The field trip started from the Olympic Park heading towards to Three Mills and then Channelsea Island. The main focus for the site analysis of the trip were the surroundings of Abbey Creek and itself. Walking through into Three Mills gave me a tangible understanding of how canals and narrowboats were working in the context, but noticed land parcels were also connected through bridges that were built within the water. The area seemed a bit dull even though it was renovated.

Collage of Three Mills

As the trip continued through the Three Mills Green it was quiet and seemed far from human interaction which lead me to conclusion the open spaces aren't efficient in winter as it is cold, wet and muddy.

Three Mills Green with the background indicates where the Olympic Park sits.

Approached to Prescot Channel which consisted of supposedly concrete, rigid structural components with metal grilled bridges and handrails. Opposite to our direction of our trip, allotments provided a barrier between the channel and human life by using plants and trees.

Collage of Prescott Channel and surroundings

The first submerged habitat with non-human interaction was seen on the water between the allotments and the bridge that connects Three Mills Green to the other side of Prescott Channel.

Bird on the submerged habitat with debris

While the route was taking us to the woods that would lead us into the Ecology Garden Park, the Bromley Bow Gas Works has been appeared through tree branches.

Bromley Bow Gas Works

The direction that was took in the woods showcased how the area seemed abandoned with overgrowing plants and trees on the island and the route, but also witnessed solid debris like bicycle or pieces of wood or metal in the creek. The ruined building, was once used for chemical works in the past, was peaking through the overgrown tree branches and plants with its brick wall.

Collage of the creek and surroundings

The Ecology Park was interesting with its different levels of topography and how it was connected with ramps which was an indication of an approach to inclusive design, but also had a quirky ambiance with the colourful sculptures and street art with a manual restroom wooden shed.

Collage of Ecology Park

The Surge Cooperative and Channelsea House can be accessed through the Greenway which was designed for only pedestrian use to connect Newham with Olympic Park. The only time that a vehicle can go in is only for the maintenance of infrastructure. The selected site couldn't be accessed as it needed permission to go in, but managed to have a conversation with Surge Cooperative. Their office is located in a boat that sits in front of the Channelsea House and accessed by walking down under the building as if it was a like a tunnel. The Surge Cooperative have given enlighting information about the Abbey Creek that the tide levels can get 4-5 meters higher from season to season, which exceeds the tunnel in height.

Collage of Northern Outfall Sewer, Abby Creek and Surge Cooperative

The route has been repeated to go to Three Mills Lock and then the Cody Dock. These locations have inspired us to what opportunities and spaces could be created with several issues to be solved.

Collage of Cody Dock

During the field trip, the water samples have been collected from Three Mills Green, Three Mills Lock and Prescott Channel by attaching an elastic band wrapped around a testing tube by reaching down to the water. The attempt of collecting water for Abbey Creek wasn't successful due to its height to the water whichis minimum 6m height, band being 4m and various branches were 1-2 meters were included to reach the surface of the creek. The water from Prescott Channel has been collected by asking a favour from Balkan people that were on the zone after the balustrades.

Water Test Results: The first three results on the left were Leeds tap water: normal, jug filtered and Brita filtered water and the rest are from Prescott Channel, Three Mills Green and Three Mills Lock