Rooftop Transformation in Temple Tube Station in London

What was once the grey and tired roof of Temple Tube station in Central London has become a work of art, painted with geometric shapes and bold colours.

The London Underground station is being upgraded to improve its appearance, and this roof terrace of Temple Tube Station in Central London has become a part of that revolution. A London-based artist, Lakwena Maciver, was commissioned by 180 Studios and Westminster City Council to paint the roof. She took on the job, using geometric shapes and bold colours to carry out her vision. Her artwork on the roof of Temple Tube Station took four years to complete. When you see it for yourself, you begin to understand why such a project might take so long to finish. Not only is the rooftop an impressively large canvas to fill at 1,400 square metres, but it’s an especially difficult task. Maciver explained why this was such a challenging site to respond to, saying "Having a vast half-acre of space to fill, with various obstacles within it, but also not being allowed to screw or drill anything onto the surface, and also needing to create something temporary, but that would also be weather proof.

Maciver rose to the challenge magnificently. She designed the rooftop with care, paying special attention to the theme after which she named her project: “Back in the Air: A Meditation on Higher Ground.” She explained that because the Temple Tube station is named “Temple” and the roof is raised above the ground, facing the heavens, she decided to create a contemporary  "Vision of Paradise" . This idea permeates the space. The garden has a hut that serves as a safe space, modelled after little green buildings that act as cafes for cab drivers. Right next to the ‘safe space’ hut, you can clearly read the words, ‘Nothing can separate us.’ This message is especially relevant during these times, when we’ve been challenged more than we might have imagined possible. It reminds us that we can get through hard times together. 

Although passersby can’t appreciate the roof from their walks through the city, it is visible from higher up offices. Located between the River Thames and the Strand, you can also view this artwork by accessing the roof yourself. Once you get there, the view alone makes it all worth it; the rooftop offers spectacular views across the River Thames towards the South Bank opposite. Why not bring a picnic with your friends and explore the beauty of the new rooftop? You can go into the safe space hut for some extra privacy, or just appreciate the work and artistry that went into the roof. The kaleidoscope of colours, ranging from royal blue to bright reds and yellows, will always give you something new to look at as you explore the space. And a hint to those of you who love Instagram: this is the spot for the perfect picture.

London has been known as a grey, rainy city, but that reputation will soon change. With this daring splash of colour added to the city, as well as other renovations being made, London will be known as a bright work of art. This rooftop will leave its own impression, with its message and theme of paradise. Maciver said, ‘The concept of a temple, a place where heaven and earth meet, remains deeply relevant. They say that the Garden of Eden was the first temple. The story goes that we were cast out of the Garden, and ever since then we have been longing to find our way back.". At the Temple Tube Station,  Maciver has brought this feeling of paradise back into our world , and she does this with a contemporary twist. 

You can easily visit Temple Tube Station’s rooftop from Vonder’s Shoreditch location in East London. When you join our flats to rent east London , you gain access to incredible on-site amenities. You also get to live in our fully-furnished, modern and spacious flats. Vonder’s all-in-one living solution in London has made it easy to access all of what you want to see in London while living comfortably and joining your own community. Love this idea and ready for your next adventure? Consider an apartment to rent in dubai!  And, who knows? Maybe you will find your own little taste of paradise.