Koen Stam
Architectural Design Crossovers
Symbiotic Thames: Rethinking the urban riparian condition and meaning through architecture towards a more symbiotic relationship between the urban river and the city
Symbiotic Thames is an innovative exploration of the relationship between the River Thames and the city of London. Recognising the historical tension and disconnect between the city and the river, this project aims to address the pressing challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and climate change. Its primary objective is to regenerate both the river and the urban collective towards a coexisting future.
Based upon the research, the masterplan includes five connected interventions along the Thames, each focusing on one of the five senses which helps to tie together the scientific monitoring and public engagement of the river. These so-called ‘River Rooms’ are an architectural typology that serves as a riparian mediator, connecting humans and the non-human realm while simultaneously regenerating the ecosystem. The project mainly focuses on the ‘See’ intervention in front of the Tate Modern. This allowed the concept to be explored in more detail and with a greater spatial sense.