Changing the face of London Underground

Arnos Grove plan

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Arnos Grove underground station, plan

Arnos Grove underground station, plan. Around 1931
Ink on linen
Architect: Charles Holden (1875-1960) for Adams Holden & Pearson
Copyright: RIBA Library Drawings and Archives Collections


Arnos Grove station is the first example of Holden introducing the circular drum form into his station designs. Free from any existing buildings, the high cylindrical ticket hall is central to the station plan and enables the easy movement of passengers through the space. With the drum sitting on a broader square base, the corner spaces neatly accommodates shops, toilets and staff rooms. The building form was probably inspired by Erik Gunnar Asplund's Central Library in Stockholm, which Holden and Pick had seen on their north European tour.