Our main priority is helping clients make great architecture that serves their needs and responds in a vital way to its context and cultural surroundings. In order to do this and to further the studios own knowledge base we invest in a wide programme of research which enables us to be inventive and to find new and sometimes unexpected solutions to the problems that we are posed.
We work in collaboration with like-minded consultants in order to further our thinking and skill level and since our inception, we have always looked to develope concepts grounded by good research that have a light touch on the planet, are low in carbon and energy-use. We look to our research to help us and our clients mitigate the impact of climate change.
Kingston Riverside
In Autumn 2020, a partnership of Kingston Council, Kingston University, Kingston First and the charity Creative youth were successful in obtaining £200,000 from The Mayor of London’s Getting Building Fund to improve the area around the John Lewis riverside, to the North of Kingston Bridge. WR-AP were appointed to help to design and deliver the proposals in August 2021 following an open competition submission, developed in collaboration with local school, The Kingston Academy.
A lot of consultation has taken place since to help guide the scheme, including engagement with:
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John Lewis and Partners
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Kingston Academy
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The Greater London Authority
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The Environment Agency
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The Metropolitan Police
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DAWN (Kingston’s Disability and Wellness Network)
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Local community groups
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Local residents
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The general public
Taking into account all of the feedback gathered at consultation and engagement events as well as our evolving narrative, we began to refine our competition winning proposals further into a narrative based around a healthy, happy and holistic new public realm proposal.
In collaboration with the local authority it was elected to develop three key sites within the site boundary where there are specific issues that need to be addressed: These included: the two entrances connecting the site to Canbury Gardens and Kingston Riverside restaurant, and the performance space (linking to the internal activation of the former nightclub as a performing arts centre).
The site is currently undergoing Phase 1 of development, including works to the stage area and improved lighting. The intention is that more of ideas will be integrated into later phases, such as a new green wall. Phase 1 should be completed in QTR 4 2022.
Date of completion: 2023
Total Cost: 150K
Gross internal Floor Area: 1,500 sqm
Client: Kingston Council
Main Contractor: FM Conway
