Woven Ground: A Concept Diagram for Alney Island

Inspired by the undulating forms of woven willow rods, the design process for development at Alney Island aimed to investigate a comprehensive understanding of weaving, both literally and allegorically. From the weaving of the organic fibres of the land itself, to the metaphorical intertwining of people, place and nature.   

In order to understand the art of weaving, I began by studying woven form; sketching the sinuous lines created as one rod passes over the other. In response, I produced a design concept plan (see above). Inspired by the undulating forms of woven willow rods the plan displays two interweaving lines, the warp and the weft. Traversing a series of constructed wetlands, the lines represent two pathways that travel alongside the River Severn; carrying the visitors through the site, from the city to lower parting.