the first section of ‘the tide’, an elevated linear park that runs alongside london’s river thames, has opened to the public. conceived as a ‘destination for art, design, and well-being’, the project has been designed by diller scofidio + renfro in collaboration with neiheiser argyros and features artistic contributions from damien hirst and morag myerscough, among others. intended for running, walking, and meditation, the park is located on the greenwich peninsula and has been designed to be freely accessible to all.

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by jeff moore (also main image)

 

 

designed by diller scofidio + renfro in collaboration with neiheiser argyros and landscape architects GROSS.MAX, ‘the tide‘ is billing itself as london’s first ‘elevated linear park’. as part of the scheme, bridges between elevated timber decked ‘stepping stones’ planted with native trees and natural vegetation provide visitors with platforms to pause, reflect, and enjoy views of the river thames.

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by jeff moore

 

 

now open to the public, the first section of the 5-kilometer-long (3.1-mile) landscape features elevated walkways 9 meters (30 feet) high. meanwhile, sunken gardens, a long outdoor picnic table, and a jetty garden seek to provide respite from the bustling city. evolving over the years, the finished route will connect each new peninsula neighborhood as they are built, weaving among the new buildings. a distinctive black and white stripe pattern seeks to establish a bold visual experience, while reflecting the movement of the neighboring river.

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by jeff moore

 

 

‘this first phase of the tide opens a new public realm that will over time connect greenwich peninsula’s neighborhoods with a vibrant network of outdoor art, food and recreation spaces,’ says diller scofidio + renfro partner-in-charge, benjamin gilmartin. ‘here, 28 sculptural steel structures cluster and lean together as islands of mutual support, defining a layered landscape. at ground level, their swaying legs shape vaulted portals and cafe pavilions. above, they create an infrastructure for quieter overlook gardens. londoners traversing the tide will experience a unique cross section of the peninsula’s daily life — from the buzz of visitors by the O2 [arena] to the meditative rustle of boats and lapping waves at the riverfront.’

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by charles emerson

 

 

damien hirst’s two sculptures hydra & kali and mermaid from treasures from the wreck of the unbelievable were the site’s first arrivals, with more of his work to follow. under the elevated walkway is a boldly colored installation by morag myerscough that illuminates the tide’s arches with her signature super-graphics. the first one-kilometer of the tide opened on july 5, 2019.

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by charles emerson

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by luke hayes

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by luke hayes

'the tide' is a linear park in london designed by diller scofidio + renfro and neiheiser argyros
image by luke hayes

diller scofidio renfro tide
rendering of the east riverfont with ‘the tide’ at the center
image by uniform

 

 

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the tide linear park london diller scofidio renfro neiheiser argyros designboom
 
the tide linear park london diller scofidio renfro neiheiser argyros designboom
 
the tide linear park london diller scofidio renfro neiheiser argyros designboom
 
the tide linear park london diller scofidio renfro neiheiser argyros designboom
 
the tide linear park london diller scofidio renfro neiheiser argyros designboom
 
the tide linear park london diller scofidio renfro neiheiser argyros designboom
 

project info:

 

name: the tide
location: greenwich peninsula, london, UK
owner: knight dragon
design team: diller scofidio + renfro (lead) in collaboration with neiheiser argyros

 

design and construction team
designers: diller scofidio + renfro (lead) in collaboration with neiheiser argyros
diller scofidio + renfro: ben gilmartin (partner-in-charge), elizabeth diller, charles renfro, ricardo scofidio, anthony saby, bryce suite, ning hiransaroj, alex knezo, john newman, swarnabh ghosh, erioseto hendranata
neiheiser argyros: ryan neiheiser (partner-in-charge), xristina argyros, giorgio piscitelli, eleni vagianou, danae haratsis, nikolas von schwabe, athina zafeiropoulou, catarina de almeida brito, thalia chrousos, chris yuan, kevin larson

 

landscape designers: GROSS.MAX
structural engineers (elevated portion): AKT II
structural engineers (ground level portion): arup
MEP, lighting: AECOM
accessibility consultant: david bonnett associates
cost consultant: gardiner and theobold
planning consultant: NLP planners
principal designer for risk, health and safety: stace
transportation and access consultants: WSP
steel fabricator: cimolai
canopy and seating fabricator: urban street design
contractor (elevated portion): mace
contractor (ground level portion): maylim