LOW LINE – RIBA COMPETITION WIN

Macfarlane + Associates has won the RIBA Lowline International Competition, as part of a team collaboration including PDP London Architects, Greengage Environmental and Studio 4215 for our concept ‘Low Line Commons’ beating 82 entries submitted from over 35 countries worldwide. The competition was steered by Better Bankside, the Low Line Steering Group and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Following the path forged by the railway viaducts through Bankside, London Bridge and Bermondsey, the Low Line stretches through some of London’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Landscape is fundamental to the project; creating accessible new green connections, incorporating a variety of ecological interventions, helping to improve local air quality and a healthier environment. The concept proposes a sustainable drainage system using ecological engineering methods, such as bioswale planting and street-level rain gardens, to avoid surface flooding and store water. The project features increased green infrastructure – tree planting, community gardens and wildlife habitats – to help create a ‘sense of place’ for the community and encourage more people to visit the Low Line.