The Aga Khan building was designed by Pritzker prize winning architect Fumihiko Maki and opened on 26th June 2018 by His Highness the Aga Khan and His Highness Prince of Wales. The building is set in the education quarter, and is a centre of education, knowledge, cultural exchange with an insight into Muslim civilisations. Clad in light limestone, the building is inspired by Portland Stone and the layout reflects traditional courtyards of Morocco and Egypt.
I have wanted to explore this building for a long time. A few years ago, when on a walk in the King’s Cross area with a group, we went into the reception area of the building. The sculpture which rises through all nine floors impressed me. When I arrived home, I tried to book a tour on their website. However, tickets go quickly and they were all sold out. I then put it to the back of my mind. Recently, I heard the Aga Khan building was re-opening for tours after the pandemic, so straightaway I went online and this time I was lucky and secured tickets for myself and a friend.
Tours run on Thursday afternoons (5pm) and Saturday mornings. The tour takes about an hour. Last Thursday, eleven of us set off with our volunteer to explore the library (over several floors), The Crown Room, the terraces and gardens.
We began at the entrance where a bronze art work stands. The bronze depicts the names of God and Allah.
The building has nine floors and a basement. Lifts stop at all floors except the most precious floor of the library where rare books live, some behind locked temperature controlled cases. These have to be specifically asked for. The library feels calm and has a few individual rooms for silent study. We noted that as well as books there were DVD’s.
The first terrace we visited was The Terrace of Learning, which is accessible through the library, giving students a chance to relax during a break from studies. This terrace is planted with rosemary, myrtle and other greenery. Note the tiled floor. There is no grouting between them to allowed the water to seep through. The water is then recycled. The Aga Khan building, when built, was the most eco-friendly building in London. It is also a working building, which is why tours are only offered twice a week.
The views across London from all the terraces and gardens are stunning. You can see Coal Drop’s Yard, Gasholders and King’s Cross in one direction, and Canary Wharf and St Paul’s Cathedral in the other direction.
Next we entered the Crown Room where meetings are held. The windows here, like in the library, are anti-glare, keeping the areas bright yet not a strain on the eyes. The walls of this room are of sycamore. I can tell you it has a lovely smooth feel to the touch, and I liked the patterning.
The terrace off The Crown Room has beautiful patterning on the rail – the eight-pointed star again – reflecting the carpet in The Crown Room. This is one of my favourite terraces.
From the ninth floor, if you have a head for heights, you can follow the artwork all the way down to first floor.
The next garden we visited was The Garden of Light. Around the walls is Arabic inscription, some of which is scripture. It has a small fountain, and the garden is lit at night.
The Garden of Life is beautiful. Water runs from a small waterfall along a channel, and the planting is colourful.
Back on the first floor, we entered The Garden of Tranquility, which overlooks Jellico Gardens.
Our tour was at an end. What an interesting place. I couldn’t resist one more photo. This time I looked up through the floors to the glass roof. The roof here and in other parts of the building reminds me of the roof in the gardens at the Crossrail building at Canary Wharf.
King’s Cross has been rejuvenated over the years. Building work is still marching on with more apartments and the new Google building.
I’d urge you to look at the Aga Khan Building website for more information on the structure, terraces and gardens. The tours are free, but must be booked in advance. At the time of writing, there are still spaces available until the end of June.
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