‘Topping out’ is a builders’ rite traditionally held when the last beam (or its equivalent) is placed atop a structure during its construction. It is part of an ancient European tradition that was said to bring good luck and ward off bad spirits. The ceremony also provides an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the progress that has been made, before the internal building work commences.
On 5th June 2017, representatives from Aga Khan Development Network, Institute of Ismaili Studies’ Board of Governors, Aga Khan Foundation UK and the Ismaili Council for the United Kingdom marked a symbolic milestone in the construction of new academic building in King’s Cross, as the final piece was laid to the outer structure of the building in a ‘topping out’ ceremony.
Read more http://iis.ac.uk/news/topping-out-ceremony-akdn-s-academic-building-london-king-s-cross
About: In January 2016, AKDN completed its purpose-built student accommodation building known as Victoria Hall King’s Cross. This is one of two projects that AKDN are developing at King’s Cross, the vibrant part of central London being established over 67 acres next to King’s Cross and St Pancras International stations.
The second project, due to be completed in 2018, is an academic and office building to house the teaching, learning and administration spaces for The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS) and the Aga Khan University (International) in the United Kingdom Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC). It will also house the offices of Aga Khan Foundation (UK).
Ismailimail 