Shelley Heanue: The Future’s Assembly

Goal & objective
The scheme set outs an integrated masterplan and architectural approach to the development of green land just south of Lea Valley bridge and adjacent to Hackney Marshes. The Future’s Assembly aims to create a new series of interventions and buildings which will contribute to future research and study of the effects of climate change on the site and wider city.

Strategy
Using the site as a live testbed, the main building – ‘Citizens Forum’ – will house a series of digital and biological research spaces which collect, collate and publish findings in regard to the changing nature of weather patterns, water levels, site ecology etc. This data and research will then form the body of both published and digital exhibitions to be showcased to visitors in the main building and digitally throughout the site.

Impact
The scheme aims to contribute to a meaningful and evolving body of research on the effects of climate change on the city. The project will also become the home of a citizens’ assembly, to provide a democratic approach to problem solving and research, and provoke meaningful conversation and dialogue in regard to our city. Visitors will be encouraged to engage in both the research and knowledge sharing in the hope it can help foster greater collective and individual responsibility.

Site location
Hackney Marshes, London Borough of Hackney, E5 0AF