The thesis project critiques and investigates the intricate waterways and canal systems in the Lower Lea Valley. The project responds to two main issues, the increasing number of boats using the canals under the 'continuous cruiser' license - due to the increasing movement to live on the water, the cruising license is currently being abused and the lack of facilities are consequently resulting in congestion on the canals. (there are currently 3,000 boats for 2,000 mooring spaces on the London waterways). The project also explores the potential of the waterways as a unique piece of infrastructure and aims to utilise this by inserting programs and industry back into the area.
The design proposition is a response to the 14 day cycle of the 'Constant Cruising' boat license that occupies the canals. A new infrastructure and architectural language will facilitate the temporary and permanent programs. Permanent programs will include a narrow boat workshop; used for boat maintenance, boat building, recycling and reclamation of materials. This will reinsert a trade and industry back into the Lea Valley. Other permanent programs will include kitchens, washing areas, temporary accommodation, new mooring stations and teaching and education programs. All programs will offer forms of employment for the residents.
The architecture will adapt to the 14 day constant cruising license cycle, programs will respond and the architecture will allow residents to detach certain programs from the structure, these programs can travel along the canals and insert themselves into new stations, These 'travelling' programs will consist of teaching spaces, performance spaces, storage, showers, reclaimed boat materials and a produce market. These will insert into different communities along the canal for within a 14 day cycle. Some programs will be constantly travelling back and forth, whereas others will stay stationary for up to 14 days. The architecture will act as an evolving and adapting infrastructure that supports the nomadic life style of living on the water.
