Patel Taylor

The Visitor Centre for the Thames Barrier Park is an apparently simple junction of a solid concrete box and a glass and green oak pavilion. This follows programmatic needs with toilets and kitchen in the solid box and public areas in the open pavilion, and might symbolise the transition from darkness to light that the park began for this part of London.

The pavilion itself also subtly shapes views over the park and beyond to the Thames Barrier and London’s skyline. Its timber deck hovers just above the grass, a transitory space between the visitor centre and the park itself. Though simple in form, the centre complements the physical journey into the park with education and pleasure.