Asif Khan has unveiled a sinuous boardwalk bridge at Canada Dock, south London, designed to highlight the area’s timber trade heritage. Spanning 170 metres, this pedestrian bridge links the CZWG-designed library with the Surrey Quays shopping centre while encouraging public interaction with a restored wetland area beneath. Khan’s design features over 400 cantilevered timber fins, inspired by the historical planks of 19th-century dock workers, creating a dynamic undulating form above the water. The bridge’s durable red Cumaru wood, chosen for its sustainability and historical significance, serves as a striking visual statement, symbolising Canada’s influence on London’s timber history.

The Canada Dock development is part of a larger urban regeneration project overseen by British Land and AustralianSuper since 2020. Historically, the site was a significant working dock until its closure in the 1970s. This transition offers a chance to revive local wildlife and promote community interactions with nature and history. The overall plan aims to establish a bustling new urban hub, encompassing residential buildings, retail, leisure, and public amenities, further enhancing the region’s accessibility and ecological integrity.

Asif Khan’s boardwalk at Canada Dock not only serves as an important transport link but also revitalises the area’s ecological footprint and historical narrative. This innovative structure invites the public to connect with both nature and the rich timber trade heritage of London, making a profound impact on the community and environment alike.

Original Source: www.dezeen.com

The post Asif Khan Designs Sinuous Boardwalk at Canada Dock to Revive Heritage and Nature first appeared on The London Bell.

Sewage pollution in the Thames has plagued London for centuries, prompting a new art installation at Science Gallery London. Artist Gayle Chong Kwan’s work, “I am the Thames and the Thames is me,” immerses visitors in the historical and ongoing issues of human waste in the river, featuring life-sized “river guardians” and a fabric representation of the Thames. Following the 1858 Great Stink, testimonies reveal that modern concerns echo those from the past, highlighting the long-standing sewage challenges. To investigate this relationship, Chong Kwan collaborated with King’s College London and explored modern waste treatment methods at Beckton sewage facilities, where innovative evaporation techniques are employed. The installation incorporates historical uses of fabric, linking to the past and showcasing tie-dye patterns derived from materials found near the Thames, further enriched by indigo dye associated with London’s sewer system creator, Joseph Bazalgette. Another installation, “Sh*t Happens!” by Louise Mackenzie, addresses human waste as an environmental issue, encouraging composting and re-usage of bodily waste. This interactive component includes audio interviews and a zine displayed in the gallery’s restroom facilities, promoting awareness through accessible formats. Vital Signs exhibit encompasses various works reminding us of our environmental impact, choosing to focus on everyday topics rather than solely high-level climate discussions.

The Thames has faced substantial pollution from human waste, especially notable during historical incidents like the 1858 Great Stink. The ongoing issues of sewage in the river have inspired new artistic expressions aimed at raising awareness about environmental concerns and human impact. The Science Gallery’s Vital Signs exhibit encapsulates multiple perspectives on waste management and environmental relationships, including art, interviews, and interactive installations, highlighting a diverse exploration of the topic.

The exhibit, featuring installations like “I am the Thames and the Thames is me” and “Sh*t Happens!”, serves as a reminder of the historical connection between humans and the environment. It encourages visitors to reflect on the implications of their actions and the potential for change, encapsulated in the hopeful message of the exhibit’s subtitle. Ultimately, it positions human experiences as both challenges and solutions in the fight for a healthier planet.

Original Source: www.forbes.com

The post Exploring Thames Pollution Through Art at Science Gallery London first appeared on The London Bell.

In May, the Ladbroke Hall Garden in London unveiled a permanent exhibition featuring the restored 6×6 prefab house designed by French architect Jean Prouvé in 1944. Originally constructed to tackle the post-war housing crisis, this modular home is now part of a lush garden designed by Luciano Giubbilei. The restoration maintains the house’s historical integrity while integrating modern comforts, such as underfloor heating and airtight windows. Prouvé, a key figure in 20th-century design, revolutionised furniture and architecture by utilising machinery and emphasised low-cost, adaptable housing solutions to support those displaced by war.

Jean Prouvé, a multifaceted French designer and inventor, is renowned for his contributions to modern architecture and design. His pioneering work in modular building systems laid the groundwork for prefabrication in housing, especially in the post-war context. He collaborated with leading figures like Le Corbusier and Charlotte Perriand, creating furniture and structures that combined industrial materials with a handcrafted aesthetic. His efforts in designing prefabricated housing specifically addressed urgent needs for sustainable living post-war, establishing him as a crucial player in modern design history.

The installation of Jean Prouvé’s prefab house at Ladbroke Hall Garden illustrates his innovative approach to architecture. It highlights how design can address social issues, especially housing crises. Through thoughtful restoration, the house exemplifies Prouvé’s legacy while promoting sustainable and adaptable living solutions that resonate with contemporary audiences, echoing his belief in the functional and humanitarian aspects of design.

Original Source: www.architecturaldigest.in

The post Permanent Exhibition of Jean Prouvé’s Prefab House in London Garden first appeared on The London Bell.

The festive season in London has officially commenced with Oxford Street igniting its spectacular Christmas lights display for 2024, marking the first of the city’s major illuminations. This year’s display features over 300,000 energy-efficient LED stars, reducing energy consumption by approximately 75% compared to conventional lighting. The launch paves the way for a series of events on the street, in collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital’s charity, aimed at enhancing the Christmas spirit and shopping experience for visitors. Retail groups are optimistic that the lights will attract more shoppers during the busy holiday shopping period, which spans the next seven weeks, hoping for a significant boost in local trade as businesses prepare for the Christmas rush. Oxford Street’s iconic display not only brightens the festive atmosphere but also focuses on charity, shining a light on community support during the season.

Oxford Street, one of London’s busiest shopping areas, traditionally kicks off the festive season with its iconic Christmas lights installation. This year, the display reflects a growing trend towards sustainability, showcasing LED technology that significantly lowers energy usage. The annual switch-on attracts large crowds and serves as a precursor to the holiday shopping season, ultimately assisting local businesses and contributing to charitable causes in the area.

Oxford Street’s Christmas lights display for 2024 has been successfully switched on, featuring over 300,000 LED stars aimed at promoting both an enchanting festive atmosphere and energy efficiency. This event marks the beginning of a series of celebrations and supports local retailers and charitable initiatives through increased foot traffic in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

The post Oxford Street Launches 2024 Christmas Lights Display first appeared on The London Bell.

The Lord Mayor’s Show, the world’s oldest civic procession, will take place on Saturday, 9 November 2024, featuring over 7,000 participants, 250 horses, and approximately 150 floats. Newly elected Alastair King, the 696th Lord Mayor of London, will ride in the iconic golden State Coach, a tradition since 1757. Starting at 11.00am from The Mansion House, the three-mile parade will attract around 350,000 spectators in the streets and millions more via live broadcasts. King, who succeeds Professor Michael Mainelli, aims to enhance business growth and promote technological advancements during his one-year tenure. As he prepared for the event, King expressed the Show’s significance, stating it connects London’s history with contemporary vibrancy, highlighting the city’s diverse communities and traditions. The route of the parade includes major landmarks such as Cheapside, St Paul’s Cathedral, and it concludes at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The Lord Mayor of London is a ceremonial role with historical significance, dating back to the 13th century. The Lord Mayor’s Show is an annual event celebrating this role and the City of London’s rich heritage. It showcases various groups, including charities, schools, and community organisations, all contributing to the diverse fabric of the city. The event not only has local importance but also serves as a platform for international business engagement, particularly relevant to the UK’s financial sector.

The 696th Lord Mayor’s Show is set for 9 November 2024, marking a grand spectacle that celebrates London’s traditions and communities. Alastair King will lead this historic event, underlining his commitment to fostering business growth and embracing new technologies throughout his mayoral year. This annual celebration reaffirms the City’s role as a vibrant centre for commerce and culture.

Original Source: www.citymatters.london

The post The 696th Lord Mayor’s Show: A Celebration of London’s Heritage and Community first appeared on The London Bell.

The Lord Mayor’s state coach is currently exhibited at Guildhall in London ahead of the annual Lord Mayor’s Show. This historic coach, a significant British state vehicle since its creation in 1757, is one of three notable state coaches in the UK, alongside the King’s Gold State Coach and the Speaker’s State Coach. The inception of the Lord Mayor’s state coach stemmed from a mishap in 1710 when the sitting Lord Mayor, Gilbert Heathcote, was unhorsed by a drunken flower girl, resulting in a broken leg. Subsequently, the tradition of horseback riding for the Lord Mayor was replaced with a coach, and the new state coach was commissioned in 1757 for Sir Charles Asgill. During its display, the state coach is accessible for public viewing in a glass showcase, where visitors can admire its intricate decorations and learn about its historical significance. The coach will be pulled by six horses this Saturday during the Lord Mayor’s Show, symbolising the rank of the occupant, in this case, the Lord Mayor. Similarly, King Charles III’s coach was drawn by six horses during his coronation, emphasising royal status, contrasting with the addition of two more horses for the return journey, representing his anointed royal stature. The Lord Mayor’s Show features a two-part parade, with an estimated duration of over an hour, during which the Lord Mayor will interactively wave to the crowd. A detailed procession timetable, marking key points from the Guildhall to the Royal Courts of Justice and back, is available for attendees.

The Lord Mayor’s state coach, a long-standing tradition of the City of London, has been in use since 1757, illustrating the history and evolution of ceremonial practices within the city. This particular tradition roots back to an incident that prompted the acquisition of the coach, demonstrating how accidents can lead to significant historical developments. The display leading up to the Lord Mayor’s Show allows the public to engage with London’s civic heritage, while the coach itself serves not only as a conveyance but also as a representation of the status and authority of the Lord Mayor.

In summary, the Lord Mayor’s state coach is a treasured artifact displayed at Guildhall, rich in history and significance. Its role during the annual Lord Mayor’s Show highlights the ceremonial traditions of London, where the coach reinforces the dignity associated with the position of the Lord Mayor. Events surrounding the show, including the procession and interactions with the crowd, continue to uphold the city’s iconic practices with pride.

Original Source: www.ianvisits.co.uk

The post The Lord Mayor’s State Coach: A Symbol of London’s Heritage first appeared on The London Bell.