalgamation of office and retail spaces. Marks and Spencer occupy the lower three floors while six above provide modern office accommodations. Designed with sustainability in mind, this innovative structure boasts triple glazed curtain walls that allow for natural light to flood its interiors during summer months while providing insulation during winter. The architects ingeniously incorporated an automated system of metal louvres within the curtain wall to regulate internal temperatures based on sun exposure. Moreover, employing post-tension techniques allowed for reduced column sizes and floor slab depths, maximizing usable space within. Recognized for its groundbreaking design principles and commitment to innovation, The Helicon received a prestigious CONSTRUCT Award for Innovation and Best Practice in 2000. Preserved through time by Historic England Archive's lensman Joh from their April 1997 issue of Team Spirit newsletter (not affiliated with any commercial use), this photograph immortalizes The Helicon's grandeur as it continues to captivate all who lay eyes upon it.
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