Sunken Garden, on island 5, belonging to the first phase of the project
The Tide , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (co-designers of the New York High Line) in collaboration with Neiheiser Argyros and landscape architects GROSS.MAX, will become next July the London's first elevated linear park.
A space on the banks of the thames where to walk, train and even enjoy works of art in the open air.
The initial phase will be one kilometer long while the final project will have 5 kilometers of footbridges that will extend along the Greenwich Peninsula, in the southeast of the city.
The Thames as it passes through The Tide
THE PROJECT
The Tide will consist of a 5 kilometer network of public spaces and gardens along two levels in which culture and well-being will be the common thread that will branch out in all directions.
The bridges between the wood covered with 'steps' with native trees and natural vegetation they will provide visitors with platforms to pause, meditate and enjoy views of the River Thames.
Conceived as a set of raised and landscaped islands, The Tide will provide a unique environment for leisure and culture, as Kerri Sibson, Director of the Greenwich Peninsula noted: “The Tide brings London an outdoor experience like no other in the city.”
The first phase will be 1 km long and will be inaugurated this July
“This bold 3D landscape opens up the river, brings people together, gives us art to absorb, nature to enjoy and space to escape. And most importantly, it's a place for everyone," she concludes.
The project will evolve over time until reaching 5 km, building itself between the buildings and adapting to each new area of Greenwich Peninsula.
Its pattern of black and white stripes constitutes a visual effect that conveys a sense of rhythm, a path between the social and cultural 'islands' that reminiscent of the movement of the river.
Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Partner-in-Charge, Benjamin Gilmartin noted, “Visitors will experience the park from multiple vantage points, from pathways at street level to nine meters above ground that wind through the site to connect to the existing network of leisure, art and social life in all neighborhoods”, says Benjamin Gilmartin, of Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
The Greenwich Peninsula, the coolest district in London
THE GREENWICH PENINSULA: AN ISLAND OF OPPORTUNITY
located in south east London, near Canary Wharf, Greenwich Peninsula is located within the Royal Borough of Greenwich and is surrounded on three sides by the River Thames.
What was an old industrial area with a rich history has been transformed into the new neighborhood where all Londoners want to move.
Twice as big as Soho, Greenwich Peninsula is an ‘island of opportunities’ whose plans include 15,000 new homes, seven neighborhoods, a design district and The Tide, the 5-kilometre wide landscaped walkway.
All of this wrapped in the most modern landscape of the British capital.
Aerial view of The Tide
THE FIRST PHASE
The July 5, 2019 The first phase of the project will be inaugurated, which will be one kilometer long and will be made up of 28 structural supports and walkways that will rise up to 9 meters in height.
As for the plants that we will find in this first section, on the river bank there will be native trees such as Alnus, Salix and Poplar surrounded by herbaceous plants, seasonal bulbs and ornamental grasses. Pine and birch trees will also feature in much of the landscape.
A pattern of lines will mark the path of The Tide to orient the visitor towards the different cultural and social spaces that are scattered around the park.
Along this first kilometer we can find sculptures signed by renowned artists and a garden where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city without losing sight of the river.
The supports of The Tide structure
ART EVERYWHERE
The Tide will host the works of various artists starting with Damian Hirst , which will exhibit his two sculptures Hydra & Kali and Mermaid from Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable.
To the existing sculptures of Antony Gormley and Gary Hume will also add the work of allen jones , one of Britain's biggest pop artists.
Jones has created an eight meter tall piece inspired by The Tide which he has named Head in Wind and is designed to be seen from above.
Under the elevated walkway of The Tide we will find the colorful installation of Morag Myerscough , Siblings, which will illuminate the arches of the park with its graphic motifs.
Finally, the architects Heather Peak and Ivan Morrison from the Morison studio have set up the longest outdoor table in London, 27 meters long, facing the river.
An oasis where you can unwind surrounded by art and vegetation
HEALTHY LIVING ON THE RIVER
Walking, running, cycling, meditating... The Tide is an oasis where you can enjoy yourself surrounded by natural elements: from large terraces to intimate gardens -the most special, without a doubt, The Jetty, a floating community space–.
Between pines and birches we find The Tide Clubhouse , which includes an exercise studio, a juice bar, and showers and towels for runners.
Also available audio meditation points devised by Bebox distributed along a route where you can carry out guided meditations.
In addition, runners who are not satisfied with the initial thousand meters of The Tide can continue their training for the 3 kilometer temporary route that takes them throughout the Peninsula touring the future phases of the park.
DINNER ON THE SHORES OF THE THAMES
The Tide is surrounded by multitude of gastronomic options such as the Mama Fuego restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious recipes based on organic products and a brunch that you can order throughout the day.
Do not hesitate to stop by ** Ardoa Wine Bar **, the latest concept from the Vinothec Compass team, where you can also taste a small piece of the Basque Country.
For an informal aperitif, The Market Table , led by chef Gary Robinson, is your place.
CELEBRATING THE TIDE
On the occasion of the inauguration of The Tide, this July the festival will be held on the banks of the river Turning Tides, July 5-7 and 12-14.
The program includes live music, art, cinema, wellness and events who have already confirmed the names of artists and groups such as Gaz Coombes, Village Underground or Sink The Pink, as well as Yoko Ono's Wishing Tree art installation for the Peace Project.
GERONIMO, Los Angeles-based conceptual artist, he will also create a large-scale installation of 25 drops of water that can be visited only during the festival.
The complete lineup of Turning Tides Festival