The Story Behind Tottenham Court Road’s “Diamonds and Circles”

In the heart of London’s bustling Tottenham Court Road Underground Station lies Diamonds & Circles - a permanent public art installation by renowned French artist Daniel Buren. The work is a striking composition of colour and geometry that transforms the underground space into something extraordinary.

Design Rationale transformed Buren’s vision into a physical reality. Completed in 2017, this project pushed the boundaries of how art can be integrated within public infrastructure - and remains one of our most visually captivating achievements to date.

Working closely with our trusted manufacturers and collaborators, we translated Buren’s abstract concept into hundreds of individual coloured glass panels, carefully arranged across the station’s walls. Stainless steel framing added both structural integrity and a clean finish to the vibrant installation.

“Working on the Tottenham Court Road upgrade was about producing an artist’s vision across hundreds of individual glass panels,” says Joe Bailey, Design Lead. “Each panel was individually drawn, and only once installed could we truly see the artwork ‘knit’ together - bringing the full vision to life.”

The result? A geometric spectacle that brightens one of London’s busiest transport hubs, seamlessly marrying creativity with durability. Materials were meticulously chosen to meet London Underground’s strict safety standards - ensuring the glass remains both secure and spectacular under the pressures of daily public use.

Mark Hitchcock, our Project Manager, still looks back on the project with pride:

“I’m really happy with how it turned out. Even today, it remains one of my favourite stations to walk through.”

Beyond its visual appeal, Diamonds and Circles highlights what we do best: delivering technically complex, design-led architectural features that stand the test of time. From bomb-blast resistant glazing to bespoke metalwork, we ensure that every installation not only looks good but performs exceptionally.

You can explore more about the artwork in Dezeen’s write-up, or next time you're on the Central Line, take a moment to experience the art for yourself.