A3 Embankment

Embankment Esplanade

CONNECT4Sofia Anapliotis Lu Fan Simon Thurley Emma Vandore

Urban Design: Theory to PracticeBENVGPLC Space and Place A

Contents1.0 Executive Summary 5

Analysis 5Ambition 5Principles of the Regeneration 5

2.0 Teamwork 7

3.0 Background to the project 8

4.0 Analysis 104.1 SWOT Analysis 104.2 History 124.2 Figure Ground Plan 144.4 Land Use Plan 164.5 Perceptual Analysis 184.6 Fieldwork Analysis 194.7 Traffic Analysis 204.8 Visual Dimension Analysis 244.9 Simple Access Notation 264.10 Site Sections 28

5.0 Strategic Vision 305.1 Vision Statement 305.2 Masterplan 325.3 The Road 345.4 The River 365.5 Lighting 385.6 Zones 405.6 Phasing 46

6.0 Conclusion 49

7.0 Bibliography 50

8.0 Appendices 518.1 Appendix 1: Mind Maps 518.2 Appendix 2: Interviews 52

Regents Park

Hyde ParkGreen Park Waterloo

4 | Embankment Esplanade

Embankment Esplanade | 5

1.0 Executive Summary

This is a regeneration framework for The Victoria Embankment created on behalf of Professor Mathew Carmona and tutors at the Bartlett School of Planning. In their work, CONNECT4 used the combined expertise of two architects, a geographer and a journalist. The masterplan and the principles behind it are inspired by the people of the area and the best principles of Urban Design, and in particular Kevin Lynch and Gordon Cullen. The ideas have been consulted within the community.

The Victoria Embankment is a key riverside location in central London served by good transport links (four tube stops, one rail link) and within walking distance of major attractions such as Westminister, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Convent Garden, The Strand and the Southbank. Despite such strengths, it is an unloved and little used part of London.

Our work for this area has been from the outset based on our ambition to transform The Victoria Embankment into an attractive place to spend time. The report presents the results of our extensive analysis about why the area is not living up to its potential. On the basis of these findings, we present a solution designed to bring life back into the area and give the district a healthy identity of its own.

Analysis

Our extensive analysis reveals an area which offers plenty of opportunity due to a superb central riverside location with some of the best views in London. Our findings clearly point to the loud and polluting traffic as the starting point for improvement of the area. The road splits the water from the parks and buildings, and any intervention needs first to address the traffic problem if it is to be successful. But our analysis also highlighted other poor connections which prevented the area developing to its full potential.

Ambition

In recent years, the Victoria Embankment has been overshadowed by the Southbank, which has become the cultural hub of London. It was not always so. In his 1943 London County Plan, Patrick Abercrombie remarked:

“It is one of the great anomalies of the Capital that while the river, from Westminster eastwards, is lined on the north side with magnificent buildings and possesses a spacious and attractive embankment road, the corresponding south bank, except St Thomas’s Hospital and County Hall, should present a depressing. . . appearance lacking any sense of that dignity and order appropriate to its location at the centre of London and fronting onto the great waterway.”

Now it is the Northbank’s turn to catch up.

Principles of the Regeneration

From our analysis we have been able to identify ten regeneration principles which are:

— To make the Victoria Embankment a people place, no longer dominated by cars. — To improve connections with the surrounding area and its attractions — To develop connections to and experience of the River Thames — To facilitate north-south links including Southbank — To build on existing qualities, such as the “magnificent buildings” and the riverside

location — To improve amenities for workers and tourists — To create new attractions to keep people in the area — To develop a night-time presence fitting to a 24 hour city — To improve lighting, especially at night — To use Urban Markers to improve spatial awareness and develop identity

These have been confirmed by consultation with users of the area. In line with government community planning guidance and given the location at the heart of London, CONNECT4 is now ready to present the masterplan for wider public consultation.

City of LondonVictoria Embankment occupies a central location in the City of London.

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2.0 Teamwork

The preparation of a successful report such as this requires positive team working. We have found the experience of sharing our different skills sets and working together hugely rewarding and a fantastic basis for our future careers in planning.

CONNECT4Connecting four skill sets to bring you the best of four people, three countries,

four nations, two architects, one geographer, one journalist.Connecting our collective experiences of living and travelling in more than 40

countries and 400 cities with what London could be.Connecting with the workers, tourists, businesses and policy makers of London

to make Victoria Embankment work better.Re-connecting Victoria Embankment to the rest of London, re-connecting Lon-

doners to the Victoria Embankment.With our vision, connecting with you.


The proposal for the existing Victoria Embankment project was conceived in 1865 and was completed in 1870. The original motivation for the project was the need to provide London with a modern sewage system, coupled with the additional benefits that could be accrued from the addition of a new road. The area stretches from Blackfriars in the east to Westminster in the west and encompasses some of London’s most historic landmarks such as Westminster, Somerset House and the Savoy Hotel over two kilometres.

The Victoria Embankment holds key transportation hubs, notably Charing Cross and Embankment stations, as well as significant green spaces such as Temple Gardens and Embankment Gardens. The A3211 which runs the length of the Embankment is one of the most important roads in Central London for transporting traffic from the City in the East to the A4 in the West.

There is a mix of land uses across the masterplan area, including substantial commercial and office uses around Charing Cross, governmental uses towards Westminster and a large concentration of legal firms around Temple.

3.0 Background to the project


Site area


4.1 SWOT Analysis

The following section lays out the main strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of the area based on extensive fieldwork. We examined the current and historical uses (including traffic patterns) and the grain of the building to produce a perceptual analysis of how they area works (and doesn‘t work). We conducted detailed analyses of the key zone around Embankment station node to understand how this area could be improved for users. Interviews with locals revealed that spatial awareness of how the area connects to the rest of North London is low. Few people know about the winding and sometimes obstructed links to The Strand and to Fleet Street. The roads connecting with Whitehall are little used by both pedestrians and motor vehicles. Along the Embankment itself, the road has severed the river from the rest of the area. Even buildings that are physically rooted to the Embankment, such as Somerset House, turn their back on the road.

Based on this research we made the following assessment:

1. Strengths:1.1 Unencumbered riverside access with fantastic views1.2 Central location with great transport links1.3 Proximity to key attractions such as Westminster, Trafalgar Square, South

Bank

2. Weaknesses:2.1 Heavy (in waves) and fast-moving traffic2.2 Poor connections to surrounding area2.3 Lack of identity

3. Opportunities:3.1 Riverside development potential, including fantastic location opposite the

London Eye3.2 Surrounded by dynamic districts (Soho, Southbank) whose vitality can be

tapped into3.3 Commercial development potential around Embankment station

4. Threats:4.1 Long term ambitions depend on public acceptance of traffic calming

measures4.2 If not coordinated with neighbouring areas and considered in the wider

context of central London, the strategic vision risks clashing with other objectives

4.3 Failure to identify funding

4.0 Analysis


1 Strengths

3 Opportunities

2 Weaknesses

4 Threats


4.2 History

The Embankment was built in 1870 to gain extra land, modernize the sewerage system and relieve congestion from the Strand, Fleet Street and the London Underground. Commissioned by the Metropolitan Board of Works, it was reportedly the largest engineering scheme of that time. It has been home to Cleopatra’s Needle (1475BC) since 1819.

1. Map 01: 17201.1 Intermittent access to the River Thames from

Scotland Yard.1.2 River bank between the site of Somerset (original

dates from 1547) to Temple directly adjacent to water.

1.3 The Strand and Aldwych visible.

2. Map 02: 18272.1 River bank has become more built up.2.2 Somerset House in its current configuration appears.2.3 Temple in its current configuration appears.2.4 The Strand and Aldwych visible, street pattern

remains.2.5 Plot sizes consistent – little change.

3. Map 03: 19163.1 Larger infrastructure appears; roads, stations, train

lines and bridges.3.2 Embankment in its current configuration appears.3.3 Some consolidation of plots into larger block sizes.

Map 01: London 1720


Map 02: London 1827 Map 03: London 1916

1. Rich fine grain of urban fabric allows percolation of pedestrians through the area into Embankment and Charing Cross.

2. Poor percolation due to large urban blocks.

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4.2 Figure Ground Map

1. There is a large difference between availability of open space between the main building line and the river on the north bank compared to the south bank. The South is built much closer to the river thus giving rise to more enclosed spaces

2. Accordingly there is a significant difference in building grain between the North and South banks.

3. The change in urban grain west of Embankment encompassing Whitehall comprises much larger building blocks. Therefore reduced permeability of pedestrian traffic can be seen resulting in poor legibility and a poorer quality of urban environment.

4. There are a significant number of large urban public spaces such as Trafalgar square, Leicester Square, Piccadilly, St Pauls, Parliament Square, and Covent Garden in close proximity to the Victoria Embankment.

5. The largest amount of open space between the building line and the river on the North bank is Embankment gardens. Thus there is the possibility to maximise this space for enhancing its uses.

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Key routes and corridors branching into the key nodes of Charing Cross and Embankment and Victoria Embankment.


Figure Ground Map


4.4 Land Use Plan

1. Mix of commercial, institutional (government offices, educational) with an even distribution of hotels and some residential.

2. Large scale government buildings are concentrated to the south and connect with St James Park.

3. Tourist route and nodal point weaves through important public buildings.4. Historic villas have been adapted to other uses, i.e. Somerset House is used as a

cultural facility.5. Commercial premises dominate the remaining site area with strip retail located

along the Strand and Fleet Street.6. Combination of retail ground floor premises and upper office space occupy the

Strand and Fleet Street. Two areas with vacant office space are evident, a small area south of Trafalgar square and a larger area along Fleet Street to the east with empty retail space increasing at the eastern end.

7. Between Charing Cross Station and Somerset House, the smaller plot sizes accommodate offices, retail and some residential becoming more commercial with larger plot sizes towards Blackfriars Station.

8. Temple creates an island within a tightly woven building fabric; island character more visible at the Victoria Embankment.

9. Courtyard typology with pedestrian access allows for densification of the block.10. Public and private open space with restricted access.11. Concentration of food and beverage places feed off Villiers Street, connecting

Trafalgar Square/Covent Garden area with Charing Cross Station and Embankment Tube.

Legend

Government

Hotel

Commercial

Transport

Institutional

Public services

Law

Church

Bars

Residential

Clubs/ Organisations

Cultural

Disused

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Land Use Plan


Visual Form Analysis.

Problems with the Victoria Embankment

4.5 Perceptual Analysis

Visual Form

1. Major nodes at Trafalgar Square (pedestrian, traffic), Embankment tube (pedestrian), Blackfriars (traffic); Minor nodes at Charing Cross (pedestrian), Westminster (tourist, traffic), and on The Strand where people turn off for Waterloo bridge (pedestrian, traffic).

2. Surrounded by landmarks, but after Westminster only minor ones along water edge (potential to improve awareness of Cleopatra’s needle).

3. Surrounded by well-known districts (Southbank, The City, Soho) and less distinct districts (Theatre district, government). Area itself lacks identity.

4. Area crossed by several important north-south and east-west paths but little movement on minor paths.

Problems with the Victoria Embankment

1. Noise pollution along the river, particularly at Embankment tube and Blackfriars

2. Many little used connections with the Embankment to surrounding area. Along the riverside, heavy traffic severs connections from one side of the road to the other.

3. Inns of Court area isolated from surroundings.4. Buildings turn their backs on the area to expose their less

attractive rear ends.5. The area above Embankment tube is chaotic and

characterless.6. The Esplanade has a poor visual connection to the north

side of waterfront.

Path

Edge

Node

Landmark

District

Path

Edge

Node

Landmark

District

Minor Element

Major Element

Little used connection

Lack of connection

Isolation

Chaotic and characterless district

Characterless path

Lack of relation

Point of confusion

Noise pollution

Poor connection to waterfront

Ugly rear end of building


Fieldwork analysis based on mind maps.

Victoria Embankment as seen through interviews

Area of opportunity - commercial slopes horizontal, tourism slopes right to leftAreas of energy

Confusing poorly defined areaHidden treasures

Affection for historyImportant buildingBack end of building

Good connectionConfusing, bad connection

NodeKey viewsImportant pedestrian routeBarrier to mevement/noise pollutionRiverside area with development potentialPoor connection between cultural institutions

Closed to outsiders

4.6 Fieldwork Analysis

Mind Maps

1. Area bounded by three zones: a tourist area which neglects the riverside; an area of activity (life); Inns of court area closed to outsiders but distinct in the mind of users.

2. Area marked by bridges, even if most users confuse them and do not remember all.

3. Markers mostly located outside zone (Tate Modern, London Eye, Trafalgar Square).

4. Few users had good spatial awareness of the rest of The Embankment outside the small part of it they frequent. To move along the east-west connection most users take The Strand rather than the riverside path, and connections between the two are poor.

Interviews

1. Riverside marred by noise and traffic pollution which severs link from one side of the road to the other.

2. Very low awareness of parks. Embankment park appreciated by those who know it, but many pass by without entering.

3. Wonderful views. Connect Esplanade to south of the river.4. Confusing connections to the north (The Strand, Fleet

Street). 5. Attention and activity centres on Embankment tube and

Villiers Street.6. Area decorated by grand buildings, but graced by their rear

ends. 7. Those who know or dare enter the Inns of Court are

charmed by the many hidden treasures (churches, parks).8. Users note potential for riverside development (corporate

functions and office parties drift across the river to Southbank, office workers in Whitehall prefer to lunch in St James Park rather than the noisy river edge, main tourist route neglects river, bashful profile of Cleopatra’s needle, poor quality retail).

9. Users also say cultural links from National gallery to Tate Modern via Somerset House could be better exploited.

Tourist area

Full of life

Closed to outsiders

University

Node

Tube station

The SavoyShopsMonuments

Bar or cafe

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4.7 Traffic Analysis

Vehicular

1. Traffic is always heavy along the Victoria Embankment at all times of the day, particularly moving from East to West.

2. Traffic generally flows from Blackfriars in the East along to Westminster in the West where the majority of traffic flow then heads along to Parliament Square and continues towards Victoria and North West London.

3. There are notable differences between weekday traffic flows and weekend traffic flows. Most prominently along Fleet Street which experiences highly decreased flows at the weekend; the area is almost deserted at times.

4. It is clear that the Strand is an important route for lateral movement of traffic from East to West as well. It could almost be viewed in parallel to Victoria Embankment as it to experiences very high volumes at peak hours.

5. There is little movement between Victoria Embankment and the surrounding routes which connect to it; this is with the exception of Northumbland Avenue which experiences high volumes especially around peak hours with traffic heading towards Piccadilly.

High intensity

Medium Intensity

Low intensity

Wednesday lunchtime

Legend

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Scale 1:75000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m

Scale 1:75000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m


Thursday evening Sunday lunchtime


Pedestrian

There are two predominant types of pedestian movement: work related and tourist .

1. Work flows generally to and from public transport.2. Parks are used as route to work were convenient and as an alternative to the

Victoria Embankment.3. Tourist flows generally to and from major attractions: Big Ben/Houses of

Parliament, Changing of the Guard, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and Southbank.

4. Main flows vary considerably with day of the week and time of day.5. Concentration of tourist movement around the Houses of Parliament moving

predominantly towards the Southbank and less so towards St Jame’s Park.6. Tourist trail continues south and north towards Trafalgar Square.7. Pedestrain flows are strong along the Strand and dissipate towards Fleet Street.8. Access along the riverside is limited with tourists coming to see monuments and

look at London’s skyline/the Southbank with the occassional person making use of public seating and of course joggers.

9. Access between the Victoria Embankment and Whitehall/the Strand/Fleet Street is limited to a few areas of greater concentration generally in relation to bridges, public transport and retail: Bridge Street (Westminster Bridge), Northumberland Avenue (Hungerford Bridge), Villiers Street (Embankment Tube and Hungerford Bridge), Lancaster Place (Waterloo Bridge) and New Bridge Street (Blackfriars Bridge).

10. Many existing pedestrian routes between the Victoria Embankment and Whitehall/the Strand/Fleet Street.

Legend

High intensity

Medium Intensity

Low intensity

Scale 1:75000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m

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Saturday evening Sunday lunchtime 100m 200m 300m 400m0m


4.8 Visual Dimension Analysis

1. Villiers Street is a key link for pedestrians between The Strand and Victoria Embankment. On one side, there are several 3-5 story buildings and on the other side a building of 10 stories. The strong scale contrast breaks down the traditional grain of this urban area.

2. The texture detail of the facades at the lower reaches of the building has a rich visual appeal. The frontage of the building for Charing Cross Station lacks a sense of ‘human presence.’

3. The entrance of the Victoria Embankment Garden has a strong sense of place with natural connection with the Villiers Street.

4. Underused space like the Arches Shopping and underneath the railway bridge near Embankment Place could be developed, strengthening connections between east to west. Additionally, the connection point for The Villiers Street, Embankment Station and Victoria Embankment Garden is vital for the legibility of the area, and needs to be reorganized and improved.

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Visual Dimension Plan at Embankment

Point of photo

Panorama

View (to specific object/landmark)

Glimpse

Sequential views

Building level

Rhythm

Transparency

Skyline interest

Landmark (main landmark, local landmark, major building

Connected/ linked space

Area defined by noise (ff) or quiet (pp)

Texture (interesting wall or street surface)

Trees of townscape significance

River

Area of special sense of place

Edge (physical/ visual boundary)

Significant building line

Slope/ gradient

Nodal point/ place of connection


4.9 Simple Access Notation

1. Traffic dominates the senses wherever you are when located down on the Embankment. Noise pollution is a large issue especially at the road intersections between Embankment and other arterial roads such as those that lead to Piccadilly, Victoria and The City.

2. There are significant barriers to movement across the road to the river along the whole length of Embankment in the form of traffic and physical constructions such as railings.

3. A lot of the connections between the Strand and the river are very poorly defined; a lot of the alleys are hidden and are then met by fences once they reach Embankment Gardens. This is especially prevalent along the back of the park where navigation and legibility is very unclear. This sometimes results in pedestrians having to traverse the length of the park just to exit from the road.

4. The river walk feels very unsafe at night due to the lack of activity. There is poor lighting in some places such as under the bridges, all parks are locked at night and the presence of homeless is widespread particularly around Embankment station.

5. Villiers St experiences significant conflict between pedestrians and car and whilst it is still the liveliest connection we have to the Embankment from the surrounding area there are still blank facades which don’t engage with people moving through the area.

6. The area is bland in regards to public street furniture; poor availability and quality of seating as well as unimaginative lighting strategies.

7. Coach parking dominates certain points of Victoria Embankment blocking sight lines to the South Bank and making the area feel much more congested.

Physical barriers to movement across the road Built form between the building line and the river is dominated by vehicular traffic

Unsafe and poorly lit connections to the Strand Poorly defined frontages connecting to Embankment gardens. Dangerous spaces at night.

Access only at certain times of the day. Not suitable for all users such as the disabled or handicapped. Spiked barriers don’t promote the idea that people are welcome.

Very poor routes which connect the hinterland with the Victoria Embankment. Not well lit, well used or legible as attractive pathways for movement.

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SIMPLE ACCESS NOTATION

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AF

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P

Dangerous Corner

CCTV

Steps

Obstacle

Crowds

Pedestrian crossing safety. Score 1: Poor --> 5: Excellent

Congestion

Nightime safety factor.Score 1:Poor --> 5: Excellent

Slope

Railing

No shelter

Bus stop

Coach parking

Homeless

Kerb barrier

Monument

Dangerous alley

Noise Polluton

Cycle/ Pedestrian Con�ict

Pedestrian/ Tra�c con�ict

Dead end

Seating

Dark area

Poor legibility

Cafe/ restaurant

Lighting. Score 1:Poor --> 5: Excellent

Active frontages

Empty frontages

Tube station

Fast tra�c

Parking

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Dangerous Corner

CCTV

Steps

Obstacle

Crowds


Congestion


Slope

Railing

No shelter

Bus stop

Coach parking

Homeless

Kerb barrier

Monument

Dangerous alley

Noise Polluton



Dead end

Seating

Dark area

Poor legibility

Cafe/ restaurant


Active frontages

Empty frontages

Tube station

Fast tra�c

Parking

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Dangerous Corner

CCTV

Steps

Obstacle

Crowds


Congestion


Slope

Railing

No shelter

Bus stop

Coach parking

Homeless

Kerb barrier

Monument

Dangerous alley

Noise Polluton



Dead end

Seating

Dark area

Poor legibility

Cafe/ restaurant


Active frontages

Empty frontages

Tube station

Fast tra�c

Parking


Access Notation Plan at Embankment


4.10 Site Sections

1. The spatial change from the hinterland to the river bank is monotonous, with building mass, road and the rigid lines of the river Thames.

2. The high barrier limits the connection of the water with the hinterland, restricting views of the south bank and preventing close contact with the Thames.

3. The road occupies a lot of space.


Section through Westminster

Pedestrian path

Pedestrian path

6 lane road

6 lane road

+16m

+20m

+36m

0.0m

0.0m

6 lane roadSomerset House

Victoria Embankment Garden

River Thames

River Thames

River Thames

SouthbankBeach

Beach

Southbank

Southbank

Ministry of Defence

Section through Embankment Gardens

Section through Somerset House


5.0 Strategic Vision

5.1 Vision Statement

Our vision for the Victoria Embankment is to release life back into the area by re-establishing old links and creating new ones. But encouraging people to come to the area is not enough. We wish to transform the Victoria Embankment into a place where people aspire to spend time.

The area needs to establish its own unique identity, distinct from the Southbank. To symbolize the rebirth of the area, CONNECT4 envisage dropping the old-fashioned Victoria from the commonly referenced title to rebrand the area The Embankment.

While the area has three distinct zones, which have their own distinct purposes, they are all connected by the river. Our intervention would first focus on creating an identity for the area by linking the zones with a visually appealing urban walkway: the Embankment Esplanade. A second stage of development would involve building on the identities of each zone.

Inspired by the Toronto waterfront the modern waves of the envisaged Embankment Esplanade boardwalk embody the fun (daytime) and funky (nighttime) identity of the area.

There has been activity north of the river for much longer than the south. This means it has better amenities and transport links as well as a reputation for being more industrious than its poorer southern half. We want to build on this identity by creating a dynamic zone that will be buzzing with people 24/7. Starting with the creation of a spherical nightclub opposite the London Eye, evening activities would be drawn along the river by a waterside café-bar culture. Good lighting and attractive street furniture plus all-night licensing would encourage a safe but dynamic nightlife, with no fear of upsetting the neighbours (the government, office and legal buildings are mostly vacant at night).

In the daytime, small-scale designer retail would be encouraged around Embankment tube where an enlarged square could serve as a market. The extension of Somerset House would build on cultural connections with the Tate Modern and the National Gallery. A floating swimming pool opposite Temple tube would be a great draw in summer and in winter, when it becomes an ice-skating rink.

Key linkages to surrounding context

Important areaInns of CourtEmbankment centralWestminsterSommerset House/ Blackfriars islandSphereEmbankment gardenMain traffic connectionMain pedestrian connectionWater connection


The Embankment Masterplan 100m 200m 300m 400m0m


5.2 Masterplan

Traffic calming (Port de l’Hotel de Ville, Paris)

Temple Steps (Port de Solferino, Musee d’Orsay)

Floating Sphere nightclubRiver edge redevelopment

Westminster GardensEmbankment Gardens


The Embankment Masterplan

Legend

1. Phased traffic calming to Victoria Embankment.

2. Improved river edge incorporating pedestrian and cycle paths, recreational activities, existing piers and monuments and discreet buildings including kiosks, amenities and tourist facilities.

3. Upgrade Victoria Embankment to Embankment Central including tube station redevelopment and consolidate access below Hungerford Bridge.

4.Somerset House forecourt including flexible ‘Y Layer’ incorporating temporary events such as exhibitions and cafe

5. Floating Sphere nightclub with intelligent facade system. Operates as cafe/bar with changeable skin from transparent to opaque including programmable graphics.

6. Cafe/bar above Temple tube with connecting path to raised external terrace along rivers edge with kiosk/amenities below.Temple Steps provide elevated views of London’s skyline with seating for temporary cinema screenings.

7. Swimming pools used throughout the year, incorporating temporary enclosure for colder seasons and amenities.

8. Striking contemporary crossing structure as landmark provides pedestrian access to Blackfriars redevelopment.

Parks 1-3 will have a unified language (street funiture, paving, lighting and signage), each accomodating a different function, planting and features.9. Park 01 Temple Steps Garden. Improved access and seating to adjoining buildings/area.

10. Park 02 Embankment Gardens. Improved access to adjoining buildings/area and the waterfront. Temporary market area, new civic space incorporating the existing York Water Gate monument formalises existing bandstand area. Amenities are consolidated in a new building south of the bandstand including cafes withoutdoor seating.

11. Park 03 Westminster Gardens. Recreational facilities such as ping pong tables, free wifi connection, and water feature with new seating.

12-15 Improved pedestrian access including consistant street furniture, paving, lighting and wayfinding signage.

16. Public urban forest introduces new microclimate, greenhouses and educational facilities.

100m 200m 300m 400m0m

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Scale 1:75000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m

Scale 1:75000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m

Blackfriars traffic diversion - Traffic travelling along the Embankment would no longer be allowed to exit at the west side of Blackfriars station instead in order to exit they would use the underpass and exit on the east side of the station along Puddle Dock. This allows additional space for pedestrian uses where traffic used to dominate.


5.3 The Road

CONNECT4 propose a series of traffic calming measures, including narrowing the road from six to four to (eventually) two lanes, and outlawing lorries and coach parking. The Westminster to Embankment section should be closed at weekends and at night. We encourage closure of the whole strip on Sundays for festivals and other public activities. Whilst CONNECT4 thinks the future of The Embankment could eventually be pedestrian, we believe this would be too radical a first step. Initially, we would therefore designate seven clearly-marked crossing areas where pedestrians have priority. Inspired by the Dutch Home Zone customs, we propose removing the kerbs separating the road from the pavement, similar to Whitehall, forcing motorists to accept a shared space with pedestrians. Traffic islands and railings should also be removed. While we support eventually reducing speed to 20 mph along the whole stretch of the river, we do not believe it appropriate for a busy thoroughfare to adapt the entire Home Zone concept and require vehicles to give way to pedestrians. At Blackfriars, we propose removing the outer two lanes connecting to Blackfriars Road and New Bridge Street. A cycle track would be laid in the space freed up from traffic by the Embankment Esplanade.

Road closure

Vehicular access

Pedestrian zones

Major traffic routes

Minor traffic routes

Cycle routes

Pedestrian crossing

Weekend Closure - Traffic would be rediverted at Embankment Station down Whitehall Place where traffic would then continue west along Whitehall.

3

Mixed road surface, with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists.

Example of how Victoria Embankment may look under road closures during festival events which would be expected to occur much more regularly than at present.

Scale 1:75000 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m


Improved pedestrian access and cycle connections

3 Landmark pedestrian crossing

1 Pedestrian crossing and traffic calming

2 Lively connections and urban spaces (Block Place, Melbourne)

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4 Water taxi connections between North and South banks.

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5.4 The River

Rather than being ignored the river Thames should be celebrated. Once the motor vehicle stops dominating the road, the area will naturally start to reconnect with the river. The next step is the creation of Embankment Esplanade, the funkiest boardwalk in Europe. At high tide, parts of the lower loops will be covered by water creating an exciting new connection with the river and temporal variety. Establishing a system of water taxis with stops at the many piers along the section would give people a reason to come down to the river and provide visual variety at night. Cafes, bars and restaurants should be encouraged to cluster around Embankment station and eventually be drawn out along the river.

The connection of Embankment Esplanade to the other side of the road should be encouraged by removing the railings on the public parks and pruning to allow for river views. Pedestrian links from The Strand and Fleet Street should be improved by better lighting and signage, combined with appropriate street furniture and foliage. The ancient link between Somerset House and the river should be re-established (see below).

Temple Tube, Steps and Park

Embankment Gardens and Somerset House

CGI illustration of wavedeck structure Toronto Waterfront, West 8).


Re-designing new functional spaces for recreation and enjoyment. Example of how new wavedeck might engage with the riverfront and the river itself.

Bringing life back to the Victoria EmbankmentReconecting people with the river frontage (Toronto Waterfront, West 8).


5.5 Lighting Lighting will be crucial to the establishment of a 24/7 culture. The area must be well-lit with modern and exciting street furniture. Particular care should be taken to light up the gloomy and closed-off nature of the Inns of Court. We propose a sophisticating system of lighting to enhance the “magnificent buildings” currently hiding behind trees and bridges, which though plain in daylight can be magical at night. Complemented by the London Eye and innovative lighting on the Southbank, London would then rival Paris for the title of “City of Light”.

Overhead lighting in public spaces would capture the eye and create a sense of enclosure.

Overhead lighting as used in Melbourne could be strung across the road along the Embankment. Particularly at the Westminster zone where pedestrian use is expected to increase heavily with road closures.

Creatively lit buildings can establish character, and mood in an area. We would use lighting to promote the historic beauty of the buildings which reside on the North bank.

Example of wavedeck lighting. Attractively lit cities create excitement and awe.

Floor lighting design such as this could be used along pedestrianised routes through the newly developed Embankment area.


Lighting Plan 100m 200m 300m 400m0m


5.6 Zones The Embankment is composed of three complementary, but distinct entities that we will call Westminster, Embankment Central, and The Inns of Court.

Westminster is both a tourist and government hub. The CONNECT4 vision would transform the area by making the Westminster to Embankment strip the hub of The Embankment’s new nighttime identity. To take advantage of what is possibly the best view in London, we propose the construction of a circular glass-fronted nightclub in front of the London Eye, floating on the river. Like the Palladium nightclub in Acapulco, clubbers would be able to enjoy the view whilst dancing. Steps on either side on Sphere, as the nightclub could be known, would connect it with the Embankment, where an exclusive restaurant bar would be sited to give people a meeting point before a night of clubbing, or just a place to watch the activities below. The bar would also be circular, in keeping with the spirit of the London Eye. This smaller venue could be hired for executive functions, and on club nights would function as the VIP entrance. It could draw clientele from The City during the week, from where a regular water taxi service could be established. For the safety of clubbers, and to encourage the area to breathe at night, we would close the road to traffic at weekends and from 8 pm to 6 am.

In the daytime, tourists visiting Big Ben and Westminister could be wooed to the area by an open air exhibition along the waterfront stretch between Westminister and Sphere as the Quai Branly in Paris does with its annual photo exhibition Photo Quai.

1.Westminster ‘Sphere’ nightclub

2. Westminster Park wifi recreational area with water feature

3. Tourist facilities

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Westminster Millennium Pier Cafe

PART 01 > BENVGPLC >> Sofia Anapliotis


Conceptual drawing of the location and dimensions of the ‘Sphere’

2 Example of how the ‘Sphere’ could be lit at night

Park life

Westminster Park recreational facilities

The ‘Sphere’ would take inspiration from existing structures such as in Toronto. A clear dome with activity inside.


Embankment Central is a busy commuter zone thanks to Charing Cross station and Embankment tube. Villiers Street is a busy connection from Trafalgar Square and The Strand. CONNECT4 propose making the street a pedestrian zone, and re-designing Embankment station to encourage better access to the river. Currently an ugly shed, the current entrance would be stripped away to create views to the river. The square where Evening Standard vendors and florists currently trade would be enlarged into Embankment Gardens to create a hub which could also serve as a market, surrounded by cafes and bars. The entrance to the tube would be transferred under the railway bridge, filling in an ugly and threatening area, and an underground connection between Charing Cross and Embankment tube would be established. Access to the pedestrian walkway across Hungerford Bridge would be improved. Connections from The Embankment to The Strand and Fleet Street would be strengthened by improving awareness of the myriad of small connecting streets. This could be done through a mixture of high-quality design signage, street lighting and paving whose commonalities would invite not only “visual delight” but connections. In a later stage, the mound in the park would be removed and access improved to the buildings and roads behind.

Encouraging the formation of a market in the new civic space. Integrated paving as used in High Line Park NY to create an interesting urban landscape in the new civic space around Embankment tube station.

Cafes would be encourged to congregate in the newly pedestrianised Villiers street and in the surrounding area designated as pedestrian focused spaces.

Embankment tube redevelopment


Section through Embankment Gardens and Embankment Esplanade

Embankment Central

1. With the removal of the barriers that seperate Villiers Street from the park, and the repositioning of Embankment station underneath the railway bridge, we would open up a new civic square at the end of the street connecting the river with one of the busiest streets in the study area. We envisage this new square becoming a vibrant hub of activity for both tourists and Londoners alike, most notably through the encouragement of attractions such as a market.

2. At the rear of the park we would remove the ugly mound which seperates the park from the buildings at the rear creating a negative space as shown in the simple notational analysis. This would firstly open up the park to those buildings which surround it, as well as reconnecting the space with the paths which lead down to it from the Strand. The edges of the park would be landscaped as shown to blur the definition between hard and soft surfaces.

3. We would expect the pedestrianisation of Villiers street to encourage a much more engaging route with open, active frontages comprising a multitude of uses such as cafes. Throughout the phasing period further pedestrianisation and encouragement of mixed uses on the streets adjacent to Villiers street and surrounding the park would hopefully result in similar environments being created across the whole area. Life would return to an area which has great potential in regards to its urban grain.

4. As shown in the townscape analysis Embankment station is a major obstruction for views from the Strand to the river and Victoria Embankment. By relocating the station underneath the existing railway bridge we activate the dead space which is dangerous at night underneath the bridge as well as opening up the visual connection to the water.

Cycle path Pedestrian path

2 lane road


River Thames Beach Southbank

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Sketch drawing of the ‘Y’ layer we envisage sitting opposite Somerset House on the river with a temporary exhibition space underneath.

A river swimming pool structure similar to the example in Copenhagen would be used to further promote the relationship between the river and the Embankment that we are trying to establish in the Inns of Court area.

Temporary exhibition spaces would be interactive, and provide ample opportunities for enjoying the incredible views that the area provides.

Maximising existing structures such as the balcony at Temple tube station we would have steps extending down to the river level.

Inns of Court for the purposes of this scheme includes the area from Somerset House to Blackfriars. CONNECT4 propose creating an extension to Somerset House by the river, an innovative structure we are calling a ‘Y-Layer.’ From street level, visitors can choose to climb up or down to two platforms with great views across to the Southbank. Hanging under the top level is a weather-proof temporary exhibition space. To encourage continuity with the old building, the Embankment entrance to Somerset House would be maintained, and a café-bar installed on ground level.

The derelict building next to Somerset House could be transformed into an urban forest that would be the most magical place in London at Christmas time when the trees would be lit up. In front of Temple tube station, a floating swimming pool inspired by the Copenhagen Harbour open air pool. In the winter, it would serve as an ice-skating rink, further enhancing the option of evening activities.

The terrace of Temple tube would be transformed into a café-bar, and connected to the new rivers edge by three walkways inspired by the Yitzhak Rabin park in Paris. They connect with a new terrace on Embankment Esplanade that steps down to the water like the plans for the Port de Solferino in Paris.

The Inns of Court would be encouraged (possibly with fiscal incentives) to open its doors to the public in exchange for better lighting. Traffic flows on the two roads leading off the river at Blackfriars that CONNECT4 is removing could be accommodated by Temple Avenue and Puddle Dock. The liberated space would be turned into a new green space, and facilitate pedestrian access to the river as well as to the newly redeveloped Blackfriars station. In this area we are relinking the hinterland with the river, as the connection has long been lost and for the majority of the day the area lays deserted.


Inns of Court

1 The ‘Y’ layer structure would provide both an urban viewing platform; maximising on the location of Somerset House at the bend in the river, and a temporary exhibition space underneath the platform. The exhibition space would attempt to turn the focus of Somerset House from its main enterance on Strand to the riverside.

2 Drawing on similar temporary exhibition spaces such as the Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens it would form a new exciting public space, reflecting the cultural and artistic context of its location next to Somerset House.

3 Continuing with our vision of reconnecting the area with the river we propose the establishment of a riverside swimming pool. This could either be a permanent structure or seasonally used, for example as a swimming pool in the summer months and an ice rink in the winter. The area adjacent to the Inns of Court has long been an area devoid of atmosphere and thus facilities such as this would connect with activity alongside Somerset House to give the area character.

4 ‘Temple Steps’ would provide a connection between Temple station balcony and the river. It would be a very simple intervention which would maximise the opportunities offered by the existing structure. The establishment of a cafe or similar function on the rooftop would provide a service for users of the Embankment Esplanade.

Section through Somerset House Forecourt and Embankment Esplanade

Y LayerPedestrian path

2 lane road


River Thames Beach Southbank

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5.6 Phasing

CONNECT4 believes in connecting with people. Therefore the first step of our project would involve presenting our ideas to the public. This would take the form of a press conference to introduce the rebranded Embankment and the Embankment Esplanade. It would be followed by a series of public meetings. A website would be set up and people would be invited to send their comments on the proposals. We would also create an interactive site where people can submit their own proposals for how they would improve the area.While making it clear like Paris has done that the proposed riverside development is not fixed and will be subject to public consultation, we would propose the following regeneration timetable upon final adoption of the masterplan.

Stage 1 (1-3 years)Traffic calming and the creation of Embankment EsplanadeTraffic calming measures would be proposed in several phases, allowing motorists to adapt their routes as they have learnt to in Copenhagen and as the congestion charging scheme develops. In this first stage, the road would be flattened and reduced to four lanes. Lorries and coach parking would be forbidden. Six pedestrian crossing places, where traffic will have to give way, will be established. A clearly marked cycle path will be lain in the space liberated from traffic next to the esplanade. In contrast to the flatness of the road, the Embankment Esplanade will be curvy at the edges. While still pleasant to walk along, the waves will undulate in increasing intensity towards the water edge. Existing jetties will be kept and modernised as stopping points for the water taxis. Links to The Embankment would be improved by pedestrianizing Villiers Street and Horseguards Avenue. The entrance to Embankment tube is moved. Work can begin on the extension of the public square by Embankment Gardens.

Stage 2 (3-5 years)Construction of attractions, further traffic calmingOnce the esplanade has been constructed, work can begin on the attractions, starting with the iconic Sphere nightclub. The 24/7 identity starts to emerge, and the area from Westminster to Embankment would be closed to traffic at night and at weekends. This stage also involves the construction of the Somerset House extension, the urban forest, the outdoor pool and the Temple steps. The road is reduced from four to two lanes and speed reduced to 20 miles per hour.

Stage 3 (5-10 years)Possibilities for enhancement of new developmentsRedevelopment of Embankment Gardens. A water feature in front of the structure that once sat on the waterfront would symbolise the resurrection of ancient ties to the Thames. New pedestrian bridge linking London Eye with the Sphere nightclub.A review of Charing Cross and Embankment tubes with a view to possibly combining them into a new redesigned station.Encouragement of mixed use development around Inns of Court.

Final stage (15 years and beyond)Full pedestrianisation, Removal of railway bridge?A final stage could be the full pedestrianisation of the space. If traffic flows evolved to a level to support such a move, new attractions would be required to take advantage of the new space. Again, Toronto provides inspiration for possible activities, including an enlarged bandstand/outdoor concert arena, ecological zone, outdoor exhibitions etc. Extension of the market under the along the Hungerford Rail Bridge, inspired by the Galata bridge in Istanbul where fish restaurants and fishermen cluster on a separate level below the road bridge.

1. Stage 1 (1-3 years)



4. Final stage (15 years and beyond)


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6.0 Conclusion

The Embankment is like an umbilical cord linking east to west and north to south. By improving connections and creating a new identity around the Embankment Esplanade, CONNECT4’s proposals will bring new life to both the area and the whole of London. Traffic calming measure will let the city breathe. The new 24/7 identity of The Embankment will harness the energy of the theatre district and Soho, with the Sphere nightclub a showcase for a young and dynamic city.


7.0 Bibliography

BooksAlexander C, “A City is Not a Tree” Architectural Forum, Vol.122, No.1, April 1965Ackroyd Peter, (2001) London The Biography, London VintageBarton H, Grant M & Guise R (2003), Shaping Neighbourhoods, A Guide for Health, Sustainability andVitality, Spon PressCarmona M, Tiesdell S, Heath T and Oc T (2010) Public Places – Urban Spaces, The Dimensions ofUrban Design (Second Edition), Oxford, Architectural PressCullen G, The Concise Townscape, Butterworth Architecture, 1971Frey H, Designing the City, Towards a More Sustainable Urban Form, E & FN Spon, 1999Gehl J & Gemzoe L, New City Spaces, Copenhagen, The Danish Architectural Press, 2000HRH Prince of Wales, A Vision of Britain: A Personal View of Architecture, Doubleday, 1988Holzer C (2008) Riverscapes: Designing Urban Embankments, Basel BirkhauserJacobs J, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Random House Inc, 1961Lynch K, The Image of the City, MIT Press, 1961Meeda B, Parkyn N, Stuart D (2007) Graphics for Urban Design Institution of Civil EngineersRoberts M & Greed C, Approaching Urban Design, The Design Process, Longman, 2001Roger Evans Associates, Urban Design Compendium 2, English Partnerships & The HousingCorporation, 2007Tibbalds F, Making People-Friendly Towns, Longman, 1992Urban Design Associates, The Urban Design Handbook, Techniques and Working Methods, Nortonand Company, 2003

Design websitesResource for Urban Design Information – www.rudi.net Placecheck initiative – www.placecheck.info/CABE case studies – http://www.cabe.org.uk/casestudies.aspx

Historywww.londononline.co.uk/architecture/victoria_embankment/http://historyday.coldray.com/bazalgettes-actions/

LondonThe London Plan http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/

Traffichttp://www.homezones.org/

Nightclubhttp://www.makebelieve.gr/mb/www/en/portfolio/virtual-reality/78-music-grand-prix-dome-experience.html?1ad7bf72ff16511dd4e81b1b2edc5507=6d480e4f0bedb187d82d63ce188e76c3http://www.qubenzis.com/geodesic-domes-perfect-for-party-festival/http://www.aviewoncities.com/montreal/biosphere.htmhttp://unusual-architecture.com/montreal-biosphere-canada/http://www.glassonweb.com/articles/article/493/http://www.urinal.net/the_felix/

Swimming poolhttp://vassing.com/multimedia/copenhagen-harbor-open-air-swimming-pool

Outdoor Exhibition spacehttp://www.photoquai.fr/fr/presentation/scenographie.html

Waterfronthttp://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/

http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/explore_projects2/central_waterfront/simcoe_wavedeckhttp://www.paris.fr, particularly http://bergesdeseine.paris.fr/

Public participation in waterfront designhttp://vdpberges.demo.artefacto.fr/

Parkshttp://www.paris-walking-tours.com/parcdebercy.html


8.0 Appendices

8.1 Appendix 1: Mind Maps


Interview 2: 11.11.2010Sophie Elsmore, 23, PHD student (geography) at Kings.

What first comes to mind when you think of the Victoria Embankment? Is there any particular structure, building, feature or sensation that symbolises the area for you?

“It’s quite cut off. There is not a lot of connection to the Strand. Unless you know it, it’s not a very accessible place. It’s massively congested, dominated by traffic.The grand buildings, the Savoy Hotel, powerful architecture, but I’m thinking of them from the side of the Strand.

Can you describe the area in a physical sense (imagine yourself there and tell me what you see and feel)?

It’s an odd space. Walking along the river Thames we feel there there is not a lot of space. The private gardens make me feel trapped in a way. I like to walk along the promenade, but mostly I use it to access the Strand. I don’t pay a lot of attention to what’s going on there. It’s more a space for getting from A to B, the space from Blackfrairs to Temple. There is more going on in the second part of the embankment, after Temple.

Unless you know the area well it’s not easy to navigate. It put me off using it at first. It’s confusing and intimidating. From Blackfriars, rather than walk along the river to Kings, I usually go along Fleet Street. That’s partly habit because I am used to going that way for the library, but even when I want to go to university, I tend to go that way.

Are there areas where you are uncertain of location?

If I was walking along the main strip, there are certain landmarks, mostly on the other side of the river. But if I was cutting down a side street from Fleet Street or The Strand, I wouldn’t know particularly well where I was going to end up.

I do love being by the water, It’s a key feature of the area. I can find it quite relaxing even if it is quite congested. There is a different scene on the South Bank. It’s an area which could be a lot more accessible to pedestrians.

If you were blindfolded and taken to the Victoria Embankment, what clues would you need to know where you are?

I would look for the transportation hubs.

How do you feel the area connects with the rest of London?

It does and it doesn’t. I feel this kind of barrier between the Embankment and the Strand, despite lots of side streets. It doesn’t feel well connected. It feels more connected to the South Bank. It’s important in the sense that it connects important transportation links.

I don’t think it’s an area which is used to its full potential.

What is your personal relationship to the area? What is your earliest memory of it, and how has it changed?

8.2 Appendix 2: Interviews

Interview 1: 3.11.2010Lucy Maggs, communications officer at the Cabinet Office, 22 Whitehall


The river, lots of traffic, nice wide pavements for running along, not as nice as it could be, Somerset House, the back end of buildings. I sometimes go there at lunchtime for a walk but not very often. It’s not really set up for being used. My colleagues usually go for lunch in St James Park instead. There is not so much traffic noise.


Nice views. I love running along it on the way home. The views across to the South Bank are great. It’s very London: London Eye, the Royal Festival Hall, the South Bank, The Tate Modern and the Thames, which is of course iconic. The bridges here aren’t special though, they aren’t iconic like further down the river. There is so much traffic that you do feel like you are walking or running by a motorway. That takes away from the experience of being by the river. There is nowhere really where you can enjoy being by the river.

Are there areas where you are uncertain of location?

When I go jogging I mark my run, but it’s a stretch of the river where there aren’t very many big monuments that stand out, at least not from the sidewalk. Even the buildings, you just see the bum end of buildings. The river and the view across the river is quite special. It can give you a lift at the end of the day. The space between Somerset House and Blackfriars is pretty nondescript. I know there is Temple tube, but apart from that I only found out quite recently there was a little road leading through to Fleet Street. It’s hard to make the connection


It’s very windy, and there’s lots of noisy traffic. Lots of tourists, foreign languages.


Strangely it connects more with the other side of the river than this side of the river. It’s very difficult to know where you are in connection with the rest of the North side of the river. Even things like Somerset House are not very distinctly marked.

What is your personal relationship to the area? What is your earliest memory of it, and how has it changed?

lunchtime. Sometimes when I am going out on the South Bank I will walk along it to get there.

My first memory is of a road. We would drive along it to get to my Granny who lived in Fulham from our house in North London. I don’t think it’s changed a lot, even at all, since then, except for the London Eye on the other side.

What do you think are the strengths of the area, and should they be improved? Do you have any ideas how to do so?

The National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Somerset House, all are important and interesting parts of London. They don’t take advantage of being by the river, and the views across the river. The Victoria Embankment would be much nicer if there was a way of having less traffic or of having some way of keeping it back. They could also make a really nice cycle route there, a proper one with a raised edge. There is lots of space there to make one.

What about the weaknesses?

I wouldn’t go there at night. I don’t know if I’d feel safe. But the main weakness is a lack of connection with where it is in London, and a lack of connection with the river.

How important a part of the city is it?

It’s an important artery from the North to the South. It’s an important road. People don’t really use it.

How important do you think orientation and the recognition of city elements is? Is Victoria Embankment easy to navigate?

It’s really important. Victoria Embankment is odd because there is no connection to the rest of London. It has no connection to the river bank it is on. It’s straightforward to navigate because it’s along the rover, but there are no landmarks so you don’t really know where you are. The pedestrian bridge for example (by Hungerford bridge). I’m sure that bridge is used all the time, but by commuters. It’s difficult to know how to get onto it.

In general, do you think London is easy to navigate? How does it compare with other cities that you know?

It’s difficult for me to answer because I know London so well. It’s hard for me to judge it in comparison with somewhere else. I suppose in other cities, the landmarks are important.

What are the defining elements of London for you?

My home and the area around it where I live (Stoke Newington), Camden, Soho, Trafalgar Square, South Bank, the City and St Paul’s.


I’ve been working near The Embankment for the past five years. I mostly use it for getting places, although there are a few bars near Embankment tube where I go with friends.What do you think are the strengths of the area, and should they be improved? Do you have any ideas how to do so?

It’s got potentially great pedestrian access. When it is closed for races or for festivals, you can see the potential. I do think it would be nice if you had a day when it was not accessible to cars.


It’s not easy to navigate. Perhaps maps, guidelines would help.

How important do you think orientation and the recognition of city elements is? Is Victoria Embankment easy to navigate?

I think it’s phenomenally important but it depends on who we are as a user.

In general, do you think London is easy to navigate? How does it compare with other cities that you know?

In people’s imagination, the Tube stations dominate which are in reality spatially inaccurate. People don’t realise how close things are or how to get from A to B. I wouldn’t say it’s easy to get around. Maybe that’s part of the charm.

Interview 3: 15.11.2010Andrew Thurley – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Director, 80 Strand, London WC2R 0AF


It’s hard to actually get to the river. It’s completed severed in terms of pedestrian flow down to the river. It’s a really underused asset. At night, it’s very pleasant walking over the bridges. The best building for me is the PWC building – I’m brainwashed. It’s by Terry Farrel. The old Shell building, also PWC, is special as well. There’s the House of Parliament too I suppose. On the other side, beyond Temple it gets a bit messy.


In the park, I feel calm and peaceful. But there’s also the buzz of the road. But on this stretch by The Embankment, I feel like I’m still at work. It’s an extension of the office. Convent Garden is more social. It’s a very different vibe there.


I’d look for the London Eye.


Not at all really. It’s a little world of its own. London generally, it’s a lot of separate spaces particularly central London.What is your personal relationship to the area? What is your earliest memory of it, and how has it changed?

I’ve been working in the area for nine or ten years. We have a building on The Strand and another on Villiers Street and there’s lots of movement between the two buildings. We stop in the park for networking and impromptu meetings. I try to get out at lunchtimes either in the embankment area or Convent Garden. For socialising and corporate events, we go out by the river often on the South Bank.

Probably my earliest memory is of coming to see Big Ben when I was a little boy. It hasn’t changed much, apart from the London Eye. Nothing else.

What do you think are the strengths of the area, and should they be improved? Do you have any ideas how to do so?

On the positive side it’s very accessible. It’s charged. It’s free for business people and tourists. It connects up a lot of attractions. There are lot of big buildings.

You could make it easier to get to. Signposts would be a good idea. Some kind of plan, particularly for the tourists. At the moment the spaces are very passive. If you want to keep people here, you have to give them a draw. People go a lot to Convent Garden and they stay there because there are things to do.


We have got to cross a really busy road which doesn’t encourage people to go to the river. It’s chaotic. People wouldn’t necessarily know where the Victoria Embankment is.

It is not pedestrian friendly, yet most people who come to the area are on foot.

Baeton, Guy (2001) “From community planning to partnership planning. Urban regeneration and shifting power geometries on the South Bank, London” GeoJournal 51: 293–300, 2000.

Documents

A3 Embankment