New public space – Project 1

2011

Whitmore bridge is located to the west of Kingsland Road and Kingsland Basin, in an area that is mainly residential along the north edge of the canal where the towpath runs, whereas to the south edge of the canal a number of other uses have developed. The existing industrial buildings have been gradually converted into other uses, including a storage for the British Museum and the Water House, a multi-use venue owned by the Shoreditch Trust.
The sites considered for this project were located at both sides of the bridge on the northern edge of the canal.

Public Space and Pedestrian Link

As the canal crosses underneath Whitmore bridge its width decreases, presenting an opportunity to re-think the use of these residual spaces as potential links to the adjacent areas and the road above. The existing pedestrian ramp from the towpath to the street level is somewhat compromised by its location and does not form a clear connection between spaces

Taking as a basis the notions of edge and level changes along a waterfront explored during the Study Trip, the project should consider the existing square to the northwest of the bridge and a small triangular space to the northeast, to form a continuous and seamless piece of public realm down to the towpath. This would be achieved by manipulating the levels and taking advantage of the topography to create a space that encourages people to use it in different ways beyond its transient nature. New activities in the vicinity including cafes and workshops mean that there will be a demand for a more static type of occupation that the public spaces in their current condition will not be able to cover.