The proposed communal square forms a welcoming space, characterised by diverse rain gardens and mixed tree planting. Functionally it is designed as a fully integrated system. This incorporates a biodiverse mix of species as well as smaller spaces and features that invite use in a number of ways.

The sustainable drainage system is entirely integral to the central space. Rainwater activates the landscape by first being collected from rainwater pipes and hard surfaces before being directed into central rain gardens which in turn absorb the rainfall into the soil and slowly release the excess to groundwater. Alleviating urban run off and increasing climate resilience.

“It is our responsibility to ensure our designs respond to the complex environmental and social challenges we now face whilst creating innovative and attractive spaces for inhabitants. For the Vassall Centre, this means the delivery of a vibrant community hub as a new home for charities and social enterprises alike.”

David Perkin, Project Director, AWW Architects

Construction and planting has begun on site.

The brief required the buildings and the landscape design to “promote learning, wellbeing, curiosity and nature” and “wherever possible it should build the connection with nature and be designed with health outcomes in mind for staff working within the centre and for visitors and centre−users”. A thoughtful approach to sustainable construction and function was essential.

The scheme takes a holistic approach to landscape design and building that attempts to depart with the often passive experience of visiting a nature reserve in favour of a place that is active and playful, providing opportunity to physically connect with the landscape where ever possible.

The layout of the buildings is inspired by the branching of leaves and responds to the existing path network of the site. ‘Treading lightly’, the buildings are situated within the existing tree canopy and over the foreshore. The buildings are designed to be erected easily onto modular timber frames in a phased sequence allowing for functions to be prioritised. Green and brown roofs extend as canopies to cover external spaces, encouraging as much flexibility between the indoor and outdoor space as possible as well as providing cover for clay and lime covered straw bale walls. Elements such as the wall panels are proposed as opportunities for community participation in the build.

Boardwalks push out into the lakes and the marginal ‘hide spaces’, one of which is a compost toilet that feeds a micro coppice for craft and fuel.

The existing site and visitor experience lack legibility and by engaging visitors at threshold of the site, this layout presents views and routes that welcome and invite exploration straight away. From the point of entry visitors are given the choice to be directed along a main axis to the entrance space and the reception or to explore the path networks down to the water’s edge. The entrance space is intended to form an ‘active threshold’ with the a playable sculpture and a woodland play area deliberately placed to embody the ethos of being active and engaged in nature.

Ground level visualisations by Barefoot Architects

Community landscape projects like this are so rewarding as we get to share knowledge and experiences with so many volunteers.

The design features a traditional intensive food growing area to the south, which includes raised beds and an experimental ‘mini-field’ area. This is contrasted with a more perennial based system in the proposed forest garden to the north. This creates a south to north transition from high to low maintenance food production. The two areas are separated by a planted swale, and linked via a sheltered boardwalk which provides seating overlooking the swale and opportunities to enjoy the iconic city sunsets beyond. With the site being off grid, the shelter structure is designed to harvest water into a large water tank, before overflowing into the swale.

The forest garden includes a circular clearing with seating and a sculptural totem element set on a spiral plinth. The forest garden itself will provide a wildlife rich setting whilst yielding an array of interesting foods Chilean guava, autumn olives and mulberry to name a few. The south facing boundary wall of the East London Line provides a great opportunity to grow more exotics such as peach, apricot and cherry trees trained as fans. Hardy Kiwis will climb up and along the shelter structure.

The raised beds and ‘mini-field’ are already complete and the forest garden was planted in March 2013 by farm volunteers with a helping hand from Roundfield. The main boardwalk and shelter structure are now under construction, due for completion in the autumn.

I’m writing to thank you for the 200% you’ve given to the garden. It’s just such a delightful and lazy and productive space to move around in. I can’t believe the difference simple, good design can make to a workspace.

Richard Walker, Spitalfields City Farm, London