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An Ode to the Fleet and the Walbrook Rivers Unagru Architecture Urbanism Landscape London
An Ode to the Fleet and the Walbrook Rivers Unagru Architecture Urbanism Landscape London
An Ode to the Fleet and the Walbrook Rivers Unagru Architecture Urbanism Landscape London
An Ode to the Fleet and the Walbrook Rivers Unagru Architecture Urbanism Landscape London
An Ode to the Fleet and the Walbrook Rivers Unagru Architecture Urbanism Landscape London

H²O: An Ode to the Fleet and the Walbrook Rivers
Square Mile, London
 

A competition entry for London Festival of Architecture 2024: Reimagining the Square Mile London.

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In the rich tapestry of London's storied past, a subterranean network of lost rivers, including the venerable River Fleet and the enigmatic River Walbrook, quietly meanders beneath the city's bustling thoroughfares. Unseen by those who travel the vibrant streets above, these waterways, once vital to the birth and life of this city, have been discreetly transformed into integral components of the metropolitan sewerage system, a consequence of river pollution and the imperative to accommodate a rapidly growing population.


Our proposal, rooted in a profound appreciation for the historical significance of these hidden rivers, unfolds as a captivating narrative: a trail that engagingly traces the technological, hydrological, and ecological evolution of the River Fleet and River Walbrook. Through this architectural proposal, we aim to cast a spotlight on the silent contributions of these hidden rivers, connecting together a tale that pays homage to their integral role in the intricate dance of London life, beneath pavements, driveways, cyclist lanes ... and manholes, the gateway to the underground lost rivers.

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We aim to unearth the lost rivers not as mere relics, but as integral components of London's identity. Through an interactive blend of horizontality and verticality, paying homage to the rivers' historical network, our public installation becomes a vibrant activity hub for Londoners to delve into the tales of the River Fleet and River Walbrook:

 

a serene sitting space;
a joyful playground;
a lively tour gathering-spot;
an 'open-air' river museum.


Strategically positioned above the mapped rivers, our pavilion is horizontally complemented by curated walking tours and workshops along the river trails, guided by thoughtfully designed wayfinding signage, and pavilion elements: an arched bench and a horizontal sign will mark the spot where the Walbrook emerges from the Bank of England; different elements will highlight the Fleet Bridge, or the Fleet ditch, the quoin of St Stephen Walbrook. Simultaneously, our installations are anchored to manholes as a form of vertical connection between above and below ground. Participants will notice their locations, and immerse themselves in the sound of flowing underground rivers via our sensor-activated audio system. The installations and horizontal signage branches to connect public space and historical buildings into a web of references to the lost rivers.

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Our installation serves as a platform for raising awareness climate change, championing Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). The flooring incorporates both hardscape and softscape strategies, showcasing permeable pavements and landscape to mitigate surface water runoff. Embracing environmentally responsible principles, the pavilion design utilizes renewable materials like timber and recycled plastics. We wish to ensure a sustainable afterlife as a rain garden or playground for communities, as an useful tool to promote water awareness and ecological learning in public realms and local schools.

Design by       

Unagru Architecture Urbanism

One Bite Design Studio Hong Kong

Sherman Sun

Deanna Lai

Arnold Ng

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Project year    

2024

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