The public realm, uniting the four world-famous institutions on Stratford Waterfront East Bank, has been described as a modern-day agora democratising the arts. It is a ‘common ground’, a dynamic, biodiverse gathering place that hosts art, performance, and culture for the public, featuring a year-round programme of free events.
An innovative, multi-functional design works hard to resolve complexity and constraint. Meeting these challenges shaped the development’s footprint and character. The landscape succeeds in uniting distinctive architecture, whilst taking inspiration from the Lea Valley’s legacy of industry, making and creativity. Movement from buildings into the public realm is fluid, with activated, freely accessible ground floors.
The site’s topography is steep. However, a podium design and generous terracing make the most of an eight-metre change in level to the river. The site’s infrastructure is concealed within the podium, ensuring the space is clear and easy to move around. A south-facing waterfront promenade features cafés and restaurants with views over the Park.
The terraces above are beautifully planted with seasonal colour amidst drifts of grasses, and there are 60 new semi-mature trees. It comprises a dynamic biodiverse mix of native and non-native plants that support the Park’s Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species. The design takes a layered approach, with trees and structural planting, seasonal planting, ground cover, dynamic filler and bulbs. There are alliums, euphorbia and narcissi; and ferns, verbena, red hot pokers and blue spire.
The way nature colonises post-industrial landscapes has inspired the planting of both the public realm and building roofscapes. It is designed as if seeds have blown in on the breeze and found a foothold to thrive. The planting is climate-resilient and part of a SuDS system that provides ecological value, carbon sequestration, nitrogen fixation, potential food sources, and wind and solar mitigation.
Improved access includes a new land bridge, and a 1:21-graded pathway runs through the terraces, providing step-free access. Accessibility is aided by three new public lifts. The graded pathway includes niches for wheelchair users or pushchairs, with seating for other visitors alongside.
The materiality of cast concrete, weathered metals, and timber references the site’s historic industrial identity and its wider Lea Valley setting.
Stratford Waterfront East Bank
Location: Stratford Waterfront East Bank, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, UK
Client: LLDC
Landscape Architect: LDA Design
Masterplaners: Allies & Morrison
Architects: Allies & Morrison, O’Donnell+Tuomey and Camps Felip Arquitecturia
Engineer: Buro Happold
Contractor: Mace
Images: Neil Speakman for LDA Design; Robin Forster for LDA Design; Scott Carroll for LDA Design;
Text: LDA Design
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