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In an age of ecological emergency, is it time for our capital to become Britain’s newest national park? London’s green space makes up 47% of the city. This is a vital asset to building a climate-resilient city.
This project rejects the traditional national park and applies it to London’s industrial landscapes. This reverses the traditions of the garden city movement, which was developed in response to the Industrial Revolution.
Situated in Park Royal, one of London’s most deprived industrial neighbourhoods, the design of the project negotiates the intersection between industries of food production and manufacturing with a new stratum of ecology. This includes: enhancing natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage; promoting public opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks; and fostering the economic and social wellbeing of local communities.
Thus, ‘Simulating National Park’ works toward turning the site into an ecological catalyst as part of a nationwide approach to addressing climate change.
New hydrology systems are introduced to provide irrigation for donor sites to incubate the newly imported ecology over time. The network enables a new logistic circulation for canal boats transporting goods and services in and out of the site.
A series of bioswale ponds store, filter, and mitigate flash flooding and rainfall. Over time, these ponds provide habitats for wildlife. Visitors interact with the new ecology, roaming in and out of subterranean levels and up towards the Summit.
At the summit checkpoint, visitors overlook the newly established growing landscape nestled within the industrial fabric of Park Royal. Below, a water rest stop provides filtered drinking water from the hydrological network.
Recreational elements are integrated within the landscape and water body to promote a closer connection with the imported ecology. Over time, the wildlife, in reverse, monitors the visitors.
Visitors are guided toward the community hall that fosters new communities. In addition, the hall hosts lodging for research and educational visits to promote the importance of National Parks, surrounded by ecological transformation.