lightness by concealing the structural
dolphin elements behind compact service
zones enclosed in a light grey metallic
cladding. There are four slender internal
steel columns, “more required to hold the
roof down than hold it up because of wind
and tidal loads,” and wrapped in polished
stainless steel.
The roofline is sloped to take in direct
views towards the towers at Canary Wharf,
the O2, and beyond them the City of
London. The glazing that runs along the 12
metre front elevation rises to around 4.6
metres at one end, and has two openings
allowing users to access a viewing platform.
The mild steel roof is folded upwards like
a butterfly for practical as well as aesthetic
reasons – aiding drainage, but also helping
to bring light into the space. As well as
providing an interesting form, light bounces
off the water, causing reflections onto the
ceiling (which is powder-coated in a similar
copper colour to the aluminium battens)
and is reflected down into the space.
Dempsey says that one of his key
inspirations throughout the design was
Turner, and the way the painter “incessantly
captured the changing light on the river.”Materials
The materials palette refers to both pier
heritage and shipbuilding, and “speaks to
both the practical needs and maritime
setting.” The zig-zagging steel structure is
painted a dark, slightly bluish grey to offer a
contemporary look that will weather well.
The steel wall panels of the waiting area are
a pale metallic grey – to “kind of disappear,
reflect the light and horizon, and leave the
roof to appear to float,” says the architect.
Ekki hardwood timber, well known for its
high performance in marine settings,
features prominently, forming the stepped
seating in the waiting area, and warming the
space. The timber is also used for handrails
along the length of the pier, plus thePROJECT REPORT: TRANSPORT FACILITIES & PUBLIC REALM 69ADF FEBRUARY 2020 WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
UPLOADED BY "What's News" vk.com/wsnws TELEGRAM: t.me/whatsnws