Asif Khan’s contribution to London's Canada Water master plan, a 230-foot-long boardwalk designed to homage the historic Surrey Docks' laborers and their role in Britain’s bygone timber industry heyday, has debuted in collaboration with the award-winning firm Townshend Landscape Architect.

Located on the rehabilitated shoreline of the River Thames in southeast London, the firms worked together with the London Wildlife Trust to deliver the project that doubles as a social hub, stepping down to the water's edge to include seating areas and an educational pond. 

Surrounding it are a series of manmade islands and channels that attract and support avian species, conceived of as a 'mosaic' of different biodiversity enhancing natural habitats. 

Inspired to design a pensive respite from the pace of the city, Khan says: "Crossing water can give us powerful sensations. This boardwalk immerses us in a few moments of colour, of nature and of beauty. I want to evoke the crossing of time too. I hope this gives someone a chance to take a breath and look at things in a new way. In today’s world, I think this is more important than ever."

"The bridge is a chronograph—a drawing that records time—capturing the motion of these individuals. It’s easily forgotten that forests on the other side of the ocean helped build London. Many layers of that story are embedded here. I want to invite reflection, wonder, and contemplation of the past as Londoners walk in the footsteps of their forebears across time and upon water," Khan adds.

The meandering pathway of planks connects the larger master plan of the 53-acre site, which will eventually include 2,000 to 4,000 new houses, a 1-million-square-foot retail component, a new 35-acre public park, and town square.