The project is a new water taxi station on the Thames River in east London. Instead of the complexity, congestion, and confusion of the existing station, we propose simplicity, openness, and legibility. Basic geometries, a minimal material palette, clear signage, and intuitive circulation will all contribute to a more pleasant, more functional, and more beautiful pier.
MASSING AND SCALE:
We propose a circular canopy that creates a new icon on the site, a singular gesture that is clearly identifiable, both from the ground and the air (from the adjacent Emirates Air or office and residential high-rise buildings). We propose a nautical-inspired checkerboard pattern on the roof, composed of lightweight opaque and translucent materials. Under this unifying canopy, a small ticketing office facility and trash storage area are located. The strong geometry of the bridge route down to the pier is extended out to the public way, slicing the mass of the building, and creating a large covered public queuing and waiting area , with direct views to Thames River. The building is held back on the south side by 2.5 meters to allow the public access to the water’s edge on all sides of the pier, and to facilitate different controlled access scenarios.
MATERIALS:
We propose a simple, durable, economical, and yet also beautiful palette of materials – that borrows from the language of industrial structures along the Thames, but updates them with more elegant detailing. Galvanized Steel Cladding, Translucent Corrugated Roofing, Backlit Acrylic, Brushed Stainless Steel, and Limestone Pavers.
APPEARANCE:
A single large circular window focuses the attention of all that pass to a single legible point of information exchange and ticket sales. All unnecessary signage, windows, doors, etc are edited down to create a clear and singular focus. The simplicity of the overall circle creates a clear announcement – like a bullet point – that this is the entrance to the Thames Clipper Pier. A perforated gate closes along the circular line, completing the underlying geometry, but allowing views through to the horizon beyond.
