Higginson Park

The concept for the re-design of Higginson Park is river penetration; the penetration of the town by the River Thames. Although Marlow is a riverside town, the Thames itself is not visually evident from the town even though the park runs down to the water’s edge. The river only comes into view as one walks some way into the park, often glittering and catching the light. The design proposal uses the idea of a “street” linking the town centre more directly to the Thames; a wide, tree lined boulevard for pedestrian use, the centre piece of which is a series of reflective water strips or raised canals, bringing the life and light of the river into the centre of Marlow. From the river the raised canal is encased in green oak blocks. This changes to brick and flint, typical materials of Marlow, before finally steel cladding brings the reflective water into the twenty first century, symbolising progress. In places, tall and elegant reeds arch alongside the canals linking the park to the nearby wild meadows and reed beds. Lighting is incorporated into the low retaining walls to wash the paved surface with light. The surrounding park is treated as an abstracted valley system with low rolling mounds planted along the southern boundary with a dense alder copse. In the centre of the park, the rolling earthworks are used to form a simple amphitheatre for informal performances. By the town, the park opens up to the urban spaces with the removal of the wall and railings, creating the effect of a green.