Canary Wharf is now home to Eden Dock, a new urban oasis with floating gardens and aquatic habitats created in partnership with the Eden Project.
Eden Dock, a collaboration between the Eden Project and Canary Wharf Group, is a green haven within the financial district designed to enhance biodiversity and improve the wellbeing of its workers and residents.
Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project, said: “The iconic Canary Wharf is a great location in which to ground the lightning of innovation around enhancing biodiversity in an archetypal urban landscape.”
Per a press release, the dock is a blueprint for biodiversity and habitat gain for cities around the world. Its floating gardens and boardwalks are home to new wading birds, waterfowl and songbirds, as well as bees, eels and species of plants rarely seen in London.
Additionally, a living artwork is dotted around the dock. Titled ‘Nature Rising’, this includes more than 20 living figures made of ligustrum, a flowering shrub.
“It is our belief that the varied surfaces, textures and environments found at Eden Dock will encourage a greater diversity of life than much of the open farmland in this country,” Smit added.
“Moreover, the attention to life and beauty and the softer edges that characterise the natural worlds will directly influence the happiness and sense of belonging of all who work, live and visit here.”
Floating gardens and animal habitats
According to Canary Wharf Group, new research has shown that 73 percent of office workers prefer to work in a location near water and green spaces.
Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group, said: “Three years ago, we partnered with world-leading charity the Eden Project to help address biodiversity loss in cities through the greening of Canary Wharf.
“Eden Dock is the first of its kind, a best-in-practice global example of how we can support biodiversity gain in cities and pioneer places where nature and people can both thrive.
“It’s about creating a resilient environment that supports the wellbeing of our community and the environment.”
Images: David Parry / PA Media Assignment
The post Eden Project launches new urban oasis at Canary Wharf appeared first on Blooloop.