Paddington to the Kings Road- Focus Week

November brought about another of Kingston University Landscape department's 'Focus Week Walks'- this time from Paddington to the Kings Road.
We began the walk at Paddington Basin- an area I know well having proposed alterations to a site here the previous year. That said it is always interesting to return to an area you know to see what has changed. Development is rapid in this area and there are always new things to see. One of the most noticeable differences was the disappearance of Thomas Heatherwick's rolling bridge. It was removed during the summer of 2008 as it stopped working, initially it was intended to be returned but since this has not happened it's future is now somewhat unsure.

The next stop on the days itinerary was Hyde Park, one of London's magnificent Royal Parks. Our particular interest here was the Diana Memorial Fountain, but Gustafson Porter. Unfortunately we chose the wrong time to visit as the work was closed for repairs! Clearly this is one project I will have to come back to.

The next port of call was the John Madejski courtyard garden at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The design was by Kim Wilkie who one an international design competition. The space is described as being 'based on the traditional simplicity of a garden courtyard with the drama and flexibility of a stage set'. This space is very popular during the summer but was not shown to it's prime on this dull November day. The design features a series of fountains around a central flooded depression- this area can also be drained for event uses. The area surrounding this is grassed with traditional pots and grass areas (also closed for maintenance). Once again I feel I would need to visit this site on a day with more promising weather to judge its success.

Just down the road from the V&A is the Natural History museum. For the winter season an area in front of the museums entrance has been converted to an ice rink- this really shows the transformation that can be achieved by activating a space. The area which is usual little used was bustling with people skating,
watching the action or just enjoying a hot drink in the temporary cafe on the site.

Our final port of call for the day was the Duke of York Square outside the new Sacchi Gallery on the Kings Road. By this point in the day the light was drawing in and the rain falling with increasing menace. Once again this location employs quality materials which give a resilient and pleasing finish. There are concrete ledges across the site acting as benches without the usually expected defined bench shape. Again a site which would have strong attraction when the weather permitted it!