052 CLIENT FILE
Left Asif Khan’s Rafter Walk boardwalk connects land and water at the south-east London development
placemaking sets the tone for the entire development: it was crucial that we got it right. Tis is just the beginning, with more exciting developments to come.
to generate design ideas for a new district within the masterplan, which was thoroughly fun – and challenging! Te long list had 52 firms on it, so it was tough to get down to the final eight practices. Ultimately, we select those whose ideas
resonate with our vision and ambition for Canada Water and who we are able to work closely with.
What qualities do you look for in designers and architects? We expect teams to prioritise environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in their design ethos as standard. We want to work with architects and designers that are collaborative, willing to explore options and genuinely innovative. We encourage functional alongside inspirational thinking. We really value teams that are commercially astute and understand development economics to protect and enhance value. We have large, complex projects with long timelines, so we also want it to be fun along the way!
How did the idea of a boardwalk come about? Te idea of the boardwalk emerged from our broader vision for connecting the Canada Water masterplan with its unique waterside location. We wanted to create a space that celebrated the natural setting and provided a tangible link between the land and water. While the initial concept was part of our masterplan vision and we were keen that the boardwalk had a wow factor, it was Asif Khan’s interpretation and design expertise that brought the idea to life in a way we hadn’t imagined.
What was the design concept for the boardwalk, and how did the design evolve during the design process? Te design concept for the boardwalk was to
create a striking, integrated connection between the land and water, celebrating the rich heritage of Canada Water’s relationship with the timber trade, while providing the ability to get close to nature. Te idea was to design a pedestrian bridge that was more than just a functional walkway – it needed to become a destination in itself. Asif Khan’s proposal stood out for its elegant
form, inspired by the movement of rafters who floated timber planks on the dock in the 19th and 20th century. Its curved shape and the way it undulates across the water is a further nod to the dock’s history. Te boardwalk – now called Rafter Walk – was designed alongside the ecology work and creation of wetland habitats by Townshend in collaboration with London Wildlife Trust. Complete with waterside seating, dipping ponds, and views of newly restored wetlands, this architectural landmark invites visitors to experience nature up close while supporting the local ecosystem. Te boardwalk’s construction was also carefully engineered to deal with the varying dynamic loads, ensuring that the materials and structure would adapt over time.
What do you like most about the result? Te moment Rafter Walk opened on 2 November it became an instant London landmark, far beyond the day’s carnival procession. It has a life of its own on social media, and has made Canada Water instantly recognisable. Seeing people use it daily, pausing along the way to spot wildlife or take pictures, is immensely rewarding. Rafter Walk and the revitalised Canada Dock are part of the first completed public realm at Canada Water and offer a striking indication of what’s to come. Because it’s a real, vibrant part of people’s lives and is such a visible centrepiece of the masterplan, the quality of design and
What role will it play in the Canada Water development? Te boardwalk and revitalised Canada Dock play a central role in the Canada Water development. Tey act as a focal point, connecting people to the wider area and creating places to pause and enjoy nature as part of daily life. Rafter Walk’s vibrant colour and design encourages people to choose it, enhancing the experience of the wider dock. Ultimately, the boardwalk embodies the spirit of the area’s transformation, creating a place for connection and reflection within the evolving masterplan.
What are the next steps for Canada Water, and other projects beyond that? Te first phase completes in 2025, including new homes, workspace and lab space, amenity space, and a state-of-the-art leisure centre for Southwark Council. Beyond that, the project will continue to evolve, introducing further residential and commercial elements, cultural spaces, and sustainable infrastructure, cementing Canada Water as a sustainability-led new district for central London.
What are the most challenging, and rewarding aspects of being a design client? I think one of the most challenging aspects of being a design client is balancing aesthetic, functionality, optionality, budget and risk! Strong design management to maintain a project’s viability is essential, particularly with recent and ongoing cost and value headwinds and regulatory changes. We are seeing more and more specialists to support the design of a product and tricky situations regarding acceptance of risk. All these aspects are making the delivery of large-scale, complex projects more and more challenging – but with the right team and skills it’s certainly possible. I have worked in large-scale regeneration
projects for over 15 years. For me, one of the most rewarding aspects is having the privilege of working with such a diverse range of incredibly talented design, planning and delivery teams that come together to work collaboratively and are motivated to create genuinely great places and buildings that people will come and enjoy for many years to come.
PHOTO: LUKE HAYES
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