PROJECT BRIEF: AQUALIBRIUM
Clients: Newham Council, London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), Royal Docks Team, 3C Folklore Partners: Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), University of East London, Marine Conversation Society, Canal and River Trust, Shellfish Association of Great Britain Local groups: Friends of West Ham Park, Newham Conservation Volunteers, Newham City Farm Building Program: A series of building and landscape interventions that aims to rewild the area along the docks’ edge while providing means of economy. The interventions comprised of urban wetlands, greenhouse productions, oyster farm, research labs and marketplace. Project description: The term “sustainability” is supported by three main domains: environment, economy and social. They are enabling and competing against each other in urban settings in a way that if one of the three “pillars” is compromised, a systematic collapse would entail. The growth of a city often overlooks the significance of biodiversity. Humans rely on a healthy ecosystem for fresh water, soil stability and fertility, food and medicine. The key theme for this project is the rewilding of the dock area by creating an attractive open ‘water aquarium’ and improving the green infrastructure. The Royal Docks boasts a massive water environment that is channeled from the river Thames. From being declared biologically dead to where 125 species of wildlife make their home, the river is at its cleanest in 150 years. However, continuous effort to mitigate pollution should not be neglected as the area is undergoing major transformation along with the relocation of the Mayor’s office to the Crystal Building. This proposal aspires to create a green industrial process by manipulating the water environment with the utilisation of the existing infrastructure. For instance, a close-loop oyster farming culture that creates not only material products but also contributes to water purification, creation of a storm-surge protected environment which encourages the immigration of wildlife. The proposal not only aims to boost the tourism scene but also enrich the area in a community sense: a well-maintained ecological park that is benificial for educational purpose as well as for leisure. One of the visions is to foster the diverse demographics and local community from Silvertown and North Woolwich with a sense of belonging. Besides, Aqualibrium offers opportunities for the underrepresented community who are seeking job opportunities or place to settle down. The community is in need of accommodation and space for socialising. The project will be allowing and encouraging them to participate in its work-while-stay program where they get temporary accommodation with lower rent in exchange for their contribution. Next, research labs near the Thames offer students from UEL and professionals to study and exchange knowedge on the welfare and preservation of wildlife in an immediate setting. In terms of circular economy, the construction strategy takes reclaimed materials from the site excavation. The site will practise natural land-purifying method before commencing construction. By having careful landscape planning, there are also opportunities for self-growing of food and energy regeneration by utilising aquaculture and greenhouse farming. Can oyster cultivation be waste-free and less resource-intensive? Lastly, it is important to note that the concept of circularity does not halt at the idea of materiality, but relays onto the exchange of knowledge and skills.