A letter to German Gymnasium
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of German Gymnasium, Tina Norden writes about the meaning of this iconic project – both for our studio and for the wider regeneration of King’s Cross in London.
All projects are unique but some have more significance than others to us as designers. German Gymnasium is one of those projects that really meant a lot to me personally and was creatively challenging and rewarding for the design team.
A beautiful, albeit neglected building with a fascinating history that was intended to become the heart of the King’s Cross regeneration. Gorgeous historic details that we were able to restore and enhance as well as contrast with strong new insertions.
A daring and design-focused client in Argent who trusted us to push the design boundaries and create something unique and special. From the moment we first entered it took our breath away and we were committed to giving it a new life and bring it back to its former glory.
A great design team including Allies and Morrison, PSE, Into Lighting and Gardiner and Theobald – all longstanding and ongoing collaborators that are a pleasure to work with.
“The possibility of bringing a part of my origins as a German to my chosen home of London – in the most tasty way.”
A brilliant operator in D+D London who took on the challenge of making German food enticing and allowed us to not only bring timeless design but also some humour and playfulness. Bathrooms with drawings of Victorian ladies working out on what looks like torture instruments (thank you Muzeo) accompanied by oompah-music – why not! A great team on site that is taking wearing a dirndl and lederhosen in their stride (and look great in them).
And on a very personal level the possibility of bringing a part of my origins as a German to my chosen home of London – in the most tasty way.
There are not many projects that I return to over and over again, but this is one – and not just to taste home once in a while!
