Cities have been the centre of world economies for centuries, yet the combination of spatial dispersion and global integration has created a new strategic role for them. The Lower Lea Valley is located at the intersection of financial centres, specialized services, and innovation and production markets, which contribute to the synthesis between knowledge and the market for which the products are produced. We imagine the engagement between the industries and their locality to constitute the next generation industrial environment, or a “Tech-Knowledge Neighbourhood”. We believe the redefinition of the city through an industry-led initiative is crucial in providing stable, economic growth to counterpose the instability of the financial services sector in an ever globalizing economy.
Through a redefinition of the existing potentials within the Lower Lea Valley, our strategy uses an approach exploring a morphology-based plan utilizing the open block, and typological shifts within dominant types. These become the defining qualities of the urban quarters which will establish a unique character in every neighbourhood. This triggers the process of transformation by developing the complexity required for urban life and will contribute to the formation of a renewed productive city where experimentation is the fundamental driver. This approach leads to the conception of industrial urbanity within the Lower Lea Valley.
