Gensler to Break Ground on Floating Thames River Park for London

After six months of finalizing, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/genslers-houston-ballet-center-for-dance-opens-with-a-flurry-of-fluttering-feet/" target="_blank">Gensler </a>architects have found a financial backer for their award-winning riverside walkway along the Thames. Designed to float along the north shore from the Blackfriars bridge to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/londons-bicycle-superhighway-opens-today/" target="_blank">Tower of London</a>, the river park will be the first of its kind along the Thames, providing unrivaled <a href="http://inhabitat.com/londons-mint-hotel-unveils-europes-largest-living-green-wall/" target="_blank">views</a> and activities for tourists. The floating river park <a href="http://inhabitat.com/moving-platforms-could-let-travellers-change-trains-while-in-motion/" target="_blank">platform</a> will be over a half mile long and 40 feet wide, and it will aim to revitalize the city by serving as a center for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mobile-bicycle-sauna-dedicated-to-prague-cyclists-who-want-to-relax/" target="_blank">relaxation</a>, education and entertainment.

The walkway will not only be environmentally friendly with lots of open <a href="http://inhabitat.com/iphone-apps-to-help-you-enjoy-the-outdoors/" target="_blank">outdoor space</a>, but will also complement the culture of the city of London. Placed in the heart of the city, the long<a href="http://inhabitat.com/steven-holl-architects-win-coveted-2011-american-architecture-award-2011-for-their-horizontal-skyscraper/" target="_blank"> horizontal</a> park connects many landmarks that are otherwise located down diagonal and difficult to navigate streets.

The pathway itself will become a tourist destination with its <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/last-surviving-ellis-island-ferry-transformed-into-historic-houseboat/" target="_blank">ferry service</a>, lush gardens , dining areas and even an open-air <a href="http://inhabitat.com/natural-swimming-ponds-ditch-the-chemicals/" target="_blank">swimming pool.</a>

Along the river park, visitors will also see anywhere from 5 to 8 pavilions that exemplify<a href="http://inhabitat.com/londons-metal-clad-town-hall-hotel-is-a-radical-reinterpretation-of-a-classic-building/" target="_blank"> London</a>. One will be dedicated to green energy, with displays of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/design-green-awards-elevate-sustainable-architecture-in-california/" target="_blank">sustainable architecture</a>, food, and gardening.

Another pavilion will be geared towards education, with museum information and a family learning center available for visitors. An innovation pavilion will also grace the walkway, showcasing London's newest <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tech-to-help-green-your-shopping-spree/" target="_blank">tech gadgets</a> and games, while the events pavilion will host concerts, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sanzponts-busan-opera-house-boasts-a-gargantuan-green-roof/" target="_blank">operas</a>, and special events.

After honoring the London river walk with the "Planning Excellence" award last year, Mayor Boris Johnson said, “The sheer beauty and design <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/drawings-for-jean-nouvels-shorter-moma-torre-verre-have-been-revealed/jean-nouvel-torre-verre2/" target="_blank">brilliance</a> of this structure will provide yet another amazing and unique attraction for the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/capital-growth-scheme-creates-2012-public-gardens-by-2012-for-london/" target="_blank">capital</a>. We will work... to ensure that one of the most famous and cherished <a href="http://inhabitat.com/crazy-vertical-garden-billboard-park-revitalizes-argentinian-city-waterfront/" target="_blank">waterfronts</a> in the world is enhanced for the benefit of our great capital."

The structure is fast-tracked to be completed in time for next summer's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/will-london-2012-be-the-green-olympics/" target="_blank">2012 Olympic games </a>in London, where it is expected to be visited by nearly 10 million people.