Linear regeneration
We were runners up in an international competition to design a sustainable masterplan for London’s Low Line – a proposed linear regeneration of a series of 19th century railway viaducts running through Bankside, London Bridge and Bermondsey.
The phased project aims to transform the structures - a physical barrier between central and south London - into a continuous piece of green infrastructure featuring a ‘world-class walking route’ and a variety of engaging public spaces, thereby enhancing urban biodiversity and promoting the health and wellbeing of residents and businesses.
The Low Line has received a £1 million grant from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and £1 million from its project partners to deliver projects across the area, including early schemes stemming from the design competition.
Versatile kit of parts
We worked with Arup and Exterior Architecture to design the Low Line Assembly Toolkit, a kit of parts that can be assembled in multiple configurations to suit the characteristics of specific sections of the Line.
The combination of different tools – ecological, activation and opportunistic – enable local people, communities and businesses to make a significant difference to their local Low Line environments. Tailored combinations of plants, shrubs and trees and street furniture, including seats, tables, and planters, form the base build of any site with opportunistic elements such as art installations, sculpture and graffiti adding further differentiation, excitement and interest.
The greening of the route attracts new tenants to the railway arches, enlivening lost and forgotten spaces and creating new spaces, catering for a wide range of activities.
Application of the Toolkit also enables the establishment of habitats for London’s rare and endangered species while promoting key species identified in Southwark Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan. It unlocks access on foot or by bike, reducing pollution and improving the health and wellbeing of Londoners and visitors alike.