British architect Asif Khan has unveiled a stunning ribbon-like bridge that gracefully spans Canada Dock in south London, serving as a vital “connector” to the region’s rich timber trade heritage amidst its ongoing transformation. This 170-meter-long structure is designed to be a centerpiece of a larger development at Canada Water, linking the CZWG-designed library to the north with the bustling Surrey Quays shopping center to the south. A spur from the main bridge extends towards the primary development site located to the west of the dock.
The bridge not only stands as a focal point for the expansive 53-acre project by British Land and AustralianSuper but also offers the public a unique vantage point to observe the newly restored wetland reserve below. Khan expressed his vision, stating, “For me, the brief was to create a piece of work strong enough to renew the way people see the wetlands and the wider neighborhood yet subtle enough to feel like it has always been there.” Having grown up in Southwark and visited the site as a child, Khan’s connection to the area is deeply personal.
Positioned just a few steps from the entrance to Canada Water Station, the bridge was designed to function as a gateway, welcoming visitors while serving as a new town center and essential transport infrastructure. It acts as an attractor and a bridge between the historical significance and the future potential of the locale, as Khan elaborated in an interview with urdesign.
The bridge elegantly hovers above the water, with its boardwalk deck supported by over 400 timber fins that cantilever from a central structure. Panels running lengthwise along the deck create a dynamic visual experience, while the bridge’s height undulates as it traverses the dock. This fluid movement is inspired by the bending planks carried by 19th-century workers when the area was a bustling network of docks linked to the Thames.
More than 90 tonnes of timber were utilized in the construction of the boardwalk, including its balustrades and handrails. Khan highlighted that one of the significant challenges was sourcing a durable material that also had “appropriate traceability.” To address this, the team built a full-scale segment at the dock to experiment with various materials. Ultimately, they selected Cumaru, a resilient Brazilian hardwood treated with an eco-friendly stain and sustainably sourced from tropical rainforests.
Khan chose a striking red hue for the bridge, symbolizing Canada and paying homage to the dock’s historical role as a hub for North American ships. He remarked, “It’s easily forgotten that forests on the other side of the ocean helped build London.” His intention was to evoke reflection, wonder, and a sense of connection to the past as Londoners traverse the space, walking in the footsteps of their ancestors across time and water.
The vibrant color of the bridge creates a dramatic contrast with the dock’s waters, enhancing its visibility and presence, according to Khan. He also shared that his personal experience with “pronounced colour blindness” often influences his preference for immersive color and intricate patterns in his designs. In addition to the boardwalk, a new set of steps now descends to the water’s edge, featuring waterside seating designed by Townshend Landscape Architects, along with an educational dipping pond. The lake itself has undergone a significant restoration project, spearheaded by Townshend Landscape Architects in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust.
This project has resulted in the creation of three new wetland habitats, seven wetland islands, and over a kilometer of shallow edges. New reed beds, flowering plants, and trees have been planted to attract a variety of wildlife, including dragonflies, butterflies, kingfishers, and frogs, while also providing ideal nesting sites for ducks, swans, and other birds. Gary Alden, a senior associate at Townshend Landscape Architects, expressed, “At Canada Dock, we had an incredible opportunity to reverse the ecological decline and create a space that enhances wildlife habitats and fosters a stronger connection between people and nature.”