If you’re down by the canal, you’ll notice there’s a new addition to the landscape at Camley Street Natural Park. Viewpoint is a floating platform that looks to bring architecture and nature closer together.

This island hideaway in miniature is a peaceful spot to pause and take in views of the canal and the park. It takes the environment of the park out into the water, and helps people discover the nature and wildlife of the canal. You’ll catch glimpses of birds such as swans and moorhens, and maybe even a kingfisher if you’re lucky.

 

Modelled on the rocky islets of the Scandinavian coast

The platform is designed by a team of young Finish architects – Erkko Aarti, Arto Ollila and Mikki Ristola. The inspiration comes from the rocky islands off the Nordic coastline.

For Finns, these islets are places of sanctuary – somewhere to relax the mind and get away from hectic city life. Viewpoint offers Londoners a chance to experience this escape – a secluded spot in the heart of busy King’s Cross.

Helping kids get up close to nature

The platform is also an important new learning facility for Camley Street Natural Park. It will be used as an outdoor classroom and a place to host workshops for school children. Peepholes at different heights will give children views of the canal and its wildlife. If you are a local school and would like to know more, please contact camleyst@wildlondon.org. And to find out more about the Schools Programme at King’s Cross, click here.

How Viewpoint came about

Viewpoint is commissioned by The Finnish Institute and The Architecture Foundation for London Wildlife Trust. The commission is the result of the New Architects: Finland UK_Exchange Programme, which brings together new architectural talent from Finland and the UK to explore cities’ ever-changing relationship with water.

Viewpoint is supported by King’s Cross Central Partnership, Ministry of Education & Culture, Finland, Alfred Kordelin Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, Graphic Concrete, Price & Myers, Commercial Systems International Ltd, Balfour Beatty, BAM Construction and Cambridge Architectural Precast Ltd.