RIVER THAMES . EXHIBITION PAVILION
site: River Thames: London, United Kingdom

program description:
Cafe . Lounge . Performance Theater . Exhibition Gallery

This project was created with the intention of adding a new attraction along the River Thames in London. The structure entails light metal construction employing other materials and systems as appropriate. It is anchored down in the river, as a permanent city feature, set into a rich, urban and cosmopolitan fabric. This new structure consists of a cafe along with a 100 seat performance area for small theatre productions and films, and includes a smaller display area for non-permanent exhibitions. The built area of the structure is approximately 10,000 sf. and was limited to a height of approximately three floor levels.

The challenge of this project was to encourage innovative thinking and design that would create a significant presence and compelling scale, adding to the hierarchy of surrounding modern and historic structures. A significant design solution to was to create an urban outdoor public space which begins with the existing park. This space is flanked by the London Tower Bridge to the east and Sir Norman Foster’s City Hall project to the west. The structure cantilevers over the river and carries with it the tradition of a public pier.