The Low Line #254

 

The Low Line is a simple idea to work in partnership with Network Rail, Southwark Council, local businesses, community groups and residents to reinstate the common spaces that run along the base of the viaduct, connecting London Bridge with Waterloo stations through a traffic-free route.

The route which runs adjacent to the arches, once provided easy pedestrian access across Bankside. Over the last 150 years this has been eroded, as development, both planned and informal, has built walls and fences, buildings and other structures blocking access along its length.

The Low Line will stitch these disconnected spaces back into the urban fabric, through a range of large and small projects that will transform the public realm, and support appropriate and creative uses into the rail arches along the route, to bring economic, social and environmental vitality and encourage footfall and exploration deeper into the neighbourhood.

On this map we can see the current status of the rute.

Early opportunities for progressing the Low Line will establish the first steps toward achieving the longer term objectives.

A number of key areas of opportunity in the short term include improvements to America Street, and a pedestrian route delivered as part of the redevelopment of Devonshire House and the creation of a creative hub at Union Yard being developed by Network Rail.

These early projects will provide a test-bed for the Low Line, establishing a strong visual identity will help anchor the Low Line, and set the stage for future projects to be realised as part of the Low Line.

Well, I have chosen this proyect because is a kind of project or urban action that I really like, due to the use of existing infrastructure and prepare it for use in order to get save what is supposed to be a physical barrier separating the urban fabric. It would be like re-sew the urban fabric with a thread of people economy and sustainability. 

However , I think there are segments on the route which may not be accessible because these segments would require the demolition of buildings, and would require significant funding .

Taking as an example or reference to the high line of New York and the Promenade plantée of Paris , and take benefit of the viaduct of the railway that is part of the Jubilee , one of the first lines of train from London, and that there is the subway.

I believe it would be interesting to propose the abolition of this railway line to create the "High - Low Line" a green and high walk, connecting different places and spaces that can be rehabilitated , and so switch between the high and the earthly, proposing different uses into the arches of the viaduct.

In this way there would be a much more attractive space for pedestrians and avoid the red segments .

Promenade Plantée, Paris

High Line, New York

Other references in London:

Bethnal Green Restaurants.

 

Isabella street.

 

Whirled Cinema.

 

Maltby market street.