Granary Square, King’s Cross
King’s Cross is one of the most significant regeneration projects in Europe and Granary Square is undoubtedly its centrepiece. This beautiful new London square features over 1,000 choreographed fountains, each one individually controlled and lit. Visit on a sunny day and the fountains are awash with kids of all ages, squealing with delight as they try to dodge the jets.
The mood and activity level in the square change constantly, and the water feature responds – calm and reflective at day break, becoming more animated as day goes on. At dusk a stunning light show begins and people stop to watch in wonder.
The fountains are arranged in four rectangular banks, mirroring the symmetry of the historic Granary Building. Each jet is recessed into the paving so that the square can be used to stage activities and events when the fountains are off.
Project Facts
- Location: King's Cross, London, UK
- Client: King's Cross Central Limited Partnership (Argent)
- Services: Design, build, management
- Features: Fog, reflection pools, animated jets, fountain control app
- Partners: Townshend Landscape Architects, BAM
- Photography: Courtesy of John Sturrock
We can vary the level of water with millimetre accuracy, and make the fountains morph from low, foamy spurts to slender tall jets.
360 high-pressure fog nozzles allow us to fill the square with fog and mist, adding atmosphere in the winter and a much-appreciated cool down on a hot summer day. Seeing the fog when lit from below is a spectacle to behold.
And now anyone with a smartphone can have as much fun controlling the fountains as we do! Granary Squirt is a world first – an app that lets the public take control and play with the fountains. Read about it in our news section.
