Document: Kevin Hong

published: made at wsa, 4, (2007) Welsh School of Architecture, 45

TAPESTRY ALONG THE TAFF

In the centre of Cardiff, the series of landscape spaces running along the river Taff forms a patchwork-like tapestry, vital to the city’s public realm. In terms of civic offerings, most of the attention is given to the apparent success of Cardiff Bay and its over-determined milieu of waterfront. Whilst understanding the prescribed waterfront development satisfies a certain ‘requirement’ in a healthy and viable city, the generous nature of these landscape spaces forms a good counter balance to which the Bay lacks. This tapestry of greenery welcomes inhabitation with its unassuming and tolerant spatial configuration, thereby creating a more precious asset to which Cardiff should draw its attention. These green spaces aren’t provocative in themselves; rather the adjacencies and proximities of its seemingly disparate uses provide a landscape fabric with richness and generosity.

Photo credit: Bute Park, Cardiff. Photo: Kevin Hong.