Two Islington school buildings have been recognised for their exciting architectural design and will be opened up to visitors this September. Grafton School's Community Centre and Golden Lane Campus have both been selected to take part in London's annual Open House event.
Open House London showcases some of the capital's most interesting architecture by opening the doors of over 600 buildings to the general public. Visitors are invited to explore buildings of history, contemporary design and areas of urban change.
Golden Lane Campus opened earlier this year and caught the interest of Open House London for its colourful and inventive design that incorporates three separate organisations with very different needs into one space. Fortune Park Children's Centre, the primary section of Richard Cloudesley special school and Prior Weston Primary School share facilities and spaces both inside and out at the site in EC1. This includes the roof garden which incorporates a basketball court and play area made from soft, bouncy materials in vibrant colours.
The eco-friendly community centre developed on the site of Grafton School has impressed Open House for the second year running with its pavilion-style hall and its green credentials. The solid timber building has solar panels fitted to its roof and is insulated with woodfibre.
Councillor Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People said:
"I'm really delighted that two of our schools have been selected by Open House from the many hundreds of buildings in London that are considered. It gives us a great opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic spaces that many of our schools use. Both Golden Lane and Grafton are wonderful buildings for children, teachers and all the other residents who use them and enjoy them locally.
With rebuilding at all of our secondary schools over the next few years and a number of our children's centres cited as models of excellence in building design, we're transforming educational buildings so they are exciting and inspiring places for children and families.
I'd encourage people to take advantage of the Open House weekend. It's all free and is a wonderful chance to explore some of the fascinating and unique buildings that help to make Islington so special."
Open House London runs from 20-21 September, offering access to a range of different buildings including private residences, academies, Government offices and embassies. For more information visit www.openhouse.org.uk
Page Last Updated: 26 August 2008