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London’s new Crossrail railway line passed a milestone this month as a contemporary roof garden opened to the public at Canary Wharf.
The opening of the 118km Crossrail east-west London rail link is the first stage of the project which is scheduled to fully open in 2018.
Stretching more than 300 metres along the north dock, the above ground scheme designed by London-based architects Foster + Partners includes four levels of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as extensive public gardens, and interspersed with seating and pavilions – all partially enclosed by a timber lattice roof, which wraps around the building like a protective shell.
The contemporary gardens are accessible from ground level via two connecting bridges. The roof opens in the centre to draw in light and rain for natural irrigation, and opens along the sides and at either end to allow views of the water and surrounding streets. The spruce beams are sustainably sourced and provide a warm, natural counterpoint to the glass and steel towers of Canary Wharf.
Lord Foster, of Foster + Partners, said: “Crossrail is an important investment in infrastructure that will have benefits not only in the short term, but also for future generations. The social magnets of shopping, bars, restaurant and a public garden are also part of an enlightened partnership between the public and private domains. The building is conceived to mediate between the adjoining worlds of Canary Wharf and the local community – with its different materials and the emphasis on a softer expression and warmer materials.”
Images courtesy of Nigel Young for Foster + Partners
