East London’s Genesis chapel floats out to find its flock

This floating church and community hub is designed to reach emerging communities along London’s canal network. To supply a ‘conspicuous presence’, the kinetic roof rises to flood the interior with light, and emit a warm glow at night to attract passers-by. The concertina roof will also squeeze down to pass under low canal bridges.

The judges applauded the very idea of the boat. It will be moored at a different location every five years, supported by the local parish and creating events tailored to its specific needs – a form of consultation process presaging development of a permanent, land-based building. ‘It’s a very clever reimagining how the church works in the community. It’s like a mobile library,’ said judges Sarah Harrison and Sue Stringfellow of Harrison Stringfellow. Pearman pointed out that the canal life it serves ‘is now a linear residential area’.

Stakeholder workshops showed that the space needed to be free of religious symbolism to be welcoming to all. Community function was key so it was designed to be adaptable to accommodate a diverse programme of events. Unusually for a boat, platform lifts and a Part-M accessible WC ensure inclusivity.

Genesis is small enough that those drawn in can be noticed. It offers a space along a towpath for people to heal, talk and support one another. The form itself is a tool for engagement, drawing people into conversation.

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