Wey and Arun Canal Restoration

One of our projects for 2nd year Landscape Architecture, to re connect the lost canal route on the Wey and Arun Canal, just below Cranleigh waters, at Bramley Link, Tannery Lane Bridge.
Here is a proposed design I have put together.

Falkirk Wheel

Was looking for some inspiration in locks the other day, and came across a modern day boat lift in Scotland called the Falkirk wheel.

Really tickled my fancy, this one.

Focus Week - Trip to the Saatchi Gallery 04/05/09

Visited the Saatchi gallery with a housemate the other day who is studying fine art. It was the Middle Eastern art exhibition so I thought i would go and have a look. It was actually quite an interesting trip, and inspiring for Tom (Housemate) who went back home to pull out a massive canvas to put in their end of year exhibition.

Tranquil Experiments

Gillett Square - Dalston, Hackney

Gillett Square, one of the Mayors 100 public spaces regeneration projects. Formerly a run down, bullet holed, prostitute filled no go zone, but its renovation has changed its life around, and brought some of the regeneration to East London as it deserves. However the regeneration of the space sparked alot of points of interest amongst my fellow peers, and we decided the best way to handle it would be to have a debate.

Motion 1 : Gillett Square stands to represent Dalston's mixed cultural characteristics.
Vortex Jazz club attracts people from around the globe, but mostly of african american descent.
This sparked the culture issue, as well as pointing the finger at the architectural design of the space is trying to sell the space itself, rather than work with it.

Motion 2 : In the context of Dalston Regeneration has an Equal Positive Effect on the whole community.
Most agreed it was a positive effect, but who benefits was the question? It is definately not evenely spread, and locals quite probably have to move out due to rises in house pricing. Also, is this really for the locals of Dalston, or are they trying to clean things up and brush everything under the carpet for the Olympics? *Tune from the twilight zone*

Hilliers Tree Nursery - 18/03/09

When i was told we were going to a tree nursery, i imagined a childrens nursery embedded within the treetops, and quite looked forward to it. It turned out that it was a nursing home for trees. Not as exciting as i imagined, but nonetheless i was shocked at the discoveries made that day. Hundreds and hundreds of acres of land nurturing trees, newborns, semi mature. We were shown all the planting, and re planting techniques, root ball and container grown. A long trek, but we prepared sandwiches and it was a nice sunny day too. Picked up a hilliers tree designers guide which im finding very useful, as well as winning the competition at the end. I won an easter egg if you really wanted to know.

5 star trip in my books.

LimeHouse Basin

To get an idea of what a regenerated basin/canal looked like, and obviously some more inspiration, i took a personal field study visit to Limehouse Basin (Regent Canal Dock)

Great history surrounded the site, as it has been londons canal port since 1820.
There was even a gallery in the marina, but surprisingly had no connection with the dock/marina.

"Limehouse is the easternmost link between the Regent's Canal and the tidal River Thames. The basin connects with both the Regent's Canal (part of the Grand Union system) and the Limehouse Cut, an access point to the Lee Navigation. Originally built to accommodate barge traffic from the canal network, the basin was enlarged in the early 1800s to accommodate sea-going craft."

South Bank

Love the trips to south bank, there is always such strong, and mostly good energy from around there. Always good music somewhere in the background, loads of lights, the edge with the view of the river. Not to mention the wide range of restaurant choice, as well as life changing exhibitions.. probably the all round number one top spot to take your date.

Zaha Hadid

Probably one of the most inspirational designers in my eyes. Always outstanding with the design, sometimes it may seem a slight bit over the top, but it always seems to tip in her favour. It turns out I know her niece. Small world.

Back to her designs.

Abu Dhabi Performing arts Centre. Such a subtle design, that seems to flow with both earth and water, but at the same time resembling a powerful force, like a speedboat..

Somerset House - February 18th 09

A journey to Somerset House, a space for the creative arts and cultural exchange of expression and talents.. Unfortunately we were there at around 9 in the morning, so all we saw was harsh wind and a cup of coffee. Still, a very productive trip as we learnt how to draw up a drainage plan, and analyzed the existing one there.

Few Pictures.

Thames Barrier Park

On a search for inspiration, Ed decided we should all travel the docklands rail, to pontoon dock, and board Thames Barrier Park. It was actually more exciting than I thought. Such a space deserved to be applauded, what with its curvaceous personality, mimicking its neighbouring waters, and providing you with shelter at the edge of the dock with a repetitive view.. lovely day out.

Here are a few pictures. Enjoy.

The Green Dock

"One of the most imaginative and attractive features is The Green Dock. Renowned international horticulturalist Alain Cousseran and Alain Provost selected colourful flowers and shrubs which reflect the river's ever changing spectrum of tints, shades and shapes creating a micro-climate where varieties of plants and butterflies abound."

http://www.thamesbarrierpark.org.uk/