An architectural experiment aiming at the transformation of the “Red Sands” fort into a lively and attractive destination through the establishment of a fully functional society located entirely in water surroundings.
- Location : Thames estuary, off the coast of Essex and Kent, UK
- Team : arch. Hristo Tritakov, arch. Hristo Rizov
The “Red Sands” is an impressive engineering success and an important part of London’s maritime defense line during the World War II. Unfortunately, the fort has lost its importance with the passing of time. The concept proposes an innovative architectural design which will introduce new functionalities to London’s water surroundings and will transform the area into a valuable public centre.
CONCEPT
The new architectural design aims to rebuild the inter-connections between the existing water structures while, at the same time, it envisages to enrich their utility. Each of the 7 towers will serve a different public function – a forum, a museum, an administrative and a medical centre, a nutrition area equipped with a kitchen and a restaurant, scientific centres for the exploration of the ocean resources /for marine biology, extracting technologies and renewable energy sources/. These are the prerequisites for the “Red Sands” to become a fully-functional human habitat – an area where each individual is a valuable part of a small community living a very full life.
The new space reallocation provides the opportunity for habitual residence by reorganising the empty areas in-between the former defense structures. Inspired by the vision of Yona Friedman and his concept ideas for a “mobile architecture”, the living areas are constructed on a module principle which provides for maximum flexibility and dynamism in their allocation within the overall habitual framework.
The constantly changing water surroundings create communication and connectivity challenges. For this purpose, a ramp has been designed which has the opportunity to amend its length in accordance to the water level (with a range of 7 meters). This ramp secures access from the floating pontoon to the habitual and public spaces at any given time.
The flexible and dynamic design of the individual habitual modules allows them to move closer to or away from the water surface via a system of ropes.
WITH A VIEW FOR THE FUTURE
The new design provides for many opportunities for movement and active processes which constantly change the architecture. The main objective is to achieve a structure which is adaptable to the dynamic environment and to the different human needs. In addition, the design envisages possibilities for future enlargements which will transform the “Red Sands” into a valuable marine centre.
Mess is more!