Architect of controversy

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He is one of the world's greatest architects, and his latest work is a new landmark for London.

Daniel Libeskind is the man entrusted with the sensitive task of rebuilding the Ground Zero site in Manhattan and is the designer of the celebrated Jewish Museum in Berlin.

But his latest venture is a rather more modest university extension in north London.

Libeskind, whose portfolio also includes the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester and the Eighteen Turns structure at the Serpentine Gallery, has designed an angular £3 million extension to the London Metropolitan University in the Holloway Road.

The building officially opens next month but the scaffolding that had obscured his steel-clad creation has now been removed.

And the building has divided opinion. Laura Brickwood, 21, an National Union of Students employee, said: "It's a monstrosity, borne out of watching too many Star Trek episodes."

But Simon Kelly, 27, a carpenter, said: "London is made by its diverse architecture and I think it is nice to see something so different and challenging in this area."

Peter Langton, 69, a furniture salesman who has worked opposite the site for 15 years, said: "It looks like a sinking battleship. People around here have dubbed it the 'Titanic'."

Brian Roper, vice-chancellor of the university, said: "Danny Libeskind is a top-quality designer who also knows how to build to budget and on time."

Michael Stacey, academic leader of the LMU's Department of Architecture and Spatial Design, said: "It looks wonderful, especially in the twilight. But even on a grey morning it is a wonderful contrast to what is a bleak part of London."

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