wood wharf - feasibility study

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WOOD WHARF Feasibility Report

An investigation into the threats posed by climate change to landscapes within an urban context.

Post Graduate Diploma Landscape Architecture 2013Abigail Haire

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Site Location

1. Introduction 05

2. Research 09

3. Case Study: Wheathampstead 25

4. Urban Water Management 31

5. Wood Wharf: Context 35

6. Wood Wharf: Background 45

7. Wood Wharf: Survey and Analysis 53

8. The Vision 73

9. References 101

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1 Introduction

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Introduction

Site Location 1 Introduction

Climate change is a problem facing the whole of the planet and will become a major issue for most of the population. The focus of this study is an issue of great relevance to the UK, and is a combined result of urban development and climate change: Flooding.

This study will focus on a site on the Isle of Dogs East London. With its location on the floodplain of the River Thames and being close to its estuary, it is in a prime position to be directly affected by fluctuating river levels.

This project will look at how natural and man made factors within the landscape can affect the scale of impact, and what opportunities and potentials there are to reduce it. With the aid of the Environment Agency’s ‘Thames Catchment Flood Management Plan’ it will explore the feasibility of options for flood water management upstream of the site, and investigate methods of urban water management specific to the site itself on the Isle of Dogs.

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2 Research

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2 The Location

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Millennium Dome

Canary Wharf

Tower of London

London Bridge

The Site

St Pauls Cathederal

Tate Modern

Waterloo StationBuckingham PalaceEarls Court

Battersea Park

Clapham Juction

Battersea Power Station

London Eye

Greenwich University

The site this study is investigating is based on the Isle of Dogs, east London. It sits within a meander of the river Thames just upstream of the Thames Barrier. It is located in the lateral stages of the river on the floodplain putting it at risk of flooding.

Site Location 2 The Location

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Climate change is the biggest environmental challenge facing the world today.

‘ ‘

Environment Agency, 2012

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Site Location 2 .1 The Problem

The world is facing dramatic changes to the climate and environment that currently occur. Many predictions on the future of the planets climate have been put forward. The Environment Agency’s analysis of recent climate patterns predict the following:

• Temperatures could rise between 1° and 5° Centigrade. This will intensify the urban heat island effect, leading to risks affecting human health within the built environment.

• Winter rainfall could increase by up to 30%. This will increase the volume of water in the water cycle pushing drainage systems and flood defences to their limits.

• Summer rainfall could decrease by 50% compared with current patterns. This will potentially cause droughts and flash floods throughout the country, particularly in urban areas.

• Sea levels could rise by 67cm. This will cause coastal flooding, damaging communities, social infrastructure and biodiversity.

• Weather patterns could become more extreme. Increasing the likelihood of flooding and sudden droughts.

All of the above predictions affect the site on the Isle of Dogs. As the scale of the site is minor in relation to the size of the topic, this study needs to investigate the feasibility of water management earlier in the river’s course. Investigating options in how to reduce the impact of flooding in key areas throughout the catchment area will prepare the landscape for the changes the climate will bring.

The Problem

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There are 350,000 properties at risk of flooding from rivers in the catchment of the Thames and its tributaries. (In London there are a further 300,000 properties at risk of flooding from the sea. London and the Lower Thames represent 60% of the total number of properties on the floodplain).

The Environment Agency’s flood risk map above shows the areas at risk through central London out to Southend-on-Sea. The areas at risk include important landmarks of London such as Buckingham

Site Location 2.1 The problem

Palace, The Bank of England, Waterloo Station, The Tate Modern, St Pauls Cathedral, The Houses of Parliament and many other significant buildings. If the Environment Agency’s predictions on the previous page are correct, this important section of the river is under serious threat from increasing volumes of water from the river and the sea.

The urban nature of the site limits the potential landscape methods to tackle the predictions of the previous page through landuse within the city. As the floodplain is almost entirely built upon, and surrounded by predominately dense urban development where hard materials dominate the landscape, rainwater moves quickly through the city into the river. The next step is to look at potential water management methods upstream in the catchment area.

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Thames Water Catchment

Croydon

London

St Albans

Guildford

Reading

Oxford

Swindon

Banbury

Site Location 2.2 Thames Water Catchment

The River Thames flows through South Eastern England, from the source at Thames Head in Gloustershire following its 215mile journey though central London out to the mouth at Southend-On-Sea, Essex. It flows through nine counties: Glouscestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Essex, Kent and Greater London. The river and its tributaries travel through a mixture of landuse types from rural agriculture to some of the most densely populated areas of Great Britain.

As these counties have different landscape characteristics, it is worth exploring further the naturally occuring conditions that slow the rate of water from raindrop to river.

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Site Location 2.3 The Landscape Character

River flows in natural state. Land

use is predominantly urban. Increase in

hard surfaces. Minor development on

floodplain.

Rivers flow in natural state.

Landuse is mixed agricultural and

urban. Wide open undeveloped floodplains.

Modified channels to carry water

efficiently. Land use is majority urban.

Floodplain has been been developed

100%.

The scale of impact posed by flooding is determined by a number of factors affecting water movement. Development on the flood plain and land use within the drainage basin determine the speed of percolation and surface runoff. The shorter this time the greater the risk of the river reaching capacity and flooding.

To understand the journey taken by water before it reaches the city, further exploration of the process upstream is necessary. This will reveal any opportunities that could that could deal with high volumes of water before it reaches the city, reducing the risk of flooding to the site on the Isle of Dogs and areas of central London.

As shown in the map to the right, the area around London is mostly urbanized, with modified river channels and a 100% developed floodplain. This is why it has the least potential for simple landscape water management. The east side of the water catchment area including counties such as Essex, Kent and Surrey have a predominantly urban landuse, with naturally flowing rivers. There is minimal development on the flood plain. This has some potential for landscape water management. The west side of the water catchment area including counties such as Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire is predominantly agricultural, with naturally flowing rivers with open non-developed floodplains giving lots of opportunities for landscape water management. The general land use however is not the only factor determining the speed of water movement.

The Landscape Character

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R iver Thames Wate r Catchment Area

The Cotswolds: Predominantly alluvial clay soils, therefore high speed surface runoff, and minimal percolation rates. 22,443 ha of woodland (8% total area) also prolong time taken from raindrop to river.

The Chilterns: Predominantly chalk soils with a slow rate water of percolation. The dominant landuse being agriculture surface runoff is slower. 23,343 ha of woodland(14% total area) also reduce speed of raindrop to river.

Inner London: Predominantly clay soils, minimal to zero percolation. Completely urban landuse, excessive hard materials used, therefore surface runoff is extremely fast. With only 690ha of woodland (2% total area), raindrop to river speed is not massively affected.

Site Location 2.4 Character Areas

Geology, Topography, Landuse and Vegetation are the four main factors that determine the speed of water movement within the drainage basin. Looking at how these elements interact with one another within the landscape character areas outlined on the previous page, allows a greater understanding into the process of percolation throughout the Thames catchment area. This map looks into how these factors affect the speed of water movement in three of the character areas within the Thames water catchment.

Character Areas

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As shown in the map to the left the Cotswolds have hard impermeable soil. This means percolation of rain water is limited, causing the surface runoff to be greater and faster. 8% of the area is covered in woodland which will reduce the speed of the falling water, and in turn the volume of surface runoff will be released into the river slowly over a longer period of time. The method of landscape water management best suited for this area of the drainage basin is to plant large areas of woodland and dense vegetation to reduce the volume and speed of surface runoff. The trees will act as natural water store.

The Cotswolds

Dense Vegetation

Impermeable Soil

Slow Percolation


The Cotswolds

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Inner London has the same soil type as the Cotswolds as shown on the map on the previous page. However, with the excessive hard materials used and lack of green space available, limited options for landscape water management present themselves. SUDS in new and existing developments are the best suited method. However another option to make up for the lack of green space is possible. Planting woodland areas upstream of the landscape character areas in places such as the Cotswolds as mentioned above will deal with the problem outside of the city, This would need to become part of the planing regulations to take affect.

Green Roofs

Street Trees SUDS

Concrete

Impermeable

Inner LondonInner London


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The map on the previous page also shows that the Chilterns have predominantly chalk soils. Chalk soils are absorbent and slow down the rate of water percolation. This character area also has the highest percentage of woodland cover, again prolonging the journey of the water to the river. This makes the Chilterns naturally the best character area out of the three for landscape water management.

The ChilternsDense Vegetation

Porous soil

Fallow

Increase Woodland

Water Channels

Woodland Areas

The Chilterns


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“In future, given the prospect of increased flood probability associated with climate change, agricultural land is likely to play an important role in mitigation and adaption strategies for flood risk management.” DEFRA 2012

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Setting land aside as fallow Permanent sacrificial land

Water meadowsLandform adjustments

Dense Vegetation Mounded soil acts as water barrier

Prolonging distance of travelling water

Slowly releasing water in channels back into

the river

Permanent attenuation

Set aside field margins slow water with sough surfaces

Allowing fields to flood reintroducing

water meadows

Diverting water along field boundaries

Changes to agricultural policies in rural areas such as the Chilterns and the Cotswolds could also be introduced to aid landscape water management and prepare for the changes predicted by the Environment Agency. The existing system of Agricultural grants could be adjusted to achieve the following objectives to reduce surface runoff speed:

Objective 1: Setting aside land (or field margins) as fallow i.e. uncultivated for a season. This would aerate the soil increasing its holding capacity, and the rough texture of the soil would reduce the speed of surface runoff.

Objective 2: Adjusting landform where feasible to hold back volumes of water in times of flood. This could mean extending hedge banks or creating wooded embankments that would also increase wildlife value

Objective 3: Reintroduce the system of traditional water meadows where appropriate, actually encouraging riverside fields to flood each year, with all the benefits associated with addition of alluvium.

Objective 4: Sacrificing some land to act as permanent attenuation by re-establishing historic bogs or marshes (this would in some cases undo decades of land improvement drainage).

Agricultural Policies

Site Location 2.5 Agricultural Policies

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3 Case Study: Wheathampstead

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Site Location 3 Case Study: Wheathampsted

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R iver Thames Wate r Catchment Area

Wheathampsted

Site Location 3 Case Study: Wheathampsted

Wheathampstead is a large village north west of Greater London, located in the county of Hertfordshire. The village is set in the Chilterns, previously identified in this study as a suitable area for rural landscape water management. The river Lea, a tributary of the river Thames flows through the village surrounded by chalky soils with a substantial amount of woodland scattered across the landscape.

The Chilte

rn

sThe R

iv er Lea

Welwyn Garden City

St Albans

Reading

High Wycombe

AmershamHemel Hempstead

Berkhamstead

Dunstable

StevenageLuton

Wheathampsted

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3 Case Study: Wheathampsted

Urban Settlement

Sacrificial land (existing playing fields)

Sacrificial land (existing agricultural fields)

Direction of surface runoff

Controlled release channel

‘Diverting the urban surface runoff into temporary water stores allowing it to slowly percolate through the chalky soils of the Chilterns.‘

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3 Case Study: Wheathampsted

Landscape water management Using the landscape characteristics of the Chilterns previously discussed as a base, the objectives explored on page 27 can be applied to Wheathampstead to prepare for the Environment Agency’s climate change predictions discussed at the beginning of this study.

As Wheathampstead is built around the river Lea with playing fields and scattered agricultural land spanning the gap between the floodplain and the settlement Objectives 1 and 2 could be applied to the site as shown in the diagram to the left.

Sacrificing playing fields to hold surface runoff water from the settlement on the south side of the river when water levels are high will relieve the stress caused by an influx of urban drainage. As shown in the images to the right. The water would then percolate through the chalky soil slowly, until it can be released back into the river through a series of channels controlling the volume and speed to accommodate fluctuating river levels.

As a temporary measure, setting aside land within the area of the agricultural fields to the north of the river will decrease the speed of surface runoff from the northern area of settlement, this will aid the flood prevention and enhance the fertility of the soil. This could be taken further and used as a more permanent attenuation area, promoting wetland bog habitats.

Playing fields temporarily holding water.

Agricultural land temporarily set aside

Existing playing fi elds in Wheathampstead .

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4 Urban Water Management

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Site Location 4 Urban Water

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Site Location 4 Urban Water

Protect natural flow regimes in watercoursesProvide a habitat fo

r wildlife in urban watercourses

Are

sym

path

etic

to

the

envir

onm

enta

l

settin

g and

the n

eeds

of th

e loc

al co

mm

unity

Manage runoff volumes and flow rates, reducing the

impact of urbanisation on flooding

Protect or enhance water quality Provide opportunities for evapotranspiration

from vegetation and surface w

ater

Encourage natural groundw

ater recharge (w

here appropriate)

Cre

ate

bette

r pl

aces

to

live,

wor

k an

d pl

ay

SUDS

Flood water management is less of an issue in rural areas because the available green space is normally capable of storing the volume of surface runoff from the relatively small settlement areas. In the city the same rule cannot be applied because of an opposite ratio of high density urban development to green space.

The method used in chapter three could be applied to the site on the Isle of Dogs in London, however it needs to be adjusted to suit the urban context.

Rainfall in London generally lands on impervious urban materials meaning that it has to be managed by humans as soon as it hits the ground. This could be used as an advantage to tackle climate issues within the city.

The same principle of maximising the distance from rain drop to river applies in the city as in the rural areas, however given the physical limitations, the methods of water management used are found within the established ‘field’ of SUDS (sustainable Urban Drainage Systems). The benefits of SUDS can be seen in the diagram to the right.

The map to the left shows green spaces in close proximity to the river Thames. Diverting surface runoff water from surrounding roofs and hard spaces into large green spaces such as Hyde Park or Battersea Park is the same principle used in the Wheathampsted example further upstream. Whereas the concept of using public open spaces such as these as temporary water stores is feasible when built into new developments, it is less likely to be possible in central London because of the technical issues associated with transferring large quantities of clean water from the existing sewerage system in such an established and densely developed area.

Planting street trees and ensuring that all new buildings have green roofs will reduce the speed of surface runoff. This is comparable with the principle of increasing woodland cover in the Cotswolds. Planting new trees and vegetation in the city in as many areas as possible will not only reduce the speed of rain drop to river, but decrease the intensity of the Urban Heat Island effect.

Simply introducing permeable paving into the cityscape will have a limited effect due to the hard clay soils beneath them. However creating voids beneath the pavements and buildings to collect storm water is equivalent to the principle of holding water back in the chalk substrate of the Chilterns.

Action can be taken throughout the whole of the catchment area, although the potential for such action to be effective in attenuating flooding reduces as the river corridor becomes increasingly developed.

The site on the Isle of Dogs has the potential for all of these methods to be employed. Combining these established techniques with the more general potential of the site to accept additional volumes of water in times of high rainfall will mean that this site can make a significant contribution to the moderation of flood levels.

Urban Water Management

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5 Wood Wharf: Context

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Site Location 5 Wood Wharf: Context

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The Site: Wood Wharf

The site of Wood Wharf is located in the West India Quay of London Docklands. It sits within a meander of the river Thames on the Isle of Dogs in the borough of Tower Hamlets, East London.

The site is brownfield land of 8.26ha that sits between Canary Wharf and central London to the west and the Millennium Dome and Greenwich Peninsula to the east.

The site is located within the lateral stages of the river Thames water cycle, putting it in a vulnerable position for the changing climate.

Th

e b orough of To

wer Hamlets


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Site Location 7.2 Flood Risk

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Wood Wharfs location just upstream of the Thames Barrier close to the estuary (as shown in the image to the left) protects it from tidal surges for the immediate future. However at this stage of the river, the volume of water flowing through the city is at its maximum capacity, leaving it in the maximum impact zone for flood damage. The floodplain is almost 100% developed with important landmarks scattered amongst the urban sprawl as shown previously in this study. To combat the Environment Agency’s climate predictions, neighbouring areas to the river such as Wood Wharf need to manage additional volumes of surface water before they reach the river.

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Site Location 5 Wood Wharf: Context

The volume of Canary Wharfs surface runoff by winter 2080 will be the equivalent of 7.5 Olympic swimming pools.

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Winter Surface Runoff 2011:

14498m3

Summer Surface Runoff 2011: 11242.8m3

Summer Surface Runoff 2080:

5621.4m3

The equivalent of 5.8 Olympic Swimming Pools of water.


Winter Surface Runoff 2080: 18847.3m3




By calculating the volume of surface runoff for the impermeable surfaces of Canary Wharf adjacent to the site, the scale of the climate change issues become apparent, and the conditions for future water management begin to form.

The fluctuations in volume of surface runoff of between the summer and winter seasons in 2011 were as shown in diagram ‘A’ to the right. The volumes differs by approximately 1 Olympic sized swimming pool’s volume (2500m3) of water.

The diagram ‘B’ on the far right shows the surface runoff again in the summer and winter with the Environment Agency’s predictions of extreme contrasting seasonal precipitation applied. The Summer precipitation levels decrease by 50% and the winters precipitation increases by up to 30%. This creates a difference of just over 5 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of surface runoff between the seasons.

Therefore, the site of Wood Wharf will need to accommodate fluctuating water levels of up to 5 Olympic sized swimming pool annually.

Winter 2011 Summer 2011 Winter 2080 Summer 2080

A A B B

Surface Runoff

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6 Wood Wharf: Background

46

A dr

y do

ck u

sed

for r

epair

ing sh

ips a

nd st

oring

timbe

r

47

Sitting within a meander of the River Thames flood plain the Isle of Dogs is in a prime location for flooding. Originally the Isle of Dogs was part of the river floodplain, in the 1200s it was drained for meadow and pasture land as shown in the map to the right. As the city developed, Wood Wharf became an important part of London’s industrial dockland area.

Wood Wharf was a key part of the docklands existence. Blackwall Basin, the northern boundary of the site, was a dry dock used for repairing ships, while the surrounding area was used for storing timber. Between the 1800s and 1980s the docklands changed shape to suit the industrial development until finally advances in containerisation and transit routes forced Wood Wharf to close.

Today the site houses a small industrial estate with no other reason to visit than to use as a thoroughfare.

Site Location 6 Wood Wharf Background

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The History

1200

Isle

of d

ogs

was

dra

ined

to s

uppo

rt m

eado

ws

and

past

ures

as

wel

l as

corn

field

1500

Por

t of L

ondo

n w

as a

live

with

act

ivity

, tra

de

was

exp

andi

ng a

nd d

ockl

ands

bec

ome

poin

t of

de

partu

re fo

r mer

chan

t ven

ture

s

1802

Doc

ks w

ere

cons

truct

ed

1860

S

outh

D

ock

was

m

ade

repl

acin

g an

un

profi

tabl

e ca

nal (

City

Can

al b

uilt

in 1

805)

1930

s P

ort o

f Lon

don

carr

ied

35 m

illio

n to

ns o

f car

go

1940

s M

ass

bom

bing

s of

Doc

klan

ds b

egin

dur

ing

Sec

ond

Wor

ld W

ar.

1960

s P

eak

year

for d

ocks

, ove

r 60

mill

ion

tons

of

carg

o w

ere

hand

led

1970

s N

ew

tech

nolo

gy

and

cont

aine

risat

ion

mea

nt L

ondo

n D

ockl

ands

cou

ldn’

t ke

ep u

p w

ith

com

petit

ors

1980

s D

ocks

Clo

sed

1985

Doc

ks b

ecom

e an

Ent

erpr

ise

Zone

offe

ring

tax

allo

wan

ces

to b

oth

inve

stor

s an

d de

velo

pers

- 10

yea

r life

cyc

le.

1987

D

LR o

pene

d, C

ity A

irpor

t Ope

ned

1990

Ste

el P

yram

id p

lace

d on

top

of

1 C

anad

a S

quar

e19

93 W

orki

ng p

opul

atio

n 70

00

1994

27

Sho

ps a

nd re

stau

rant

s

1997

Wor

king

pop

ulat

ion

1900

019

98 8

0 S

hops

and

rest

aura

nts

2000

Can

ary

wha

rf M

all o

pene

d

2003

Pla

ns t

o im

prov

e Ju

bile

e Li

ne

anno

unce

d 45

% p

asse

nger

cap

acity

2009

Cro

ss R

ail b

egin

s co

nstru

ctio

n

2012

Can

ary

Wha

rf G

roup

acq

uire

s W

ood

Wha

rf P

artn

ersh

ip

6 Wood Wharf Background

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1890

1910

1950

1990

2012

As the industrial boom develops the urban grain adapts to accommodate warehouses and space for ships with large water areas. As the shipping industry declined dockland areas were filled in to accommodate urban sprawl, leaving large flat areas for development. The results of this can be seen in 2012s urban grain map in which Canary Wharf and the Millennium Domes development can be seen.

The reduction and addition of water bodies within the docklands has occurred regularly for hundreds of years. This provides a basis for introducing new water bodies into the future design of the site.


The Urban Grain

50

Planning Context ‘Wood Wharf provides the potential to secure significant social, economic and environmental benefits for the Isle of Dogs. It is an opportunity to create a new place to live, to work and to enjoy.’

Wood Wharf sits within the Central Area Zone of Tower Hamlets proposal area within the Unitary Development Plan. It is a significant node within the surrounding area and is of strategic importance in delivering the goals set out in the following documents:

• National Planning Policy Framework• The London Plan Spatial Development Strategy for

Greater London• Core Strategy 2025 Development Plan Document • Managing Development Plan Document Submission • Wood Wharf Supplementary Planning Guidance

The following design principles can be found defined clearly in the above documents:

‘Promote leisure and recreational uses, particularly along the quayside.

Promote travel by public transport and transport modes other than the private motor car.

Develop a community focus and community facilities that are appropriate to the needs of the area.

Create a new waterspace and secure increased public access to the waterside. Develop new high quality open space and public realm, which is secure and attractive and will thrive in the long term.’ WoodWharf Masterplan, 2003


The voluntary provision of new art within development schemes will be encouraged.

Proposals for development adjacent to Conservation Areas should where possible avoid detriment to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area and its setting.

Development will not normally be granted for the demolition or partial demolition of any listed building except where a strong case for demolition exists.

Water bodies will be protected and promoted for their contribution to the character of the Borough and as important open areas and the loss of water protection areas will be resisted.

New development adjacent to water areas will normally be expected to conform to the general scale and form of the waterside character and respect important views into and out of the area. Access to the waterside should be provided where appropriate.

Development that unjustifiably causes significant harm to a site of Nature Conservation Importance will not normally be permitted. Proposals that enhance the nature conservation value will receive favourable consideration

(London Borough of Tower Hamlets Unitary Development Plan, 1998)

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Site Location 6 Wood Wharf Background §

The diagram to the right shows the new and proposed building developments going surrounding the site. There is a large volume of new residential and mixed use buildings being developed to the north and east. To the west, new commercial buildings are being developed around Canary Wharf. There is little public green space within these developments, providing some justification for recreational green space within the Wood wharf area.

Surrounding Development

Mixed use

Commercial

Residential

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7 Wood Wharf: Survey and Analysis

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Building Uses The site buildings are mainly commercial with a few residential houses to the east. The commercial buildings are low rise, unattractive warehouse units with the feel of an industrial estate. The houses are three-four storey brown brick buildings lining the eastern edge. They feel slightly out of place between the sparse scrubland and industrial estate to the east and residential area across a water channel to the west. The ‘Play On’ leisure centre shown in the middle image on the following page, is heavily used by people working in the surrounding area. Although the building is unattractive, the use is important. This needs to be carried through into the design of the site. With so many new mixed use, commercial and residential developments going on around surrounding the site minimal development is necessary. Cold Harbour architectural conservation area consisting of small Victorian terraces and a listed building (The Gun Public House), is located to the east of the site boundary along Preston’s road, as shown in the map to the right. Any building developments to the east of the site need to keep the same character as the conservation area.

Site Location 7 Survey + Analysis

1-5 Stories Commercial buildings

6-10 StoriesLeisure buildings

11-20 StoriesResidential Buildings

21+ Stories Cold Harbour Conservation area

Site Boundary Site Boundary Building Heights The buildings from Canary Wharf across Wood Wharf to the Millennium Dome vary in height dramatically. The skyscrapers of Canary Wharf tower up to 50 storeys (1 Canada Square), as shown in the map on the far right, whilst the houses surrounding Preston’s Road are only 3 storeys. The sky scrapers of Canary Wharf dominate the site and make it feel exposed. They also add a new dimension to the design, in that it will be enjoyed in plan view from the tall buildings as well as physically experiencing it. The sudden change in building height is severe as shown in the cross section to the right, this could be addressed in future developments to scale the buildings appropriately. Millennium DomeRiver ThamesWood Wharf Blackwall BasinCanary Wharf

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Commercial

Leisure Residential

Over lookedNo Character Heavily Used

BlandWarehousesGrey Unattractive Dark No Green Space

IndustrialLifeless

Box

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Pedestrian MovementPedestrian access to the site from the west is via some steps leading down from Cartier Circle. There are two entrances to the site from the east. One entrance is via the small lock entrance on Lovegrove Walk. The other eastern entrance is a leading of Preston’s Road onto an estate road.

The estate road is the only illuminated pedestrian route leading through the site. Even though there are street lights it does not feel very welcoming. The road has high fences on either side of it blocking views from a storage yard to the north and shipyard to the South, these ‘channel’ pedestrians through quickly. When it rains large pools of water take over the road, making it hard for pedestrians to navigate. The access from the east leading off Cartier Circle is via a steep set of steps into a small dark unwelcoming passageway. Due to the lack of light the area feels threatening at night and towards the latter hours of the day.

Pedestrians use the site as a thoroughfare to get from Canary Wharf to the east. They also use the estate road to access to the commercial units on site, and Play On Sports centre.

7 Survey + Analysis

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7 Survey + Analysis

Poorly lit alleyways

Dominated by vehicles

Threatening Uninviting

Preston’s Road

Estate road

Pedestrian entrance to site via Cartier Circle

South entrance

Channelled

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Vehicular Movement

RoadsThe main road impacting Wood Wharf is Preston’s Road to the east of Wood Wharf. A busy main road, alternating between two and four lanes to accommodate junctions. During morning rush hour, vehicular flow is heavy in a southbound direction, and northbound during the evening peak. This is an unpleasant road to cross and walk along due to its scale.

Cycling Preston’s Road is a designated cycle route, part of Route 1 of the London Cycle Network - connecting Greenwich to Canning Town and Stratford. There are designated cycle sections of the road, this route is mainly used for commuting.

The existing transport and traffic movements through Wood Wharf are limited. Arrivals and departures tend to be predominantly by private vehicles. The site is close to both the London Undergrounds Jubilee line and to several of the Dockland Light Railway (DLR) stations, but the links to these transport nodes are poor.

DLR

London Underground

Jubilee Line

Cycle Route

Bus routes

Main Roads

Bus Routes There are no bus routes on the site itself, however there are many on surrounding roads such as Preston’s Road and Trafalgar Way. The site is surrounded by so many bus routes that it is probably not necessary to introduce new bus routes into the site, however improving pedestrian connections to the bus stops is likely to ecourage the use of public transport.

The Docklands Light Railway (DLR)The DLR is a high frequency light rail system that connects the Docklands with the surrounding local areas and the City. Wood Wharf is accessible via a number of DLR stations, most directly to Blackwall Station which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the site via Poplar Dock. The journey to the stations is along busy main roads which are unattractive for pedestrians.

London Underground Canary Wharf underground station is located a 5 minute walk from Wood Wharf. The Jubilee line runs underneath the site, from Stanmore to Stafford. The most direct route to the underground station is via Cartier Circle, which does not have disabled access.

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7 Survey + Analysis

Preston’s Road

The DLR

Canary Wharf Tube station

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Character Areas

1. Temporary Landscape - Olympic Events space

2. Leisure Centre and Eastern site entrance

3. Industrial warehouse commercial units

4. Southern hard edge dockland space

5. Storage warehouse

6. Derelict scrub land soft northern water edge

7. Residential area

Site boundary

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1 2 3

4 5 6 7

7 Survey + Analysis

Corporate

Uninspiring Landscape Large expanses of concrete

Smart

Container yard adds colour

Active lively space during events

Industrial estate feel

Shut off to the pubic and abandoned sparse urban landscape when events are not taking place.

Messy scrubland blocked off from public

Dark bricks

Continual use of materials gives the area a feeling of privacy

Remanence of industrial past Isolated from the rest of sitteDominated by estate road

Dense green edge creates a barrier hiding the industrial buildings behind

Hoarding prevents views

This space encourages users to move through it quickly

Bland Architecture

62

Key ViewsThe views within Wood Wharf are very important. To the west views of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf cannot be avoided. To the east glimpses of the Millennium Dome are difficult to miss.

Its important to make sure Canary Wharf doesn’t dominate the site.

To the south three cranes lead eye to the South Dock and gateway bridge. The Northside looks out onto a peaceful marina. The majority of views to the north East are seen by looking up.

Views into the site are also very improtant as it can be seen from all sides, and will be looked down on from canary wharf.

The landmarks surrounding Wood Wharf provide reference points which guide users through the site and on to surrounding areas. It is important to connect key views in the new design.

1

2

3

4

5


1Key view direction

Key view

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1 2

3

4

5


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Gateway spaces Wood Wharf currently has one major gateway space, and one temporary gateway space.

West India Dock Entrance (the bridge from the south on Preston’s road) is a grand entrance with the three cranes just to the west of it. This has the feel of entering a new space, however once over the bridge the space is dominated heavily by roads and residential estates.

There is a temporary gateway space connecting the west of Wood Wharf with Montgomery square, and linking directly to the Underground station. Unfortunately the connecting pontoon bridge is temporary, only being in place when events being held on the site.

The gateway space from the north-west stepping down off Cartier Circle into Wood Wharf is not practical, feels threatening at night and leads pedestrians into a building site.

Gateway spaces need to be improved to give users a sense of arrival when reaching the site. This will give the space more of an identity, and promote more uses than just as a thoroughfare.


65


Temporary western entrance

Vehicle dominatedsouthern entrance

66

The water edge of Blackwall Basin to the north of Wood Wharf is the softer side of the site. It is completely unaccessible to the public, and is currently surrounded by scrubland.

The edge to the south of Wood Wharf in South Dock is all hard surfaces, resembling the dockland background. The edge again is not accessible to the general public and is surrounded by metal fencing.

The area surrounding the temporary events space is also hard landscape, the public can access the dock side however there is no possibility of interaction with the water.

Enhancing the quality of the water edges will improve the ecology within the site. Creating areas where users can interact with the water will draw people into the site, and create a unique sense of place within the surrounding urban environment.


Soft northern waterside edge

Hard southern waterside edge

Urban Water Management

67


Industrial

Soft Soft

Soft

Industrial

Industrial

Scrub land

68


69

Ecology London Biodiversity Action Plan monitors biodiversity throughout London, identifying habitats and species of importance. It specifies what species are under threat, and to what extent they need to be taken into account during Planning decisions.

Eight of these species have been identified as needing targeted action to secure their future in London. These species are: bats, black poplar, house sparrow, mistletoe, reptiles, sand martin, stag beetle and water vole. Other important species also include: black redstart, common dormouse, grey heron, otter and peregrine

Wood Wharf lies in an ‘Area of Deficiency SINC’ in the Tower Hamlets borough. The site has minimal biodiverse qualities as shown in an ecological survey results shown below.

Habitat types found on the site: Grassland, Bare/Stony ground, Scattered trees, Areas of dense ruderal vegetation, Scrub land.

Fauna species found on the site: Invertebrates - No species foundReptiles - Common species found, eg Slow wormBirds - Common birds found, eg Commorant, Tufted Duck, Dunnock, Black Redstart Bats - NoneAmphibians - None

The site is isolated from adjacent areas of semi natural vegetation, bounded by open water and urbanised areas. This level of isolation reduces the chance of any migration in and out of the site, reducing the chance that fauna in any great number may be on site. Cold Harbour Conservation area however borders the site on one side directly to the East. This offers some potential to encourage biotope areas in the site.

The water surrounding the site is of a brackish nature 7-10m deep and is pumped in from the River Thames to maintain the level of water in the dock. The dock sides are made of concrete meaning marginal planting and habitats are unable to form.

The site has experienced so much disruption over the years due to urban development that habitat communities haven’t had the opportunity to develop. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed in the outcomes of this study.


70


Common daisy (Bellis perennis) Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) Spotted medick (Medicago arabica) Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)

Common couch(Elytrigia repens)

Bristly Oxtongue (Picris echioides) Perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne) Hawkweed Oxtongue (Picris hieracioides) Common elder (Sambucus nigra)Hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale)

Oxford ragwort (Senecio squalidus)Smooth sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) Tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) Bramble (Rubus fruticosa)

Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)

Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium)

Dovesfoot cranesbill (Geranium molle) Goatwillow (Salix caprea) White melilot (Melilotus albus)

71

The diversity of vegetation species across the site is generally quite low. The density of plants throughout the site varies with the habitat types previously mentioned, some habitats such as hardstanding have little or no vegetation and subsequently of minimal ecological value.

The dominant species found throughout the site colonise in the scrubland areas, these can be seen on the opposite page.

Trees are scattered sporadically across the site, generally semi mature native tree species such as Ash, Beech and Field maple. Other species such as Norway Maple and grey alder are also found within the site.

As the vegetation species on the opposite page have little or no ecological value, a diverse range of plant species need to be considered in future proposals for the site.

Site Location 7 Survey + AnalysisN

orw

ay M

aple (A

cer p

latanoides)

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Common

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agus sylvatica)

Common Ash (Fraxinous excelsior)

Vegetation

72

Green SpaceThere are two main public green squares next to Wood Wharf. Both of them are located in the business district of Canary Wharf. To the south is Jubilee Park and to the north is Canada Square. There is a small amount of green space in the centre of Cartier circle at the northern access point into the site, however this is surrounded by a road. The public green space is appropriate for the setting it is in, however it appears ‘corporate’ and uninviting to anyone not working within the proximity. The majority of the green space is private, or following the routes of infrastructure. With the volume of residential development going on around the site, the areas would be improved by the creation of more green space.

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7 Survey + Analysis

Jubilee Park Canada Square

74

Topography Due to the extreme dockland development in the area over the last century the site is relatively flat, with only a 0.3m change across it. This creates an almost blank canvas to move further into he design process with.

Cartier Circle to the north west of the site is raised up by 7.5m, linking together Trafalgar way and Canary Wharf via a raised bridge. The access via this change in level will need to be addressed in any future development on the site.


3.9m

6.0m

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5.2m

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75

Geology The majority of the soil throughout the site is a peaty clay. This will mean surface runoff will move quickly around the site, especially combined with the volume of surrounding hard surfaces. Introducing a variety of permeable soils into the site will reduce this.

Abi HaireLeeds Metropolitan

Apr 01, 2013 18:40Scale 1:100000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m

Geological Map Data ©NERC 2012© Crown copyright/database right 2012. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service

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76

Existing pedestrian route (no right of way).

Poor road connection.

7 Survey + Analysis

Small scale buildings to set scale to east.

Full solar exposed edge

Forgotten scrubland needs to be included.

Poor pedestrian connection.

Large scale buildings to set scale to west.

Physical Barrier.

No Active waterfront edges.

77

Site analysis principlesFrom the site analysis process various principles can be drawn to take the design forward.

• Pedestrian connections through the site need to be improved and increased.

• Any new building developments need to be to an appropriate scale in keeping with the existing buildings to the east and west.

• Physical barriers preventing movement through the site such as waterways and level changes need addressing.

• Transport links to/through the site need to be addressed.

• Access to water edges on northern, western and southern edges need to be activated.

• Microclimate of southern edge needs to be used.

7 Survey + Analysis

79

8 Vision

81

Create arrival spaces at both Eastern and

Western access pointsCreate a regenerated,

recreational green space

Promote the use of public transport,

reduce private vehicular use on site

Promote the use of SUDS in the new

development

Create a temporary landscape to address the varying seasonal volumes of excess

water

Improve cycle network through the site, create

a direct link from Canary Wharf to Preston’s Road

Provide areas to encourage ecological biotopes to establish.

Any new buildings to be of mixed use

development to be of appropriate scale

Create a space capable of

accommodating fluctuating seasonal

volumes of water

Preserve and enhance culture and heritage of

the site

Improve pedestrian routes through the site

Create a space that looks to reduce

the impact of the Environment Agency’s

climate change predictions

Introduce Green Roofs on existing buildings (where

possible) and all new building developments

Introduce planting of street trees and vegetation where

possible

Introduce permeable paving with water collecting voids

beneath to temporarily store rain water

Promote public access and use of the waters fronts

82

7.91 Hinge Park, Vancouver 8 Vision

Hinge Park, CanadaHinge Park, Vancouver was designed by PWL for the city of Vancouver. The brief was to design and implement the central community park in Southeast False Creek, known as Hinge Park. The design combines historical references to the former city works yard site with the creation of a naturalized wetland environment that manages rainwater runoff from the surrounding neighbourhoods while providing natural habitat to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The parks design also incorporates amenities for the surrounding neighbourhood, such as an innovative children’s playground and a variety of break out spaces each with their own unique design expression that references the industrial past merged with the ecology of the present.

The regeneration of city’s industrial work yard into a recreational urban park is not only a practical use of land, but creates an enjoyable space for surrounding residents and visitors. The reuse of materials from the parks industrial background is sustainable and immediately connects visitors of the park to its history. This technique could be use in Wood Wharf through focussing on the dockland history, using the old docking cranes as a major feature in the design. The use of the old pipe as a bridge in Hinge park is particularly successful as it adds an element of play to the historical feature. This is less achievable on the Wood Wharf site as not many industrial relics exist, however the new design could include concepts from the original materials.

The collection of rainwater runoff, as shown previously in this project, is not only an aid in reducing flooding but introduces new habitat areas encouraging ecology. This is one of the factors of the design that crosses over with Wood Wharf. The development of ecology on the site is very important.

The park has visible channels in which the rain water is collected, these are an attractive design feature and make people aware of the issue of water management. This is a design point that should be carried through into Wood Wharf. The more public awareness of development related to sustainability and climate change the better.

Hinge Park incorporates the surrounding community into design. Creating break out spaces with unique identities adds variety to the design, encouraging visitors to explore the park further. Including a childrens playground incorporated into the industrial features caters for all ages and encourages educational play.

83

Site Location 7.91 Hinge Park, Vancouver Site Location 8 Vision

Hinge Park, Vancouver

84

8 Vision

level of importance in the development. Creating specific areas for ecological habitats will be carried through into Wood Wharf.

The Western Harbour is 100% energy self efficient. Introducing renewable energy sources into Wood Wharf would help to combat other areas of climate related issues not covered in this project such as oil shortages and high CO2 emissions. Introducing solar panels onto new buildings should be considered in the design of Wood wharf.

The Harbour has minimal vehicular access, only small routes to allow emergency vehicles and deliveries. The movement priority is given to pedestrians and cars. This is a really important aspect of the harbour to carry through to the design of Wood Wharf.

A variety of edge types are used in the design of the harbour. The edges on the internal water bodies of the site are linear replicating the dockland, those on the sea side of the side are rocky replicating the coastline. This design aspect could be used in Wood Wharf to connect to the industrial history and promote different biotopes.

Malmö´s Western Harbour is located to the west of Malmo City centre, southern Sweden. The Harbour was once a decaying, contaminated industrial shipyard that has now been developed into an exciting sustainable urban environment.

The design focused on sustainability in the area, creating a self sufficient energy supply and waste treatment system. The site is powered by 100% renewable energy. Twenty different developers and thirty different architect firms provided input into the buildings designs, varying living styles from traditional and conservative to modern and edgy. The utilization of green space and storm water management techniques have been two of the main factors of its success. Half of the footprint of the design was designated to green space. The storm water is managed through a series of open channels that run throughout the complex. These channels correspond to biotopes providing new habitats for animals.

The Western Harbour has virtually no cars. The design has small access routes for goods deliveries and emergency services, but most residents park their vehicles outside the area and then walk to their homes. Bicycles and pedestrians have priority, and the area can be easily reached from the rest of Malmö on buses. Western Harbour can be used as a model for sustainable development well into the future.

The storm water management channels running throughout the complex remind visitors of the sustainable green development surrounding them. Again like in the Hinge Park development, Vancouver, the promotion of storm water collection in such a prime location within the design advertises the adaption needed to accommodate changes in climate. The central strips of water between terraces of houses with specific areas dedicated to animal habitats creates ecological corridors. Their location following the building lines puts ecology and human activity on the same

Malmö Western Harbour, Sweden

85

8 Vision

Western Harbour, Malmö

86

8 Vision

and demonstrates alternative solutions to flood-control engineering and water management.

The idea of creating a landscape dominated by nature could be taken through into the design of Wood Wharf. As the surrounding landscape is so dominated by urban development and hard materials, a complete extreme contrast would provide room to breath.

Looking to the future and preparing the landscape to adapt with environmental challenges can also be taken from this case study. Creating enough space to deal with the existing volume of surface runoff in Wood Wharf will benefit the landscape immediately. Preparing enough space to deal with the Environment Agency’s predictions covered at the beginning of this project will create a landscape that will benefit the area for 80 years.

Creating a park with multiple uses blending together ecological values, flood prevention and community engagement is a focus that will definitely be taken through into the design process of Wood Wharf. Creating a functional mutli-use green space will be the main focus of the design.

The Floating Gardens are located on the Yongning River, south east China. The park is 21ha along the river, and originally had concrete banks that were part of the local government’s flood control policy. The design objective for the park was to create an overall concept that would create accessibility for both tourists and locals. Another key aim was to create an alternative flood control and storm water management solution to be used as a model for the entire valley.

The challenges that faced the landscape architect were: • The concrete river embankments. • To design an alternative flood control and storm water management solution as a model for the entire river valley. • To design a park that serves multiple purposes, creating ecological habitats allowing natural tidal fluctuations and still accessible for tourists and the local community.

The design solutions: • A regional drainage approach taking into account storm water process analysis for the next 50 years. • An alternative flood control solution that utilizes constructed wetlands incorporating the regional flood patterns into the park design. • Restored ecological areas along the floodplain and an outer wetland outside of the riverbank that runs parallel to the river. It utilizes native plant communities and takes into account the monsoon season and its flooding habitats. During the dry season the wetland pant communities incorporate fresh water from an inlet located in the upper reach of the river. •Masses of native wetland plants, trees and bamboos were planted to promote the continuity of the design with the surrounding ecosystem.

The design is ecologically sensitive to the dynamic movements of the rivers flows and tides. It educates users

The Floating Gardens, China

87

8 Vision

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The River Wandle, UKThe River Wandle project is based in Hackbridge, in the South West London Borough of Sutton. The design objective was to create a resilient design to allow surface water through a residential scheme at the same time as creating functional attractive amenity landscape. The landscape approach was to create versatile land uses between developments that can cope with unexpected fast inundation of flood water and slow the passage back into the main river course to reduce risk of flooding downstream. The Flood risk management approach is to use non-defensive measures to slow and store flood water on the larger site to reduce risk to other sites, including the riverside site downstream.

Rainwater harvesting tanks, sustainable drainage detention basin, rain gardens and swales are used to manage the water throughout the site working with the same principles applied through this study. Public open space within the design is shaped to accommodate flash floods and hold water back to be released slowly into the river. This creates temporary landscapes as shown in the diagrams to the right. The design has been implemented to accommodate water for the next 100 years of water level fluctuations.

Incorporating the fluctuating water levels within the design creating temporary landscapes will be taken through into the design of Wood Wharf. The idea of exposing and hiding elements of the landscape with the seasons will make the park feel like a living organism.

Introducing rain harvesting tanks and swales into the design will address the principles discussed in this project and hold excess water while water levels are high. The underground stores in the River Wandle project allow more practical uses above such as buildings and structures.

8 Vision

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94

THEORIST

Concept: TurbulenceThis concept explores the pace of city life entwined within the natural landscape. The idea is to create an experience that wraps users in dynamic swaths of vegetation and slows down the ‘London Pace’ whilst accommodating the principles explored earlier in this study.

A series of pools twist their way through the park leading users along the desire lines explored previously and new routes enhancing and prolonging the experience. Each pool will accommodate different volumes of water working with the fluctuating surface runoff, allowing extra space for flood water if necessary. Introducing floating paths and platforms will create an element of mystery as new areas are revealed and hidden with rising and falling water levels.

A central spine moves from east to west guiding pedestrians and cyclists straight into the heart of Canary Wharf. This path crosses over the main pool of water, creating a calm environment for commuters to start and end their day.

Using the dynamic shapes of turbulent water twisting through the park allows areas of dense woodland and mixed vegetation to run through amenity areas focusing on recreational activities of surrounding residents and workers to enjoy.

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95


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98

Concept: RootsThis idea for this concept is formed from the process of raindrops in the water cycle. Looking at the principles drawn from earlier within this project one of the major contributors to the storage of water is trees. Looking at the shape of a tree and its roots in plan view creates an interesting landscape form to explore. Continuing the concept to include percolation through the soil creates channels of water leading from central pools out to the surrounding docks.

Looking further into the idea of ‘roots’ leads the concept back to the source of the river, and the type of landscape in which it started its life. The tributaries of the Thames run through rolling hills and rural areas. Replicating this by creating mounded areas of soil planted in varying degrees of vegetation adds unique qualities to the site within the surrounding relatively flat hard urban landscape.

Introducing raised areas of land into the site will also enhance and frame views both east and west, and create glimpses to the water as users walk through it.

Developing pools similar to those in the ‘Turbulence’ concept that will have their own unique identities attracting users of all ages, guiding people through the park as seen in Hinge Park, Vancouver. These pools will reveal and hide landscapes working with the rising and falling levels of water.

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8 Vision

99

The ‘Play’ pool in the DRY SUMMER months

The ‘Play’ pool in the WET WINTER months

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The ‘Interactive’ pool in the DAMP AUTUMN monthsThe ‘Interactive’ pool in the WET WINTER months

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100

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102

Concept: ReflectionThis concept looks at the bigger picture. Taking inspiration from architecture of the surrounding area, and the history of the site creates a design encompassing the straight lines of the buildings and docklands merged with the softness of water and vegetation.

Looking at the reflections of the buildings in the water surrounding Canary Wharf inspires shapes within the design guiding users through the park. Using angular pools of water replicate the glinting windows within the skyscrapers, and incorporating the historic dockland element as a major feature.

Large strips of water purifying plants break up the site creating a dynamic environment leading out to the docks, similar to those in the Malmo case study. Using the purified water in some of the pools allows the potential for water activities within the site.

A central plaza draws the character of Canary Wharf through the site allowing easy access from east to west, however strips of water cross the pass encouraging users to stray and explore the areas of the site.

8 Vision

Arc

hite

ctur

al re

fl ect

ions

• H

isto

ric reclections • S

ha pes and forms of surr o

undi

ng e

lements • Cleansing th e water • Cre a

ting

a he

alth

y lifestyle •

enco

ur

aging outdoor sports

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Area

s to play, exercise and swim in naturally cleaned water

Strip

s of

den

se w

oodland planting to connect back to n atural water stores and enhance ecology

Water Purifying Plants

Copenhagen harbour bath

Pirrama Park, Sydney Houtan

Park

, Sha

ngha

i

Prom

otin

g a fun and healthy lifestyle

Urban outdoor swimming pools

Natural materials in an urban dockland environment

Straigh

t line

s

Sharp Edges Strips o

f water purifying water guiding users through


buildings and lanform replicate industrial history

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The Task


The task is to design a recreational green space within the city that incorporates into the site the principles of urban water management established upstream. By doing this, a new dimension will be introduced to the space so that the ‘temporary’ landscape created at times of flood is a distinctive part of the design.

The design will create a seamless link between the skyscraper district to the west and the residential areas to the east, providing a ‘destination’ within the community. Taking elements from all three of the concepts previously explored, create a dynamic space regenerating the dockland heritage of the site, whilst encouraging ecological habitats to develop.

The design will focus on the future of the space, and the impact it could have on climate change and on dealing with the consequences of climate change.

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8 Vision

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8 Vision

Using the principles established previously in this document the following points of focus need to be taken further into the design process to achieve the task set out on the previous page:

• Design - Apply to the site design the principles identified in the study of the upper part of the river catchment area where geology, topography, landuse and vegetation affect the speed of surface runoff.

Take inspiration from natural sources into the design to create a sense of organic dynamism through the site. Using landform, create different user experiences through the space and encourage flora and fauna habitats to establish.

• Waterways and Edges - Activate water edges by introducing public footpaths and cycleways along the south and western edges fo the site. Enhance aquatic ecology through the site by introducing marginal planting and ecological waterfronts along the northern edge of the site. Introduce channels and pools to accommodate fluctuating volumes of surface runoff from the site and the surrounding impermeable urban area.

• Environment - Create an ecologically rich environment amongst the surrounding urban context connecting together the site, Cold Harbour conservation area and the river Thames river bank.

Introduce areas of dense vegetation and woodland planting into the site, setting aside areas to flood at times of high precipitation. Use hedges and wooded embankments to absorb rainfall and hold back high volumes of water, this will also introduce wildlife corridors across the site.

• Urban - Plant street trees, green walls and vertical planting across hard areas of the site to reduce the volume of surface runoff water produced in the new development. Introduce permeable paving to the urban areas of the site, and green roofs to all new buildings (and existing where viable).

Any new buildings in the site need to be to an appropriate scale in keeping with the existing buildings to the east and west.

• History - Incorporate the industrial history of the site and surrounding area into the design, keeping key idustrial features visible from all areas of the site. Include industrial relics (such as the cranes) in the design.

• Movement - Create a space that encourages users to dwell and enjoy the site, as well as using it as a point of connection for cyclists and pedestrians from the east to the heart of Canary Wharf. Physical barriers such as waterways and level changes need to be adapted to ease the movement through the space.

• People - Create a space that provides for the needs of the surrounding residential community, new visitors to the site and the office community of Canary Wharf and surrounding businesses.

• Context - Create a space that encourages users to dwell and enjoy the site, as well as using it as a point of connection for cyclists and pedestrians from the east to the heart of Canary Wharf.

Enhance the users experience and interest through the site by creating areas with unique identity and attractions, keeping visual corridors across the site connecting key features and landmarks.

Promote a healthy and active lifestyle, including opportunities to exercise through the site within the design.

• River-wide - Introduce a flood strategy to the urban settlements on the Thames floodplain, allocating green spaces such as parks and amenity pitches to hold excessive volumes of water - reducing the impact of flooding in the latter stages of the river.

Apply the principles identified in the upper stage of the river in the Chilterns, (increasing volumes of woodland, leaving fields as fallow, planting up hedgerows and allowing areas to flood) to areas with a high ‘raindrop to river’ speed.

.

Task: Brief

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Site Location 7.92 Malmo, Sweden

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9 References

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Site Location 9 References

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Site Location 9 References

Green Peace, 2012, Sea Level Rise. [Online] Available at: www.greenpeace.org/en/campains/climate-change

Tower Hamlets, 2003. Wood Wharf Masterplan. [Online] Available at: www.towerhamlets.go.uk/lgsl/457-500/494-current-planning-policey/supplementary-planning-advice.aspx

gfdrr,2012, ‘Cities and Flooding’. [Online] Available at: www.gfdrr.org/gfdrr/sites/gfdrr.org/files/urban floods pdf/cities%20and20flooding%20guidebook.pdf

Rogers, R 2011 Creating places for people - Transforming Londons Public Realm. Urban Desing, Spring 2011 pg16.

Metoffice 2012. ‘Climate: Observations, projections and impacts [Online] Available at: www.metoffice.gov.uk/medin/pdf/t/r/uk.pdf

Landscape Institute, 2012 Landscape Architecture and the challenge of Climate change [Online] Available at :www. landscapeinst i tu te .org/PDF/Contr ibute / LIClimateChangePositionStatement.pdf

PWL, 2012 Hinge Park at Southeast False Creek [Online] Available at: http://www.pwlpartnership.com/our-portfolio/sustainable-places/hinge-park-southeast-false-creek

Shaping Wood Wharf, 2012 ‘Masterplan’ [Online] Available at: http://www.shapingwoodwharf.com/masterplan

Canary Wharf Group, 2012 Our History [Online] Available at:www.canarywharf.com/aboutus/Who-We-Are/Our- History/

Natural England, 2009 Visiting the London region [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/london/visiting/default.aspx

BBC News, 2012 Flooding [Online] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk/

Met Office, 2011 Floods and Flooding [Online] Available at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/education/teens/case-studies/floods

Baca Architects, B.A, 2009 The Life Project. Bracknell. 2009

Kongjian Yu. K.Y and Mary Padua. M.P 2006 The Art of Survival. Victoria. 2006

Environment Agency, 2011 Thames Catchment Flood Management Plan [Online] Available at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/114391.aspx

Environment Agency, 2011 Climate Change [Online] Available at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/114391.aspx

References

wood wharf - feasibility study

Documents

flood water management

urban context

river thames

wood wharf feasibility

introductionsite location

urban areas

isle of dogs east london

water cycle