Abstract
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is the largest private development network in the world. Although its work encompasses health, education and social, economic and cultural development, all of the work within this network increasingly reflects a commitment to sustainability. One of its key forthcoming initiatives is the King’s Cross Development in London, which will host a number of institutions including the Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations and the Institute of Ismaili Studies; both recognised UK higher education institutions. This chapter highlights design elements of the project, which showcase its commitment to incorporating an ethos of sustainability into the conceptualisation and development of the main academic building within the project site. These are: an in-built recognition and appreciation of the environmental and aesthetic value of green spaces in the form of gardens, as well as the inclusion of the highest environmental building specifications for a construction project on this scale.
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Vellani, F., Nanjee, N. (2015). Incorporating an Ethos of Sustainability into the Conceptualisation and Development of an Academic Building: The Kings Cross Development in London. In: Leal Filho, W., Azeiteiro, U., Caeiro, S., Alves, F. (eds) Integrating Sustainability Thinking in Science and Engineering Curricula. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09474-8_41
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