The first section of ‘The Tide’, an elevated linear park that runs alongside london’s river thames, has opened to the public. conceived as a ‘destination for art, design, and well-being’, the project has been designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Neiheiser Argyros and features artistic contributions from damien hirst and morag myerscough, among others. intended for running, walking, and meditation, the park is located on the Greenwich peninsula and has been designed to be freely accessible to all.

Designed by diller scofidio + renfro in collaboration with neiheiser argyros and landscape architects GROSS.MAX, ‘The Tide‘ is billing itself as London’s first ‘elevated linear park’. as part of the scheme, bridges between elevated timber decked ‘stepping stones’ planted with native trees and natural vegetation provide visitors with platforms to pause, reflect, and enjoy views of the river Thames.

Now open to the public, the first section of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1-mile) landscape features elevated walkways 9 meters (30 feet) high. meanwhile, sunken gardens, a long outdoor picnic table, and a jetty garden seek to provide respite from the bustling city. evolving over the years, the finished route will connect each new peninsula neighborhood as they are built, weaving among the new buildings. A distinctive black and white stripe pattern seeks to establish a bold visual experience, while reflecting the movement of the neighboring river.

‘This first phase of the tide opens a new public realm that will over time connect greenwich peninsula’s neighborhoods with a vibrant network of outdoor art, food and recreation spaces,’ says Diller Scofidio + Renfro partner-in-charge, Benjamin Gilmartin. ‘Here, 28 sculptural steel structures cluster and lean together as islands of mutual support, defining a layered landscape. At ground level, their swaying legs shape vaulted portals and cafe pavilions. above, they create an infrastructure for quieter overlook gardens. Londoners traversing the tide will experience a unique cross section of the peninsula’s daily life — from the buzz of visitors by the O2 [arena] to the meditative rustle of boats and lapping waves at the riverfront.’

Damien Hirst’s two sculptures hydra & kali and mermaid from treasures from the wreck of the unbelievable were the site’s first arrivals, with more of his work to follow. Under the elevated walkway is a boldly colored installation by Morag Myerscough that illuminates the tide’s arches with her signature super-graphics. The first one-kilometer of the tide opened on July 5, 2019.

Text: designboom

Pictures: Charles Emerson for Wallpaper