KINGS CROSS DEVELOPMENT & ISLAMIC GARDENS

I recently saw a piece in a newspaper describing the Islamic gardens at the Aga Khan Centre in the new Kings Cross development, in London. Yesterday I visited both. I started at the main Visitor Centre where  the new development is explained. Formerly an underused industrial site ‘behind’ Kings Cross – St Pancras stations and adjacent to the Regent’s Canal, it has been transformed and rejuvenated with new streets, squares and parks, offices, galleries, restaurants and bars, and significantly much residential accommodation. My photo of the excellent physical model exhibited in the Visitor Centre gives an overall perspective of the place, but check out maps and aerial photos if you can.

The real reason I visited the place, though, was to see inside the Aga Khan Centre. I was not disappointed. Copying the text from  https://www.agakhancentre.org.uk/islamic-gardens-kings-cross/,

“each roof garden, terrace and courtyard … echoes Islamic architectural and garden styles. These contemporary landscaped spaces represent the diversity of Muslim cultures around the world and over time. The modestly-sized but beautiful spaces range from contemplative and secluded to open and social. With nearby Jellicoe Gardens and Lewis Cubitt Square, they form a ‘ribbon’ of green spaces … Islamic gardens come in many different types, styles, shapes and sizes with most containing plants and flowers for shade, colour and scent. Other characteristic features include water, geometrical patterns, architectural elements and hard surfaces, arranged symmetrically. The chahar bagh – gardens divided into four parts by water channels or pathways and reflecting the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Qur’an – is a common layout. While many Islamic gardens share these features, they vary across different regions in response to local climatic conditions, architectural styles and cultures.”

I’ve selected a few photos to illustrate these spaces inside the building and also a couple showing the Jellicoe Gardens (completed 2021). The famous landscape architect was inspired by early Persian landscape traditions. The gardens are found just behind the main building. Bob Moore