Bow

This part of East London has been a long time in the making, but still lacks a settled structure and identity. Philanthropic housing, post-war reconstruction and speculative development sit side-by-side with the remnants of industry along the Limehouse Cut. Equally, the patchwork network of streets and open spaces doesn’t engage with the canal, making this something of a tunnel, and restricting locals’ access to the water.

On a small site currently occupied by low-rise light industrial buildings, we have proposed a cluster of three apartment blocks around a communal garden courtyard. Following the industrial vernacular of canal-side buildings, the two buildings along the canal run perpendicular to the river wall; the gaps between them draw sunlight in to the garden, and offer canal views from the street-side apartments, and from surrounding streets.

A small waterside public space is created by setting one block at a distance from the canal wall, with community space on the ground floor; riparian habitat would be extended, and physical access to the water for canoes and small boats offered, on barges moored by the river wall. The skeleton of the light industrial building would be retained as a trellis, tracing the metamorphosis from sheds to waterside community.