Transforming London's Royal Docks into "Water Boulevards", runner-up entry by Baharash Architecture

For as long as there are floods happening in this planet, fresh ideas in green infrastructure will always be relevant. London-based practice Baharash Architecture addresses this problem in "Water Boulevards."

Their proposal received the runner-up prize in an open international ideas competition for the royal docks in London.

Check out their project below.

Project description:

"The design was awarded the 'Runner-up' prize for [Baharash Architecture's] creative solution to promote green infrastructure, water sensitive designs and sustainable living into the royal docks, while also mitigating the risks of flooding and pollution.

Baharash Architecture's proposal is for an integrated approach between land and water. Their design weaves the surrounding communities of the docks with a network of sustainable 'Water Boulevards' that will provide a unique identity to the docks and promote the three pillars of sustainability."

"I. Economic sustainability: The natural tranquillity of the Water Boulevards will provide for premium retail   frontages, thus increasing footfall and retail demand, which creates more jobs. The cost savings and efficiencies from water recycling and productive gardens will be an economic benefit.

II. Environmental Sustainability  The ponds, swales and reed beds of the water boulevards, passively reduce   flood risk, provide temporary storage and improve water quality, while creating wetland habitats for wildlife in an attractive aquatic setting.

III. Social sustainability:  The Water Boulevards will connect communities together while promoting engagement in water management & increasing social responsibility by encouraging a sense of “stewardship” in the community."

"The Water Boulevards require a holistic approach between Urban, Building & Landscape designers for integrating people & places with water sensitive urban design and green infrastructure. Ultimately, their design will transform the Royal docks into a series of floating sustainable villages for the 21st Century."

"Baharash Bagherian, Managing Director of Baharash Architecture, describes the proposal as adaptable and relevant. 'What really excites me about our proposal is that it can be adapted and applied to many different settings and street typologies, all of which provide for a linear aquatic park to collect and filter rain water, while providing residents and workers with a variation of functional spaces & experiences. I can see this concept applied to many locations across the world where flooding is an issue, especially here in the UK. We hope our designs demonstrate creative solutions to the problems of flooding while providing residents and workers with a higher quality of life together with protection of the environment”.

Images courtesy of Baharash Architecture.

Click the thumbnails below for more images.