Thames Barrier Park Design

Thames Barrier Park

Structure Planting: RIBA Awards 2001

The Design

The competition design response stated: 'Our strategy is to create a clear urban and park framework which envisages contrasting spaces for different uses of the park.' We consider that: 'The future of this part of the Docklands depends on the success of the Thames Barrier Park. It is our ambition to create something more than another 'green lung' salvaged from the leftover space between buildings. Instead we aim for a special place of cultural significance with its own clear identity'.

In response to the cultural. historic and specific physical context of the site, a clear and bold landscaping concept is adopted. The Park has been considered from the general to the particular, from landscaping to urban design to building. Our primary concern is to create a rich and inviting public space - a park which knits into its surroundings through a clear and logical urban strategy.

To give the Park a strong landscape significance, simple strategies are adopted which in turn determine the future architectural composition of the area. The form of the housing development becomes integral to the Park; both establishing a series of settings for housing and contrasting park activities suitable for use throughout the year.

Responding to the specific heritage and man-made topography, these settings comprise the following areas for different activities:
  • The Plateau: A level platform which gives contrasting open and closed views of the river. It is structured by lines of different tree species and wild flower meadows, and is suitable for informal recreation and public events.
  • The Green Dock - A cutting through the plateau recalls the scale and depth of dock structures. It provides a microclimate for the 'rainbow garden'; high level views are provided by the bridges, with a water plaza forms a dramatic entrance.
  • The pavilion of remembrance is a focal point on the river, framing views of the Barrier. It is a sheltered contemplation, reading and relaxing.
  • The River Promenade - With a scale in relation to the river, this 'embankment' is for strolling and viewing.
  • The Peripheries - Refining the north boundary, a raised walkway overlooks the plateau towards the river. The east and west boundaries are structured by block hedge planting and contrasting beds of shrubs. Ideal for jogging, walking or cycling.
  • Play Areas - Sports and children's play.
In the wider urban context, the design principle is to fully integrate the proposals with adjacent areas. This is proposed by physical and visual links from Pontoon Docks/Royal Docks to Thames Barrier and River.

CATALYSING REGENERATION

As proof that high quality, public urban space plays a key role in creating successful urban areas, the Thames Barrier Park - even at the time of its official opening - is already having a significant positive effect on the surrounding area. The housing plot to the west was sold to Barratt Homes in 1998 and construction of the residential units - Millennium Point -is well advanced. Much of this development has already been sold in advance - the attraction of living directly adjacent to a park being a significant factor in making it one of the fastest-selling new housing developments in London. The first residents moved in at the end of 1999 with more moving in during March 2000.

The development of Britannia Village to the north east is also progressing, adding more affordable housing, a primary school and shopping to the area. The proximity of public open space near to these houses will obviously be a key factor in helping the community to develop.

There is a noticeable 'ripple effect', with development activity beginning at other nearby sites. Tanks and buildings on a further Gulf Oil site to the west of Thames Barrier Park (now owned by Shell) have been dismantled and a planning application is expected to be submitted within the coming months for a mixed use development on this site. An outline planning application has been submitted for redevelopment of a scrapyard site to the east of Thames Barrier Park into housing. Interest is also being shown in regenerating other sites in the vicinity.

With further development of Canary Wharf increasing the employment opportunities in the area, Thames Barrier Park provides an important focus for residential development. In accordance with the recommendations of the Urban T ask Force and proposed changes to planning guidance from central government, much of this residential development is likely to be medium-to-high density, and with this, Thames Barrier Park will be an important and well-used area of open space and greenery for the local community: The idea of creating a publicly funded open space with surrounding private housing is a model which can be copied when redeveloping more of this area.


© Thames Barrier Park, UK 2003

.. Close ..