A3 Embankment

Embankment Esplanade
CONNECT4
Sofia Anapliotis Lu Fan Simon Thurley Emma Vandore
Urban Design: Theory to Practice

BENVGPLC Space and Place A
Contents
1.0 Executive Summary 5
Analysis 5
Ambition 5
Principles of the Regeneration 5
2.0 Teamwork 7
3.0 Background to the project 8
4.0 Analysis 10
4.1 SWOT Analysis 10
4.2 History 12
4.2 Figure Ground Plan 14
4.4 Land Use Plan 16
4.5 Perceptual Analysis 18
4.6 Fieldwork Analysis 19
4.7 Traffic Analysis 20
4.8 Visual Dimension Analysis 24
4.9 Simple Access Notation 26
4.10 Site Sections 28
5.0 Strategic Vision 30

5.1 Vision Statement 30
5.2 Masterplan 32
5.3 The Road 34
5.4 The River 36
5.5 Lighting 38
5.6 Zones 40
5.6 Phasing 46
6.0 Conclusion 49
7.0 Bibliography 50
8.0 Appendices 51
8.1 Appendix 1: Mind Maps 51
8.2 Appendix 2: Interviews 52
Regents Park
Hyde Park
Green Park Waterloo
4 | Embankment Esplanade
1.0 Executive Summary
City of London This is a regeneration framework for The Victoria Embankment created on behalf of Principles of the Regeneration
Victoria Embankment occupies a central location in the City of Professor Mathew Carmona and tutors at the Bartlett School of Planning. In their
London. work, CONNECT4 used the combined expertise of two architects, a geographer and a From our analysis we have been able to identify ten regeneration principles which
journalist. The masterplan and the principles behind it are inspired by the people of are:
the area and the best principles of Urban Design, and in particular Kevin Lynch and
0m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m Gordon Cullen. The ideas have been consulted within the community. —— To make the Victoria Embankment a people place, no longer dominated by cars.
—— To improve connections with the surrounding area and its attractions
The Victoria Embankment is a key riverside location in central London served by good —— To develop connections to and experience of the River Thames
transport links (four tube stops, one rail link) and within walking distance of major —— To facilitate north-south links including Southbank
attractions such as Westminister, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Convent Garden, The —— To build on existing qualities, such as the “magnificent buildings” and the riverside
Strand and the Southbank. Despite such strengths, it is an unloved and little used part location
of London. —— To improve amenities for workers and tourists
—— To create new attractions to keep people in the area
Our work for this area has been from the outset based on our ambition to transform —— To develop a night-time presence fitting to a 24 hour city
The Victoria Embankment into an attractive place to spend time. The report presents —— To improve lighting, especially at night
the results of our extensive analysis about why the area is not living up to its —— To use Urban Markers to improve spatial awareness and develop identity
potential. On the basis of these findings, we present a solution designed to bring life
back into the area and give the district a healthy identity of its own. These have been confirmed by consultation with users of the area. In line with
government community planning guidance and given the location at the heart
of London, CONNECT4 is now ready to present the masterplan for wider public
Analysis consultation.
Our extensive analysis reveals an area which offers plenty of opportunity due to a
superb central riverside location with some of the best views in London. Our findings
clearly point to the loud and polluting traffic as the starting point for improvement of
the area. The road splits the water from the parks and buildings, and any intervention
needs first to address the traffic problem if it is to be successful. But our analysis also
highlighted other poor connections which prevented the area developing to its full
potential.
Ambition
In recent years, the Victoria Embankment has been overshadowed by the Southbank,
which has become the cultural hub of London. It was not always so. In his 1943
London County Plan, Patrick Abercrombie remarked:
“It is one of the great anomalies of the Capital that while the river, from Westminster
eastwards, is lined on the north side with magnificent buildings and possesses a
spacious and attractive embankment road, the corresponding south bank, except
St Thomas’s Hospital and County Hall, should present a depressing. . . appearance
lacking any sense of that dignity and order appropriate to its location at the centre of
London and fronting onto the great waterway.”
Now it is the Northbank’s turn to catch up.
Embankment Esplanade | 5
2.0 Teamwork
The preparation of a successful report such as this requires positive team working.
We have found the experience of sharing our different skills sets and working
together hugely rewarding and a fantastic basis for our future careers in planning.
CONNECT4
Connecting four skill sets to bring you the best of four people, three countries,
four nations, two architects, one geographer, one journalist.
Connecting our collective experiences of living and travelling in more than 40
countries and 400 cities with what London could be.
Connecting with the workers, tourists, businesses and policy makers of London
to make Victoria Embankment work better.
Re-connecting Victoria Embankment to the rest of London, re-connecting Lon-
doners to the Victoria Embankment.
With our vision, connecting with you.
3.0 Background to the project
The proposal for the existing Victoria Embankment project was conceived in 1865
and was completed in 1870. The original motivation for the project was the need to
provide London with a modern sewage system, coupled with the additional benefits
that could be accrued from the addition of a new road. The area stretches from
Blackfriars in the east to Westminster in the west and encompasses some of London’s
most historic landmarks such as Westminster, Somerset House and the Savoy Hotel
over two kilometres.
The Victoria Embankment holds key transportation hubs, notably Charing Cross and
Embankment stations, as well as significant green spaces such as Temple Gardens and
Embankment Gardens. The A3211 which runs the length of the Embankment is one
of the most important roads in Central London for transporting traffic from the City in
the East to the A4 in the West.
There is a mix of land uses across the masterplan area, including substantial
commercial and office uses around Charing Cross, governmental uses towards
Westminster and a large concentration of legal firms around Temple.
Site area
4.0 Analysis
4.1 SWOT Analysis
The following section lays out the main strengths, weakness, opportunities and
threats of the area based on extensive fieldwork. We examined the current and
historical uses (including traffic patterns) and the grain of the building to produce
a perceptual analysis of how they area works (and doesn‘t work). We conducted
detailed analyses of the key zone around Embankment station node to understand
how this area could be improved for users. Interviews with locals revealed that spatial
awareness of how the area connects to the rest of North London is low. Few people
know about the winding and sometimes obstructed links to The Strand and to Fleet
Street. The roads connecting with Whitehall are little used by both pedestrians and
motor vehicles. Along the Embankment itself, the road has severed the river from the
rest of the area. Even buildings that are physically rooted to the Embankment, such as
Somerset House, turn their back on the road.
Based on this research we made the following assessment:
1. Strengths:
1.1 Unencumbered riverside access with fantastic views
1.2 Central location with great transport links
1.3 Proximity to key attractions such as Westminster, Trafalgar Square, South
Bank
2. Weaknesses:
2.1 Heavy (in waves) and fast-moving traffic
2.2 Poor connections to surrounding area
2.3 Lack of identity
3. Opportunities:
3.1 Riverside development potential, including fantastic location opposite the
London Eye
3.2 Surrounded by dynamic districts (Soho, Southbank) whose vitality can be
tapped into
3.3 Commercial development potential around Embankment station
4. Threats:
4.1 Long term ambitions depend on public acceptance of traffic calming
measures
4.2 If not coordinated with neighbouring areas and considered in the wider
context of central London, the strategic vision risks clashing with other
objectives
4.3 Failure to identify funding
1 Strengths 2 Weaknesses
3 Opportunities 4 Threats
4.2 History
The Embankment was built in 1870 to gain extra land,
modernize the sewerage system and relieve congestion
from the Strand, Fleet Street and the London Underground.
Commissioned by the Metropolitan Board of Works, it was
reportedly the largest engineering scheme of that time. It has
been home to Cleopatra’s Needle (1475BC) since 1819.
1. Map 01: 1720

1.1 Intermittent access to the River Thames from
Scotland Yard.
1.2 River bank between the site of Somerset (original
dates from 1547) to Temple directly adjacent to
water.
1.3 The Strand and Aldwych visible.
2. Map 02: 1827

2.1 River bank has become more built up.
2.2 Somerset House in its current configuration appears.
2.3 Temple in its current configuration appears.
2.4 The Strand and Aldwych visible, street pattern
remains.
2.5 Plot sizes consistent – little change.
3. Map 03: 1916

3.1 Larger infrastructure appears; roads, stations, train
lines and bridges.
3.2 Embankment in its current configuration appears.
3.3 Some consolidation of plots into larger block sizes.
Map 01: London 1720
Map 02: London 1827 Map 03: London 1916
4.2 Figure Ground Map
1. There is a large difference between availability of open space between the main
building line and the river on the north bank compared to the south bank. The
South is built much closer to the river thus giving rise to more enclosed spaces
2. Accordingly there is a significant difference in building grain between the North
and South banks.
3. The change in urban grain west of Embankment encompassing Whitehall
comprises much larger building blocks. Therefore reduced permeability of
pedestrian traffic can be seen resulting in poor legibility and a poorer quality of
urban environment.
4. There are a significant number of large urban public spaces such as Trafalgar
square, Leicester Square, Piccadilly, St Pauls, Parliament Square, and Covent
Garden in close proximity to the Victoria Embankment.
5. The largest amount of open space between the building line and the river on the
North bank is Embankment gardens. Thus there is the possibility to maximise this
space for enhancing its uses.
Key routes and corridors branching into the key nodes of

Charing Cross and Embankment and
Victoria Embankment.
1. Rich fine grain of urban fabric allows percolation of

pedestrians through the area into Embankment and
Charing Cross.
2. Poor percolation due to large urban blocks.
Figure Ground Map
Legend
4.4 Land Use Plan
1. Mix of commercial, institutional (government offices, educational) with an even Government
distribution of hotels and some residential.
2. Large scale government buildings are concentrated to the south and connect with Hotel
St James Park.
3. Tourist route and nodal point weaves through important public buildings. Commercial
4. Historic villas have been adapted to other uses, i.e. Somerset House is used as a
cultural facility. Transport
5. Commercial premises dominate the remaining site area with strip retail located
along the Strand and Fleet Street. Institutional
6. Combination of retail ground floor premises and upper office space occupy the
Strand and Fleet Street. Two areas with vacant office space are evident, a small Public services
area south of Trafalgar square and a larger area along Fleet Street to the east with
empty retail space increasing at the eastern end. Law
7. Between Charing Cross Station and Somerset House, the smaller plot sizes
accommodate offices, retail and some residential becoming more commercial Church
with larger plot sizes towards Blackfriars Station.
8. Temple creates an island within a tightly woven building fabric; island character Bars
more visible at the Victoria Embankment.
9. Courtyard typology with pedestrian access allows for densification of the block. Residential
10. Public and private open space with restricted access.
11. Concentration of food and beverage places feed off Villiers Street, connecting Clubs/ Organisations
Trafalgar Square/Covent Garden area with Charing Cross Station and Embankment
Tube. Cultural
Disused
Land Use Plan Scale 1:7500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m
Major Element
4.5 Perceptual Analysis Path
Visual Form Edge
1. Major nodes at Trafalgar Square (pedestrian, traffic), Node

Embankment tube (pedestrian), Blackfriars (traffic); Minor
nodes at Charing Cross (pedestrian), Westminster (tourist, Landmark
traffic), and on The Strand where people turn off for
Waterloo bridge (pedestrian, traffic).
2. Surrounded by landmarks, but after Westminster only District
minor ones along water edge (potential to improve
awareness of Cleopatra’s needle).
3. Surrounded by well-known districts (Southbank, The
City, Soho) and less distinct districts (Theatre district, Minor Element
government). Area itself lacks identity.
4. Area crossed by several important north-south and east- Path
west paths but little movement on minor paths.
Edge
Node
Landmark
District
Visual Form Analysis
.
Problems with the Victoria Embankment
1. Noise pollution along the river, particularly at Embankment Little used connection
tube and Blackfriars
2. Many little used connections with the Embankment to
surrounding area. Along the riverside, heavy traffic severs Lack of connection
connections from one side of the road to the other.
3. Inns of Court area isolated from surroundings.
4. Buildings turn their backs on the area to expose their less Isolation
attractive rear ends.
5. The area above Embankment tube is chaotic and Chaotic and characterless district
characterless.
6. The Esplanade has a poor visual connection to the north Characterless path
side of waterfront.
Lack of relation
Point of confusion
Noise pollution
Poor connection to waterfront
Ugly rear end of building

Problems with the Victoria Embankment
Tourist area
4.6 Fieldwork Analysis
Full of life
Mind Maps
1. Area bounded by three zones: a tourist area which neglects Closed to outsiders
the riverside; an area of activity (life); Inns of court area
closed to outsiders but distinct in the mind of users. University
2. Area marked by bridges, even if most users confuse them
and do not remember all. Node
3. Markers mostly located outside zone (Tate Modern, London
Eye, Trafalgar Square). Tube station
4. Few users had good spatial awareness of the rest of The
Embankment outside the small part of it they frequent. The Savoy
To move along the east-west connection most users take Shops
The Strand rather than the riverside path, and connections Monuments
between the two are poor.
Bar or cafe
Fieldwork analysis based on mind maps

.
Interviews
1. Riverside marred by noise and traffic pollution which severs Area of opportunity - commercial slopes
link from one side of the road to the other. horizontal, tourism slopes right to left
2. Very low awareness of parks. Embankment park Areas of energy
appreciated by those who know it, but many pass by
without entering. Confusing poorly defined area
3. Wonderful views. Connect Esplanade to south of the river. Hidden treasures
4. Confusing connections to the north (The Strand, Fleet
Street). Affection for history
5. Attention and activity centres on Embankment tube and Important building
Villiers Street. Back end of building
6. Area decorated by grand buildings, but graced by their rear
ends. Good connection
7. Those who know or dare enter the Inns of Court are Confusing, bad connection
charmed by the many hidden treasures (churches, parks).
8. Users note potential for riverside development (corporate Node
functions and office parties drift across the river to Key views
Southbank, office workers in Whitehall prefer to lunch in St Important pedestrian route
James Park rather than the noisy river edge, main tourist Barrier to mevement/noise pollution
route neglects river, bashful profile of Cleopatra’s needle, Riverside area with development potential
poor quality retail). Poor connection between cultural institutions
9. Users also say cultural links from National gallery to Tate
Modern via Somerset House could be better exploited. Closed to outsiders
Victoria Embankment as seen through interviews 0m 100m 400m
4.7 Traffic Analysis
Vehicular
1. Traffic is always heavy along the Victoria Embankment at all times of the day,
particularly moving from East to West.
2. Traffic generally flows from Blackfriars in the East along to Westminster in the
West where the majority of traffic flow then heads along to Parliament Square
and continues towards Victoria and North West London.
3. There are notable differences between weekday traffic flows and weekend traffic
flows. Most prominently along Fleet Street which experiences highly decreased
flows at the weekend; the area is almost deserted at times.
4. It is clear that the Strand is an important route for lateral movement of traffic
from East to West as well. It could almost be viewed in parallel to Victoria
Embankment as it to experiences very high volumes at peak hours.
5. There is little movement between Victoria Embankment and the surrounding
routes which connect to it; this is with the exception of Northumbland Avenue
which experiences high volumes especially around peak hours with traffic heading
towards Piccadilly.
Legend
High intensity
Medium Intensity
Wednesday lunchtime Scale 1:7500

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m
0m 100m 400m
Low intensity
Thursday evening Scale 1:7500 Sunday lunchtime Scale 1:7500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m
Pedestrian
There are two predominant types of pedestian movement: work related and tourist .
1. Work flows generally to and from public transport. Legend

2. Parks are used as route to work were convenient and as an alternative to the
Victoria Embankment. High intensity
3. Tourist flows generally to and from major attractions: Big Ben/Houses of
Parliament, Changing of the Guard, Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and
Southbank.
4. Main flows vary considerably with day of the week and time of day.
5. Concentration of tourist movement around the Houses of Parliament moving
predominantly towards the Southbank and less so towards St Jame’s Park.
6. Tourist trail continues south and north towards Trafalgar Square.
7. Pedestrain flows are strong along the Strand and dissipate towards Fleet Street. Medium Intensity
8. Access along the riverside is limited with tourists coming to see monuments and
look at London’s skyline/the Southbank with the occassional person making use of
public seating and of course joggers.
9. Access between the Victoria Embankment and Whitehall/the Strand/Fleet Street
is limited to a few areas of greater concentration generally in relation to bridges,
public transport and retail: Bridge Street (Westminster Bridge), Northumberland
Avenue (Hungerford Bridge), Villiers Street (Embankment Tube and Hungerford
Bridge), Lancaster Place (Waterloo Bridge) and New Bridge Street (Blackfriars Low intensity
Bridge).
10. Many existing pedestrian routes between the Victoria Embankment and
Whitehall/the Strand/Fleet Street.
Saturday evening Sunday lunchtime 0m 100m 200m 300m 400m
Scale 1:7500 Scale 1:7500
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m
4.8 Visual Dimension Analysis
1. Villiers Street is a key link for pedestrians between The Strand and Victoria
Embankment. On one side, there are several 3-5 story buildings and on the other
side a building of 10 stories. The strong scale contrast breaks down the traditional
grain of this urban area. 1 7
2. The texture detail of the facades at the lower reaches of the building has a rich
visual appeal. The frontage of the building for Charing Cross Station lacks a sense
of ‘human presence.’
3. The entrance of the Victoria Embankment Garden has a strong sense of place with
natural connection with the Villiers Street.
4. Underused space like the Arches Shopping and underneath the railway bridge
near Embankment Place could be developed, strengthening connections
between east to west. Additionally, the connection point for The Villiers Street,
Embankment Station and Victoria Embankment Garden is vital for the legibility of
the area, and needs to be reorganized and improved. 2 8
3 9
4 10
5 11
6 12
Point of photo
Panorama
View (to specific object/landmark)
Glimpse
Sequential views
Building level
Rhythm
Transparency
Skyline interest
Landmark (main landmark, local landmark, major

building
Connected/ linked space
Area defined by noise (ff) or quiet (pp)
Texture (interesting wall or street surface)
Trees of townscape significance
River
Area of special sense of place
Edge (physical/ visual boundary)
Significant building line
Slope/ gradient
Nodal point/ place of connection
Visual Dimension Plan at Embankment
4.9 Simple Access Notation
1. Traffic dominates the senses wherever you are when located down on the
Embankment. Noise pollution is a large issue especially at the road intersections
between Embankment and other arterial roads such as those that lead to
Piccadilly, Victoria and The City.
2. There are significant barriers to movement across the road to the river along the
whole length of Embankment in the form of traffic and physical constructions
such as railings.
3. A lot of the connections between the Strand and the river are very poorly
defined; a lot of the alleys are hidden and are then met by fences once they
reach Embankment Gardens. This is especially prevalent along the back of the
park where navigation and legibility is very unclear. This sometimes results in
pedestrians having to traverse the length of the park just to exit from the road.
4. The river walk feels very unsafe at night due to the lack of activity. There is poor
lighting in some places such as under the bridges, all parks are locked at night and
the presence of homeless is widespread particularly around Embankment station. Physical barriers to movement across the road Built form between the building line and the river is dominated by vehicular traffic
5. Villiers St experiences significant conflict between pedestrians and car and
whilst it is still the liveliest connection we have to the Embankment from the
surrounding area there are still blank facades which don’t engage with people
moving through the area.
6. The area is bland in regards to public street furniture; poor availability and quality
of seating as well as unimaginative lighting strategies.
7. Coach parking dominates certain points of Victoria Embankment blocking sight
lines to the South Bank and making the area feel much more congested.
Unsafe and poorly lit connections to the Strand Poorly defined frontages connecting to Embankment gardens. Dangerous spaces at night.
Access only at certain times of the day. Not suitable for all users such as the disabled or Very poor routes which connect the hinterland with the Victoria Embankment. Not well lit, well
handicapped. Spiked barriers don’t promote the idea that people are welcome. used or legible as attractive pathways for movement.
MPLE
MPLE ACCESS
ACCESS
SIMPLE NOTATION
NOTATION
ACCESS NOTATION
DHD ?? ?
HH D Dangerous Pedestrian/
Dangerous Dangerous Pedestrian/
Traffic conflict
Pedestrian/
Corner Traffic conflict Traffic conflict
Corner Corner
CCTV Dead end
CCTV CCTV Dead end Dead end
Steps
Steps Steps Seating
PP
Seating Seating
P EF
Obstacle
Obstacle
AF
Obstacle
AF AF
T T EF T EF Crowds Dark area
Crowds Crowds Dark area Dark area
MM M ? ? ?
Pedestrian crossing Poor legibility
Pedestrian crossing Pedestrian 5 crossing
Poor legibility Poor legibility
safety. 5 5
safety. safety.
Score 1: Poor --> 5:
4 Score 1: Poor --> 5: Score 1: Poor -->Cafe/
5: restaurant
4 4 Excellent
Excellent Excellent Cafe/ restaurant Cafe/ restaurant
5 Congestion Lighting. Score

5 5 Congestion CongestionLighting. Score
1:Poor --> 5: 5
Lighting.
5 Score
1 1:Poor --> 5: 1:Poor --> 5:
1 1 Nightime Excellent
Nightime Excellent Excellent
CC
Nightime
C
safety factor. 5
safety factor. safety factor. Active5
AFAF
5
Score 1:Poor
Score 1:Poor
--> 5: Excellent
--> 5: Excellent
Active
Score 1:Poor
--> 5: Excellent
frontages
frontages
Active
frontages AF
3
AFAF
3
EF EF
3
B AF
Empty
K FF
Slope
EF
B B
Empty Empty
K
Slope
F
Slope frontages
FF
frontages frontages
F TT
Railing
T TTube station T
Railing Railing
2
2
2 No shelter
No shelter No shelter
Tube station
Tube station T
Bus stop B
Bus stop B Bus stop B
Fast traffic
Fast traffic F FFast traffic F
AFAF
4
Coach parking C C Coach parking
4
AF
4
3
Coach parking
CParking P PParking
Parking P
Homeless H
3 3 3
Homeless H
3
Homeless H
3
CC KCK KH H H
3
3
3 Kerb barrier K K Kerb barrier K
Kerb barrier
Monument M M Monument M
Monument
?? ? Dangerous alley D D
Dangerous alley
Dangerous alley D
Noise Polluton
Noise Polluton Noise Polluton
CC C MM M Cycle/
Cycle/
Pedestrian
Pedestrian
Cycle/
FF
Pedestrian
Conflict
F Conflict Conflict
Access Notation Plan at Embankment
4.10 Site Sections
1. The spatial change from the hinterland to the river bank is monotonous, with
building mass, road and the rigid lines of the river Thames.
2. The high barrier limits the connection of the water with the hinterland, restricting
views of the south bank and preventing close contact with the Thames.
3. The road occupies a lot of space.
+36m
0.0m
Pedestrian path
Ministry of Defence 6 lane road River Thames Southbank
Section through Westminster
+16m
Victoria Embankment Garden 6 lane road River Thames Beach Southbank
Section through Embankment Gardens
+20m
0.0m
Pedestrian path
Somerset House 6 lane road River Thames Beach Southbank
Section through Somerset House
5.0 Strategic Vision
5.1 Vision Statement
Our vision for the Victoria Embankment is to release life back into the area by re-
establishing old links and creating new ones. But encouraging people to come to
the area is not enough. We wish to transform the Victoria Embankment into a place
where people aspire to spend time.
The area needs to establish its own unique identity, distinct from the Southbank. To
symbolize the rebirth of the area, CONNECT4 envisage dropping the old-fashioned
Victoria from the commonly referenced title to rebrand the area The Embankment.
While the area has three distinct zones, which have their own distinct purposes,
they are all connected by the river. Our intervention would first focus on creating an
identity for the area by linking the zones with a visually appealing urban walkway: the
Embankment Esplanade. A second stage of development would involve building on
the identities of each zone.
Inspired by the Toronto waterfront the modern waves of the envisaged Embankment
Esplanade boardwalk embody the fun (daytime) and funky (nighttime) identity of the
area.
There has been activity north of the river for much longer than the south. This
means it has better amenities and transport links as well as a reputation for being
more industrious than its poorer southern half. We want to build on this identity
by creating a dynamic zone that will be buzzing with people 24/7. Starting with the
creation of a spherical nightclub opposite the London Eye, evening activities would
be drawn along the river by a waterside café-bar culture. Good lighting and attractive
street furniture plus all-night licensing would encourage a safe but dynamic nightlife,
with no fear of upsetting the neighbours (the government, office and legal buildings
are mostly vacant at night).
In the daytime, small-scale designer retail would be encouraged around Embankment

tube where an enlarged square could serve as a market. The extension of Somerset
House would build on cultural connections with the Tate Modern and the National
Gallery. A floating swimming pool opposite Temple tube would be a great draw in
summer and in winter, when it becomes an ice-skating rink.
Key linkages to surrounding context
Important area
Inns of Court
Embankment central
Westminster
Sommerset House/ Blackfriars island
Sphere
Embankment garden
Main traffic connection
Main pedestrian connection
Water connection
The Embankment Masterplan 0m 100m 200m 300m 400m
5.2 Masterplan
Traffic calming (Port de l’Hotel de Ville, Paris) River edge redevelopment Floating Sphere nightclub
Temple Steps (Port de Solferino, Musee d’Orsay) Embankment Gardens Westminster Gardens
Legend
1. Phased traffic calming to Victoria Embankment.
2. Improved river edge incorporating pedestrian and cycle

paths, recreational activities, existing piers and monuments
and discreet buildings including kiosks, amenities and tourist
15 facilities.
3. Upgrade Victoria Embankment to Embankment Central

including tube station redevelopment and consolidate access
16 below Hungerford Bridge.
9 8 4.Somerset House forecourt including flexible ‘Y Layer’

6 incorporating temporary events such as exhibitions and cafe
7
14 5. Floating Sphere nightclub with intelligent facade system.
Operates as cafe/bar with changeable skin from transparent to
4 opaque including programmable graphics.
1 6. Cafe/bar above Temple tube with connecting path to raised

external terrace along rivers edge with kiosk/amenities below.
13 10 Temple Steps provide elevated views of London’s skyline with
seating for temporary cinema screenings.
2
7. Swimming pools used throughout the year, incorporating
temporary enclosure for colder seasons and amenities.
3
8. Striking contemporary crossing structure as landmark
provides pedestrian access to Blackfriars redevelopment.
Parks 1-3 will have a unified language (street funiture, paving,

lighting and signage), each accomodating a different function,
planting and features.
11 9. Park 01 Temple Steps Garden. Improved access and seating
to adjoining buildings/area.
12 10. Park 02 Embankment Gardens. Improved access to
adjoining buildings/area and the waterfront. Temporary market
area, new civic space incorporating the existing York Water
Gate monument formalises existing bandstand area. Amenities
are consolidated in a new building south of the bandstand
5 including cafes withoutdoor seating.
11. Park 03 Westminster Gardens. Recreational facilities such

as ping pong tables, free wifi connection, and water feature
with new seating.
12-15 Improved pedestrian access including consistant street

furniture, paving, lighting and wayfinding signage.
16. Public urban forest introduces new microclimate,

greenhouses and educational facilities.
The Embankment Masterplan 0m 100m 200m 300m 400m
5.3 The Road
CONNECT4 propose a series of traffic calming measures, including narrowing the road Pedestrian zones 3
from six to four to (eventually) two lanes, and outlawing lorries and coach parking.
The Westminster to Embankment section should be closed at weekends and at night. Major traffic routes
We encourage closure of the whole strip on Sundays for festivals and other public
activities. Whilst CONNECT4 thinks the future of The Embankment could eventually Minor traffic routes
be pedestrian, we believe this would be too radical a first step. Initially, we would
therefore designate seven clearly-marked crossing areas where pedestrians have Cycle routes
priority. Inspired by the Dutch Home Zone customs, we propose removing the kerbs
separating the road from the pavement, similar to Whitehall, forcing motorists to Pedestrian crossing
accept a shared space with pedestrians. Traffic islands and railings should also be
removed. While we support eventually reducing speed to 20 mph along the whole
stretch of the river, we do not believe it appropriate for a busy thoroughfare to adapt
the entire Home Zone concept and require vehicles to give way to pedestrians. At
Blackfriars, we propose removing the outer two lanes connecting to Blackfriars Road
and New Bridge Street. A cycle track would be laid in the space freed up from traffic
by the Embankment Esplanade.
Scale 1:7500
Vehicular access 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m
Blackfriars traffic diversion - Traffic travelling along the Embankment would no longer be
allowed to exit at the west side of Blackfriars station instead in order to exit they would use
the underpass and exit on the east side of the station along Puddle Dock. This allows additional
space for pedestrian uses where traffic used to dominate.
Mixed road surface, with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists.
Scale 1:7500
Road closure 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m
Weekend Closure - Traffic would be rediverted at Embankment Station down Whitehall Place
where traffic would then continue west along Whitehall.
Example of how Victoria Embankment may look under road closures during festival events
which would be expected to occur much more regularly than at present.
1
1 Pedestrian crossing and traffic calming
2 Lively connections and urban spaces (Block Place, Melbourne)
4
3 Landmark pedestrian crossing
Improved pedestrian access and cycle connections 4 Water taxi connections between North and South banks.
0m 100m 200m 300m 400m Scale 1:7500

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 m
5.4 The River
Rather than being ignored the river Thames should be celebrated. Once the motor
vehicle stops dominating the road, the area will naturally start to reconnect with the
river. The next step is the creation of Embankment Esplanade, the funkiest boardwalk
in Europe. At high tide, parts of the lower loops will be covered by water creating an
exciting new connection with the river and temporal variety. Establishing a system
of water taxis with stops at the many piers along the section would give people a
reason to come down to the river and provide visual variety at night. Cafes, bars
and restaurants should be encouraged to cluster around Embankment station and
eventually be drawn out along the river.
The connection of Embankment Esplanade to the other side of the road should be
encouraged by removing the railings on the public parks and pruning to allow for
river views. Pedestrian links from The Strand and Fleet Street should be improved by
better lighting and signage, combined with appropriate street furniture and foliage.
The ancient link between Somerset House and the river should be re-established (see
below).
Temple Tube, Steps and Park
CGI illustration of wavedeck structure Toronto Waterfront, West 8).
Embankment Gardens and Somerset House
Reconecting people with the river frontage (Toronto Waterfront, West 8). Bringing life back to the Victoria Embankment
Re-designing new functional spaces for recreation and enjoyment. Example of how new wavedeck might engage with the riverfront and the river itself.
5.5 Lighting
Lighting will be crucial to the establishment of a 24/7 culture. The area must be
well-lit with modern and exciting street furniture. Particular care should be taken
to light up the gloomy and closed-off nature of the Inns of Court. We propose a
sophisticating system of lighting to enhance the “magnificent buildings” currently
hiding behind trees and bridges, which though plain in daylight can be magical at
night. Complemented by the London Eye and innovative lighting on the Southbank,
London would then rival Paris for the title of “City of Light”.
Example of wavedeck lighting. Attractively lit cities create excitement and awe.
Overhead lighting in public spaces would capture the eye and create a sense of enclosure. Floor lighting design such as this could be used along pedestrianised routes through the newly
developed Embankment area.
Overhead lighting as used in Melbourne could be strung across the road along the Creatively lit buildings can establish character, and mood in an area. We would use lighting to
Embankment. Particularly at the Westminster zone where pedestrian use is expected to promote the historic beauty of the buildings which reside on the North bank.
increase heavily with road closures.
Lighting Plan 0m 100m 200m 300m 400m
5.6 Zones
The Embankment is composed of three complementary, but distinct entities that we
will call Westminster, Embankment Central, and The Inns of Court.
Westminster is both a tourist and government hub. The CONNECT4 vision would
transform the area by making the Westminster to Embankment strip the hub of
The Embankment’s new nighttime identity. To take advantage of what is possibly
the best view in London, we propose the construction of a circular glass-fronted
nightclub in front of the London Eye, floating on the river. Like the Palladium
nightclub in Acapulco, clubbers would be able to enjoy the view whilst dancing. Steps
on either side on Sphere, as the nightclub could be known, would connect it with
the Embankment, where an exclusive restaurant bar would be sited to give people
a meeting point before a night of clubbing, or just a place to watch the activities
below. The bar would also be circular, in keeping with the spirit of the London Eye.
This smaller venue could be hired for executive functions, and on club nights would
function as the VIP entrance. It could draw clientele from The City during the week,
from where a regular water taxi service could be established. For the safety of
clubbers, and to encourage the area to breathe at night, we would close the road to
traffic at weekends and from 8 pm to 6 am.
In the daytime, tourists visiting Big Ben and Westminister could be wooed to the area 2
by an open air exhibition along the waterfront stretch between Westminister and
Sphere as the Quai Branly in Paris does with its annual photo exhibition Photo Quai. 1
1.Westminster ‘Sphere’ nightclub
2. Westminster Park wifi recreational area with water feature
3. Tourist facilities
The ‘Sphere’ would take inspiration from existing structures
such as in Toronto. A clear dome with activity inside.
Westminster Park recreational facilities 2 Example of how the ‘Sphere’ could be lit at night
Conceptual drawing of the location and dimensions of the ‘Sphere’ Park life
Westminster Millennium Pier Cafe

Embankment Central is a busy commuter zone thanks to Charing Cross station
and Embankment tube. Villiers Street is a busy connection from Trafalgar Square
and The Strand. CONNECT4 propose making the street a pedestrian zone, and re-
designing Embankment station to encourage better access to the river. Currently
an ugly shed, the current entrance would be stripped away to create views to the
river. The square where Evening Standard vendors and florists currently trade would
be enlarged into Embankment Gardens to create a hub which could also serve as a
market, surrounded by cafes and bars. The entrance to the tube would be transferred
under the railway bridge, filling in an ugly and threatening area, and an underground
connection between Charing Cross and Embankment tube would be established.
Access to the pedestrian walkway across Hungerford Bridge would be improved.
Connections from The Embankment to The Strand and Fleet Street would be
strengthened by improving awareness of the myriad of small connecting streets. This
could be done through a mixture of high-quality design signage, street lighting and
paving whose commonalities would invite not only “visual delight” but connections.
In a later stage, the mound in the park would be removed and access improved to the
buildings and roads behind.
Encouraging the formation of a market in the new civic space. Integrated paving as used in High Line Park NY to create an interesting urban landscape in the
new civic space around Embankment tube station.
Cafes would be encourged to congregate in the newly pedestrianised Villiers street and in the Embankment tube redevelopment
surrounding area designated as pedestrian focused spaces.
1. With the removal of the barriers that seperate Villiers Street from the park, and
the repositioning of Embankment station underneath the railway bridge, we would
open up a new civic square at the end of the street connecting the river with one of
the busiest streets in the study area. We envisage this new square becoming a vibrant
hub of activity for both tourists and Londoners alike, most notably through the
encouragement of attractions such as a market.
2. At the rear of the park we would remove the ugly mound which seperates the
park from the buildings at the rear creating a negative space as shown in the simple
notational analysis. This would firstly open up the park to those buildings which
surround it, as well as reconnecting the space with the paths which lead down to it
from the Strand. The edges of the park would be landscaped as shown to blur the
definition between hard and soft surfaces.
3. We would expect the pedestrianisation of Villiers street to encourage a much more

engaging route with open, active frontages comprising a multitude of uses such as
cafes. Throughout the phasing period further pedestrianisation and encouragement
of mixed uses on the streets adjacent to Villiers street and surrounding the park
would hopefully result in similar environments being created across the whole area.
Life would return to an area which has great potential in regards to its urban grain.
2
4. As shown in the townscape analysis Embankment station is a major obstruction
for views from the Strand to the river and Victoria Embankment. By relocating the
station underneath the existing railway bridge we activate the dead space which is
dangerous at night underneath the bridge as well as opening up the visual connection
1 to the water.
3
Embankment Central
Victoria Embankment Garden
2 lane road
Cycle path Pedestrian path River Thames Beach Southbank
Section through Embankment Gardens and Embankment Esplanade
Inns of Court for the purposes of this scheme includes the area from Somerset House
to Blackfriars. CONNECT4 propose creating an extension to Somerset House by the
river, an innovative structure we are calling a ‘Y-Layer.’ From street level, visitors
can choose to climb up or down to two platforms with great views across to the
Southbank. Hanging under the top level is a weather-proof temporary exhibition
space. To encourage continuity with the old building, the Embankment entrance to
Somerset House would be maintained, and a café-bar installed on ground level.
The derelict building next to Somerset House could be transformed into an urban
forest that would be the most magical place in London at Christmas time when
the trees would be lit up. In front of Temple tube station, a floating swimming pool
inspired by the Copenhagen Harbour open air pool. In the winter, it would serve as an
ice-skating rink, further enhancing the option of evening activities.
The terrace of Temple tube would be transformed into a café-bar, and connected to
the new rivers edge by three walkways inspired by the Yitzhak Rabin park in Paris.
They connect with a new terrace on Embankment Esplanade that steps down to the
water like the plans for the Port de Solferino in Paris.
Sketch drawing of the ‘Y’ layer we envisage sitting opposite Somerset House on the river with a Temporary exhibition spaces would be interactive, and provide ample opportunities for
The Inns of Court would be encouraged (possibly with fiscal incentives) to open temporary exhibition space underneath. enjoying the incredible views that the area provides.
its doors to the public in exchange for better lighting. Traffic flows on the two
roads leading off the river at Blackfriars that CONNECT4 is removing could be
accommodated by Temple Avenue and Puddle Dock. The liberated space would be
turned into a new green space, and facilitate pedestrian access to the river as well
as to the newly redeveloped Blackfriars station. In this area we are relinking the
hinterland with the river, as the connection has long been lost and for the majority of
the day the area lays deserted.
A river swimming pool structure similar to the example in Copenhagen would be used to Maximising existing structures such as the balcony at Temple tube station we would have steps
further promote the relationship between the river and the Embankment that we are trying to extending down to the river level.
establish in the Inns of Court area.
1 The ‘Y’ layer structure would provide both an urban viewing platform;
maximising on the location of Somerset House at the bend in the
river, and a temporary exhibition space underneath the platform. The
exhibition space would attempt to turn the focus of Somerset House
from its main enterance on Strand to the riverside.
2 Drawing on similar temporary exhibition spaces such as the

Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens it would form a new exciting
public space, reflecting the cultural and artistic context of its location
next to Somerset House.
3 Continuing with our vision of reconnecting the area with the river
we propose the establishment of a riverside swimming pool. This could
either be a permanent structure or seasonally used, for example as a
swimming pool in the summer months and an ice rink in the winter.
The area adjacent to the Inns of Court has long been an area devoid of
atmosphere and thus facilities such as this would connect with activity
alongside Somerset House to give the area character.
3
4 4 ‘Temple Steps’ would provide a connection between Temple station
balcony and the river. It would be a very simple intervention which
would maximise the opportunities offered by the existing structure. The
establishment of a cafe or similar function on the rooftop would provide
a service for users of the Embankment Esplanade.
2
Inns of Court
Victoria Embankment Garden
2 lane road
Pedestrian path Y Layer River Thames Beach Southbank
Section through Somerset House Forecourt and Embankment Esplanade
5.6 Phasing
CONNECT4 believes in connecting with people. Therefore the first step of our project
would involve presenting our ideas to the public. This would take the form of a
press conference to introduce the rebranded Embankment and the Embankment 1. Stage 1 (1-3 years)
Esplanade. It would be followed by a series of public meetings. A website would be
set up and people would be invited to send their comments on the proposals. We 2. Stage 2 (3-5 years)
would also create an interactive site where people can submit their own proposals for
how they would improve the area. 3. Stage 3 (5-10 years)
While making it clear like Paris has done that the proposed riverside development is
not fixed and will be subject to public consultation, we would propose the following 4. Final stage (15 years and beyond)
regeneration timetable upon final adoption of the masterplan.
Stage 1 (1-3 years)

Traffic calming and the creation of Embankment Esplanade
Traffic calming measures would be proposed in several phases, allowing motorists
to adapt their routes as they have learnt to in Copenhagen and as the congestion
charging scheme develops. In this first stage, the road would be flattened and
reduced to four lanes. Lorries and coach parking would be forbidden. Six pedestrian
crossing places, where traffic will have to give way, will be established. A clearly
marked cycle path will be lain in the space liberated from traffic next to the
esplanade. In contrast to the flatness of the road, the Embankment Esplanade will
be curvy at the edges. While still pleasant to walk along, the waves will undulate
in increasing intensity towards the water edge. Existing jetties will be kept and
modernised as stopping points for the water taxis. Links to The Embankment would
be improved by pedestrianizing Villiers Street and Horseguards Avenue. The entrance
to Embankment tube is moved. Work can begin on the extension of the public square
by Embankment Gardens.
Stage 2 (3-5 years)

Construction of attractions, further traffic calming
Once the esplanade has been constructed, work can begin on the attractions,
starting with the iconic Sphere nightclub. The 24/7 identity starts to emerge, and the
area from Westminster to Embankment would be closed to traffic at night and at
weekends. This stage also involves the construction of the Somerset House extension,
the urban forest, the outdoor pool and the Temple steps. The road is reduced from
four to two lanes and speed reduced to 20 miles per hour.
Stage 3 (5-10 years)

Possibilities for enhancement of new developments
Redevelopment of Embankment Gardens. A water feature in front of the structure
that once sat on the waterfront would symbolise the resurrection of ancient ties to
the Thames.
New pedestrian bridge linking London Eye with the Sphere nightclub.
A review of Charing Cross and Embankment tubes with a view to possibly combining
them into a new redesigned station.
Encouragement of mixed use development around Inns of Court.
Final stage (15 years and beyond)

Full pedestrianisation, Removal of railway bridge?
A final stage could be the full pedestrianisation of the space. If traffic flows evolved to
a level to support such a move, new attractions would be required to take advantage
of the new space. Again, Toronto provides inspiration for possible activities, including
an enlarged bandstand/outdoor concert arena, ecological zone, outdoor exhibitions
etc.
Extension of the market under the along the Hungerford Rail Bridge, inspired by the
Galata bridge in Istanbul where fish restaurants and fishermen cluster on a separate
level below the road bridge.
1 2
6.0 Conclusion
The Embankment is like an umbilical cord linking east to west and north to south.
By improving connections and creating a new identity around the Embankment
Esplanade, CONNECT4’s proposals will bring new life to both the area and the whole
of London. Traffic calming measure will let the city breathe. The new 24/7 identity of
The Embankment will harness the energy of the theatre district and Soho, with the
Sphere nightclub a showcase for a young and dynamic city.
7.0 Bibliography
Books
Alexander C, “A City is Not a Tree” Architectural Forum, Vol.122, No.1, April 1965 http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/explore_projects2/central_waterfront/simcoe_wavedeck
Ackroyd Peter, (2001) London The Biography, London Vintage http://www.paris.fr, particularly http://bergesdeseine.paris.fr/
Barton H, Grant M & Guise R (2003), Shaping Neighbourhoods, A Guide for Health, Sustainability and
Vitality, Spon Press Public participation in waterfront design
Carmona M, Tiesdell S, Heath T and Oc T (2010) Public Places – Urban Spaces, The Dimensions of http://vdpberges.demo.artefacto.fr/
Urban Design (Second Edition), Oxford, Architectural Press
Cullen G, The Concise Townscape, Butterworth Architecture, 1971 Parks
Frey H, Designing the City, Towards a More Sustainable Urban Form, E & FN Spon, 1999 http://www.paris-walking-tours.com/parcdebercy.html
Gehl J & Gemzoe L, New City Spaces, Copenhagen, The Danish Architectural Press, 2000
HRH Prince of Wales, A Vision of Britain: A Personal View of Architecture, Doubleday, 1988
Holzer C (2008) Riverscapes: Designing Urban Embankments, Basel Birkhauser
Jacobs J, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Random House Inc, 1961
Lynch K, The Image of the City, MIT Press, 1961
Meeda B, Parkyn N, Stuart D (2007) Graphics for Urban Design Institution of Civil Engineers
Roberts M & Greed C, Approaching Urban Design, The Design Process, Longman, 2001
Roger Evans Associates, Urban Design Compendium 2, English Partnerships & The Housing
Corporation, 2007
Tibbalds F, Making People-Friendly Towns, Longman, 1992
Urban Design Associates, The Urban Design Handbook, Techniques and Working Methods, Norton
and Company, 2003
Design websites
Resource for Urban Design Information – www.rudi.net
Placecheck initiative – www.placecheck.info/
CABE case studies – http://www.cabe.org.uk/casestudies.aspx
History
www.londononline.co.uk/architecture/victoria_embankment/
http://historyday.coldray.com/bazalgettes-actions/
London
The London Plan http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/
Traffic
http://www.homezones.org/
Nightclub
http://www.makebelieve.gr/mb/www/en/portfolio/virtual-reality/78-music-grand-prix-dome-experience.html?1ad7bf72ff16511dd
4e81b1b2edc5507=6d480e4f0bedb187d82d63ce188e76c3
http://www.qubenzis.com/geodesic-domes-perfect-for-party-festival/
http://www.aviewoncities.com/montreal/biosphere.htm
http://unusual-architecture.com/montreal-biosphere-canada/
http://www.glassonweb.com/articles/article/493/
http://www.urinal.net/the_felix/
Swimming pool
http://vassing.com/multimedia/copenhagen-harbor-open-air-swimming-pool
Outdoor Exhibition space

http://www.photoquai.fr/fr/presentation/scenographie.html
Waterfront
http://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/
8.0 Appendices
8.1 Appendix 1: Mind Maps
8.2 Appendix 2: Interviews
Interview 1: 3.11.2010 Interview 2: 11.11.2010
Lucy Maggs, communications officer at the Cabinet Office, 22 Whitehall Sophie Elsmore, 23, PHD student (geography) at Kings.
What first comes to mind when you think of the Victoria Embankment? Is there any What do you think are the strengths of the area, and should they be improved? Do What first comes to mind when you think of the Victoria Embankment? Is there any
particular structure, building, feature or sensation that symbolises the area for you? you have any ideas how to do so? particular structure, building, feature or sensation that symbolises the area for you?
The river, lots of traffic, nice wide pavements for running along, not as nice as The National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Somerset “It’s quite cut off. There is not a lot of connection to the Strand. Unless you know it,
it could be, Somerset House, the back end of buildings. I sometimes go there at House, all are important and interesting parts of London. They don’t take advantage it’s not a very accessible place. It’s massively congested, dominated by traffic.
lunchtime for a walk but not very often. It’s not really set up for being used. My of being by the river, and the views across the river. The Victoria Embankment The grand buildings, the Savoy Hotel, powerful architecture, but I’m thinking of
colleagues usually go for lunch in St James Park instead. There is not so much traffic would be much nicer if there was a way of having less traffic or of having some way them from the side of the Strand.
noise. of keeping it back. They could also make a really nice cycle route there, a proper
one with a raised edge. There is lots of space there to make one. Can you describe the area in a physical sense (imagine yourself there and tell me
Can you describe the area in a physical sense (imagine yourself there and tell me what you see and feel)?
what you see and feel)? What about the weaknesses?
It’s an odd space. Walking along the river Thames we feel there there is not a
Nice views. I love running along it on the way home. The views across to the South I wouldn’t go there at night. I don’t know if I’d feel safe. But the main weakness is lot of space. The private gardens make me feel trapped in a way. I like to walk
Bank are great. It’s very London: London Eye, the Royal Festival Hall, the South a lack of connection with where it is in London, and a lack of connection with the along the promenade, but mostly I use it to access the Strand. I don’t pay a lot of
Bank, The Tate Modern and the Thames, which is of course iconic. The bridges here river. attention to what’s going on there. It’s more a space for getting from A to B, the
aren’t special though, they aren’t iconic like further down the river. There is so space from Blackfrairs to Temple. There is more going on in the second part of the
much traffic that you do feel like you are walking or running by a motorway. That How important a part of the city is it? embankment, after Temple.
takes away from the experience of being by the river. There is nowhere really where
you can enjoy being by the river. It’s an important artery from the North to the South. It’s an important road. People Unless you know the area well it’s not easy to navigate. It put me off using it at first.
don’t really use it. It’s confusing and intimidating. From Blackfriars, rather than walk along the river to
Are there areas where you are uncertain of location? Kings, I usually go along Fleet Street. That’s partly habit because I am used to going
How important do you think orientation and the recognition of city elements is? Is that way for the library, but even when I want to go to university, I tend to go that
When I go jogging I mark my run, but it’s a stretch of the river where there aren’t Victoria Embankment easy to navigate? way.
very many big monuments that stand out, at least not from the sidewalk. Even the
buildings, you just see the bum end of buildings. The river and the view across the It’s really important. Victoria Embankment is odd because there is no connection
river is quite special. It can give you a lift at the end of the day. The space between to the rest of London. It has no connection to the river bank it is on. It’s Are there areas where you are uncertain of location?
Somerset House and Blackfriars is pretty nondescript. I know there is Temple tube, straightforward to navigate because it’s along the rover, but there are no landmarks
but apart from that I only found out quite recently there was a little road leading so you don’t really know where you are. The pedestrian bridge for example (by If I was walking along the main strip, there are certain landmarks, mostly on the
through to Fleet Street. It’s hard to make the connection Hungerford bridge). I’m sure that bridge is used all the time, but by commuters. It’s other side of the river. But if I was cutting down a side street from Fleet Street or
difficult to know how to get onto it. The Strand, I wouldn’t know particularly well where I was going to end up.
If you were blindfolded and taken to the Victoria Embankment, what clues would you
need to know where you are? In general, do you think London is easy to navigate? How does it compare with other I do love being by the water, It’s a key feature of the area. I can find it quite relaxing
cities that you know? even if it is quite congested. There is a different scene on the South Bank. It’s an
It’s very windy, and there’s lots of noisy traffic. Lots of tourists, foreign languages. area which could be a lot more accessible to pedestrians.
It’s difficult for me to answer because I know London so well. It’s hard for me
How do you feel the area connects with the rest of London? to judge it in comparison with somewhere else. I suppose in other cities, the If you were blindfolded and taken to the Victoria Embankment, what clues would you
landmarks are important. need to know where you are?
Strangely it connects more with the other side of the river than this side of the
river. It’s very difficult to know where you are in connection with the rest of the What are the defining elements of London for you? I would look for the transportation hubs.
North side of the river. Even things like Somerset House are not very distinctly
marked. My home and the area around it where I live (Stoke Newington), Camden, Soho, How do you feel the area connects with the rest of London?
Trafalgar Square, South Bank, the City and St Paul’s.
What is your personal relationship to the area? What is your earliest memory of it, It does and it doesn’t. I feel this kind of barrier between the Embankment and the
and how has it changed? Strand, despite lots of side streets. It doesn’t feel well connected. It feels more
connected to the South Bank. It’s important in the sense that it connects important
lunchtime. Sometimes when I am going out on the South Bank I will walk along it transportation links.
to get there.
I don’t think it’s an area which is used to its full potential.
My first memory is of a road. We would drive along it to get to my Granny who
lived in Fulham from our house in North London. I don’t think it’s changed a lot, What is your personal relationship to the area? What is your earliest memory of it,
even at all, since then, except for the London Eye on the other side. and how has it changed?
I’ve been working near The Embankment for the past five years. I mostly use it for How do you feel the area connects with the rest of London?
getting places, although there are a few bars near Embankment tube where I go
with friends. Not at all really. It’s a little world of its own. London generally, it’s a lot of separate
What do you think are the strengths of the area, and should they be improved? Do spaces particularly central London.
you have any ideas how to do so? What is your personal relationship to the area? What is your earliest memory of it,
and how has it changed?
It’s got potentially great pedestrian access. When it is closed for races or for
festivals, you can see the potential. I do think it would be nice if you had a day I’ve been working in the area for nine or ten years. We have a building on The
when it was not accessible to cars. Strand and another on Villiers Street and there’s lots of movement between the
two buildings. We stop in the park for networking and impromptu meetings. I try
What about the weaknesses? to get out at lunchtimes either in the embankment area or Convent Garden. For
socialising and corporate events, we go out by the river often on the South Bank.
It’s not easy to navigate. Perhaps maps, guidelines would help.
Probably my earliest memory is of coming to see Big Ben when I was a little boy. It
How important do you think orientation and the recognition of city elements is? Is hasn’t changed much, apart from the London Eye. Nothing else.
Victoria Embankment easy to navigate?
What do you think are the strengths of the area, and should they be improved? Do
I think it’s phenomenally important but it depends on who we are as a user. you have any ideas how to do so?
In general, do you think London is easy to navigate? How does it compare with other On the positive side it’s very accessible. It’s charged. It’s free for business people and
cities that you know? tourists. It connects up a lot of attractions. There are lot of big buildings.
In people’s imagination, the Tube stations dominate which are in reality spatially You could make it easier to get to. Signposts would be a good idea. Some kind of
inaccurate. People don’t realise how close things are or how to get from A to B. I plan, particularly for the tourists. At the moment the spaces are very passive. If you
wouldn’t say it’s easy to get around. Maybe that’s part of the charm. want to keep people here, you have to give them a draw. People go a lot to Convent
Garden and they stay there because there are things to do.
What about the weaknesses?

Interview 3: 15.11.2010
Andrew Thurley – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Director, 80 Strand, London WC2R We have got to cross a really busy road which doesn’t encourage people to go
0AF to the river. It’s chaotic. People wouldn’t necessarily know where the Victoria
Embankment is.
What first comes to mind when you think of the Victoria Embankment? Is there any
particular structure, building, feature or sensation that symbolises the area for you? It is not pedestrian friendly, yet most people who come to the area are on foot.
It’s hard to actually get to the river. It’s completed severed in terms of pedestrian
flow down to the river. It’s a really underused asset. At night, it’s very pleasant
walking over the bridges. The best building for me is the PWC building – I’m Baeton, Guy (2001) “From community planning to partnership planning. Urban
brainwashed. It’s by Terry Farrel. The old Shell building, also PWC, is special as well. regeneration and shifting power geometries on the South Bank, London”
There’s the House of Parliament too I suppose. On the other side, beyond Temple it GeoJournal 51: 293–300, 2000.
gets a bit messy.
Can you describe the area in a physical sense (imagine yourself there and tell me
what you see and feel)?
In the park, I feel calm and peaceful. But there’s also the buzz of the road. But on
this stretch by The Embankment, I feel like I’m still at work. It’s an extension of the
office. Convent Garden is more social. It’s a very different vibe there.
If you were blindfolded and taken to the Victoria Embankment, what clues would you
need to know where you are?
I’d look for the London Eye.

A3 Embankment

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A3 Embankment

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Embankment Esplanade

Urban Design: Theory to Practice

3.0 Background to the project 8

5.0 Strategic Vision 30

Now it is the Northbank’s turn to catch up.

Based on this research we made the following assessment:

1. Map 01: 1720

2. Map 02: 1827

3. Map 03: 1916

Map 01: London 1720

Key routes and corridors branching into the key nodes of

1. Rich fine grain of urban fabric allows percolation of

4.5 Perceptual Analysis Path

Visual Form Edge

1. Major nodes at Trafalgar Square (pedestrian, traffic), Node

Problems with the Victoria Embankment

Poor connection to waterfront

Ugly rear end of building

Fieldwork analysis based on mind maps

Victoria Embankment as seen through interviews 0m 100m 400m

Wednesday lunchtime Scale 1:7500

1. Work flows generally to and from public transport. Legend

View (to specific object/landmark)

Landmark (main landmark, local landmark, major

Connected/ linked space

Area defined by noise (ff) or quiet (pp)

Texture (interesting wall or street surface)

Trees of townscape significance

Area of special sense of place

Edge (physical/ visual boundary)

Significant building line

Nodal point/ place of connection

Visual Dimension Plan at Embankment

5 Congestion Lighting. Score

Access Notation Plan at Embankment

Ministry of Defence 6 lane road River Thames Southbank

Section through Westminster

Victoria Embankment Garden 6 lane road River Thames Beach Southbank

Section through Embankment Gardens

Somerset House 6 lane road River Thames Beach Southbank

Section through Somerset House

In the daytime, small-scale designer retail would be encouraged around Embankment

Key linkages to surrounding context

1. Phased traffic calming to Victoria Embankment.

2. Improved river edge incorporating pedestrian and cycle

3. Upgrade Victoria Embankment to Embankment Central

9 8 4.Somerset House forecourt including flexible ‘Y Layer’

1 6. Cafe/bar above Temple tube with connecting path to raised

Parks 1-3 will have a unified language (street funiture, paving,

11. Park 03 Westminster Gardens. Recreational facilities such

12-15 Improved pedestrian access including consistant street

16. Public urban forest introduces new microclimate,

The Embankment Masterplan 0m 100m 200m 300m 400m

Mixed road surface, with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists.

2 Lively connections and urban spaces (Block Place, Melbourne)

0m 100m 200m 300m 400m Scale 1:7500

Temple Tube, Steps and Park

CGI illustration of wavedeck structure Toronto Waterfront, West 8).

Embankment Gardens and Somerset House

1.Westminster ‘Sphere’ nightclub

2. Westminster Park wifi recreational area with water feature

Westminster Millennium Pier Cafe

3. We would expect the pedestrianisation of Villiers street to encourage a much more

3.0 Background to the project 8

5.0 Strategic Vision 30