Satoru Nakanishi

Flooding and the New English Landscape

Lewes’ next phase of development will be along its floodplain. In a context of uninsurable property, the proposal suggests a new infrastructure that exploits the rising waters rather than hold them back. A new datum of inhabitable floors will create a new street level, with new grounds and piers remixing with Lewes’ existing picturesque townscape to generate a new relationship with the river.

Within the new terrain, housing co-exists with wetlands and bridges act as stimulus for further development. At its undercroft, opportunities to build within an unregulated, albeit ‘at risk’ ground level will create a landscape characterised by what comes down rather than simply what goes up.

Flooding is reclaimed as the heart of the town’s beauty. Residents of Lewes eagerly await each as a cue for celebration!