Two in three workers prefer to work near water and green spaces, while feeling their creativity thrives more in these areas. Eden Dock has been developed in the heart of Canary Wharf to bring nature and biodiversity into an urban environment and create a climate suited for people, place and nature.
The Eden Dock was designed on behalf of Canary Wharf Group (CWG) by LI Registered Practices including HTA Design who led on the landscape design, Arup who worked on engineering, alongside the masterplanner, Howells, and Studio Fractal who were behind the lighting design.
The newly unveiled Eden Dock was created in partnership with international charity the Eden Project to be a first-of-its-kind urban oasis in the heart of the Wharf with interconnected pontoons and aquatic islands. This green space aims to deliver a positive impact on biodiversity, creating more opportunities for people to connect with nature.
On the water, there are floating boardwalks connecting floating gardens, an education pontoon and terraces for social and cultural use. In addition, the floating islands lead to an open water swimming area, in a public setting. Meanwhile, below water level, there is a cantilevered shelf to support aquatic planting, along with a marine monitoring station that utilises cameras to track biodiversity.
Native vegetation has been selected to provide valuable habitats on the floating islands for various lifeforms including invertebrates, amphibians, fish and waterfowl. Additionally, fish refuges have been hung beneath the islands to create safe spawning grounds, while bird boxes are hung amongst the trees to help create new nesting sites for an array of garden bird species such as wading birds, waterfowl and songbirds.
Cities face an unprecedented challenge of balancing growth and preserving the environment as 70% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities by 2050 (UNstats, 2024). Meanwhile, we have seen wildlife populations drop by 69% over the past five decades (WWF, 2024). To face these challenges, Eden Dock aims to serve as a blueprint for biodiversity and habitat gain for cities around the world, by making cities part of the solution.
Eden Dock aims to enhance the wellbeing of those who work, live and visit the area, by providing access to waterside spaces and nature and harnessing its biodiverse-rich landscape.
HTA Design were involved in planting across Eden Dock. We asked them some questions about the project.
What was the approach to the landscape elements of the project
HTA’s specific role was the selection and design of the specialist planting. We worked closely with both the design team and contractors to achieve a naturalistic planting scheme that achieves maximum impact, both visually and environmentally, and responds positively to the challenging site conditions.
How did the landscape provide solutions to the project’s aims?
The introduction of effective planting and trees was essential to the key project aims of connecting people to water and nature. Office workers, new residents and visitors now have direct access to the dock and can enjoy the benefits including a significant uplift in biodiversity, providing contrast and respite from the busy centre of Canary Wharf.
Were there any challenges associated with the design which required particularly innovative solutions?
Much of the design was unprecedented for the team, not least the 40+ trees placed on floating islands and the timber pontoons. Close collaboration with the wider design team and specialist contractors was crucial in achieving prominent planting that is suitably irrigated, well-lit, accessible and selected to grow, thrive and naturalise with time.
How did HTA work with Howells and other stakeholders on the project?
Howells designed all the accessible timber pontoons, walkways and perimeter safety features. Arup’s expertise in marine engineering was also critical to the success of the project. The quality of the detailing and seamless transitions between different elements is testament to a talented team that collaborated closely throughout the design process.
What was/is the role of the Eden Project?
The Eden Project is a partner of Canary Wharf Group, helping to support the vision of Canary Wharf as a biodiverse urban environment. Eden Dock is at the pinnacle of this, and the experience and expertise of the Eden Project team was invaluable throughout the design process. Now, Eden Dock will be used as a blueprint for biodiversity gain in city environments across the world.
Image gallery of the Eden Dock © Tim Crocker
Shobi Khan, CEO, CWG, said:
“Sustainability is part of CWG’s DNA. We’ve delivered over 11 million sq ft of sustainably certified space, purchased 100% of our electricity from renewable sources since 2012, and contributed zero waste to landfill since 2009.
“Three years ago, we partnered with world-leading charity the Eden Project to help address bio-diversity 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 well-being of our community and the environment.
“The unveiling of Eden Dock today is another step in the evolution of Canary Wharf 3.0 and our vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood offering workspaces, retail, homes, leisure and amenities, and access to nature, all in one location.”
Speaking at the launch of Eden Dock, Mark Carney, Chair of Brookfield Asset Management, said:
“To manage the continued growth of the global urban population sustainably, we must prioritise smart urban planning, invest in resilient infrastructure and embrace innovative solutions that promote inclusivity and environmental stewardship. Our cities must be designed to enhance the quality of life for all. By taking a holistic approach that balances economic development with environmental protection, we can create vibrant sustainable urban environments that are fit for the future.”
Sir Tim Smit KBE, Co-Founder of the Eden Project, commented:
“The iconic Canary Wharf is a great location in which to ground the lightning of innovation around enhancing biodiversity in an archetypal urban landscape. Shobi’s leadership should be applauded and there has never been a more important time to enhance people’s connection with nature.
“The Eden Project is very proud to have been invited to collaborate with CWG on this project. 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. 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.”
Contributed by Robert Hamil, Principal Landscape Architect at HTA Design
