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Back to the River International Design Competition

Using “The Ribbon of the Thames” to tie the surrounding community to a stretch of riverfront property

  • 5KM

    Of Riverfront

  • London, Ontario

    London, Ontario

Urban revitalization needs a layered approach—analysis, interviews, and historical research

Revitalizing a five-kilometre (three-mile) stretch of London’s Thames River takes vision. So, when the London Community Foundation, the City of London, and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority launched the Back to the River International Design Competition, we challenged ourselves to come up with a vision inspired by history, connectivity, experience, and sustainability. 

Partnered with Civitas, we formed a dynamic and interdisciplinary team with international and regional flare. This partnership brought together international landscape architects, urban designers, architects, structural engineers, river specialists, ecologists, and historians. 

The team held multiple design charrettes to collectively assemble a vision for the Thames River. We analyzed the study area, talked to local residents, and reviewed historical data. We then formed our design approach based on this layered site data.

Our submission, titled “The Ribbon of the Thames,” envisions the Thames River corridor as an amenity to neighboring communities, with the river acting as a ribbon tying the communities together. The design has the active corridor serving as the green heart and lungs of this vibrant city. More importantly, it enables the city to unlock urban regeneration and create a four-season destination. 

The result? First place in the competition. 

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • London Community Foundation
Partners
  • Civitas
Meet Our Team

Chris Jennings, Senior Principal, Discipline Leader, Community Development, (Landscape Architecture)

Passion, creativity, and solid design—above all else. That is my goal and what our project teams strive to provide.
Chris Jennings Senior Principal, Discipline Leader, Community Development, (Landscape Architecture) Read More

Chris Jennings

Senior Principal, Discipline Leader, Community Development, (Landscape Architecture)

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