By exploiting legally ambiguous opportunities in its architecture and programme, and complying with the legal framework of the United Kingdom, this project creates a dedicated “international zone” beyond the UK border, sited in South Dock, Canary Wharf. Responding to the UK’s current political climate, and the social issues that have arisen as a result, it provides shelter, amenities and support for those suffering from the UK’s increasingly tight immigration policy, stateless persons, asylum seekers yet without entry clearance into the UK, and political dissidents who may otherwise face prosecution. An “international zone” in Canary Wharf will be sanctioned by the UK, but it is feasible and legal for an individual to remain in these areas indefinitely without entry clearance into the UK.
However, as this zone is under UK jurisdiction, those facing prosecutions in the UK, with a number of cases for politically reasons, can still be arrested by UK authorities. However, international conventions allow diplomatic missions, such as embassies and consulates, to be immune from local laws. They have also allowed foreign-registered watercrafts and aircrafts to be only partially subject to the jurisdiction of their host nation to varying extents depending on their nature and location.
The building complex consists of an entry hall where one leaves the UK in the legal sense, a concourse providing living amenities for the residents, including a canteen, a clinic, a general store and a callisthenics park, a shared consulate, a UK border checkpoint, residential quarters, and a runway for STOL-capable transport aircrafts for the delivery of materials. The site chosen for this project is South Dock, as it is the furthest point upstream (hence nearest to central London) that large ships can dock and be turned around.
Long Section
Lower Level Plan
Upper Level Plan
