Trespassing ambiguous zones of ownership along the River Thames
Zahra Sarbuland, MArch (Year: 5)
For whom the river is for, and who has a say over how its water and banks are managed are disputed throughout history. 29% of the Thames pathway passes through privately owned land, concealing public right of way. Trespassing these hidden ownership divisions, led to the development of Thames-wide strategies across the river. With the increasing privatisation of the current Thames waterfront, my proposal seeks to create new public routes and interventions on both land and water. These interventions are on privatised land, land in process of being privatised and land still owned by Southwark Council. Currently 42,700 miles of river passes through the UK but only 1,400 have a clear and undisputed right of public access. It is time to reclaim back public land and implement Thames strategies, to connect and form alliances across London boroughs.
Who owns the river and how are the edges used? 13 acres of privately owned public space surrounds London’s City Hall, which is where London's Public Realm Policies are legislated.
River Thames pathway analysis 29% of the Thames pathway passes through privately owned land, concealing public right of way.
River Thames pathway analysis Ownership dictates public right of way and the quality of a space. After passing through these hidden ownership divisions, the degree of publicness is questionable.
Reclaiming the public edges along Southwark Trespassing hidden ownership divisions led to the development of new public routes and interventions on both land and water across the Thames.
Reclaiming the public edges along the River Thames The proposed pathway would continue and create new public routes and interventions to reclaim the public edges in Southwark and beyond.
Public intervention on privatised land A permanent framework with multiple access opportunities to engage in activity within or around.
Public intervention on privatised land Multiple platforms extend on the river for outdoor activities and give access to the Thames. Spaces can be appropriated and the public programs increase.
Public intervention on land undergoing privatisation Spaces to gather and opportunities for public participation create an active river edge. Areas along the Thames can host evening events.
Public intervention on land undergoing privatisation Southwark Council should reclaim the land and create a multifunctional public spaces with connected routes in close proximity to the Thames.
