"A public realm project to transform a neglected site owned and managed by the London Wildlife Trust which engages the local community through the use of accessibility, integration and sustainable planting."
HUCKERBY'S MEADOWS NATURE RESERVE
PROSPECT AND REFUGE
The Habitat Theory of psychology is based on our innate preference for environments that combine elements of ‘Prospect’ and ‘Refuge’. Much as a physical or emotional embrace can be protective and open at the same time, so a landscape can offer a feeling of safe enclosure without entrapment. This design offers both prospect and refuge for the benefit of the local community.
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION STRATEGY
Engaging the community with nature lies at the heart of this design, with sustainability, conservation and wildlife benefits being guiding design principles.
This has been achieved fundamentally by improving accessibility to the site and offering community facilities on the site for education and group activities.
THE MASTERPLAN OVERVIEW
The functionality of the design is based on two distinct areas:
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The grassland meadows to the North receive more cycle and pedestrian traffic along the cycle route.
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The wetland meadows to the South are accessed by foot only along boardwalks to leave this area less disturbed for wildlife and conservation.
MAIN ENTRANCE BRIDGE
A feeling of safe enclosure inspired by The Habitat Theory is linked to the vortices of the aircraft flying overhead. These organic shapes of Corten Steel build anticipation on the approach to the bridge sculpture from Waye Ave Open Space.
MAIN ENTRANCE MASTERPLAN
Inspired by the aircraft wake vortices and the law of Fibonacci, scale and proportion has been applied to the winding pathway/cycle way, as its weaving peters out and blends into the heart of the meadows. This ensures the scheme is in balance and proportion with the surrounding landscape.
MAIN ENTRANCE PLANTING
The Main Entrance is planted with a diverse range of native and non-native species for aesthetic impact and biodiversity.
INTERVENTIONS
THE LIVING BRIDGE
The proposal for a Living Bridge comes at a time when cities across the UK are making radical changes to road space to support more walking and cycling. This living bridge over the A4 integrates with the London Cycle Loop, so this site can be made accessible to a significantly larger audience.
THE REFUGE
The Refuge is a place to meet and give prospect to the local community by learning new skills, gaining qualifications and making plans. This allows the people themselves to be the driving force behind the conservation work that matters most to them.
THE OUTLOOK
The Look Out platforms protrude over the riverbank, enabling a vantage point at the river’s centre without disturbing the wildlife. This can be used for recreation, education and conservation work.
"Inspired by nature, I have a fresh and creative approach to designing spaces that serve both the client and environment best."