citylikeyou — Southbank — London by Daniel Ginns

London / Area

Southbank has organically evolved into a place of cultural significance through the persistent creative use of skateboarders spanning over generations. Southbank is currently under threat of being destroyed and replaced by coffee shops and retail outlets. There has been an alternative skate spot preposed to be built under Hungerford Bridge, this at first glance seems like an appropriate solution. Unfortunately this undermines the grassroots movement that has been developed over the years. Skateboarders have utilised the unsuspecting angles of brutalist architecture in a way they were originally not intended, in doing so they have created a space that is special and unreplicable. You can help save this historic place by signing the petition.

Address
Southbank, The Undercroft, Southbank Centre, SE1, London, United Kingdom

Photographer

Current city: London

danielginns.com

Daniel originally from Portsmouth moved to London just over 3 years ago. He works in a variety of mediums. His recent work consist of setting up structures for drawing that encourage chance to determine the form, this excludes him from making any aesthetic decision. By using this conceptual logic he creates a system in which a process is started, continued for an undetermined amount of time, then finally stopped by the rule that birthed it. This thinking is also expressed in his photography which depict the unintentionally created forms of various other processes.

More Places in London 471

London / Cafe

I couldn't decide which coffee shop to feature so here's the first, Store Street Espresso. It's right round the corner from work and a great place to chill out at lunch time and get that kick for the afternoon. Compared with the other independent coffee shops in the area (Wild & Wood/Lantana/Tapped & Packed) the interior's minimal and light which is great. Anyway coffee's really good and so is the food.

London / Museum

The Garden Museum and the Garden Museum Cafe are a welcome addition to an area of London that is slow to change. The food at the cafe is modern and seasonal, and the space is beautiful and looks out into a small garden by Dan Pearson. Christopher Woodward, the museum director, is active in improving and campaigning for local green spaces and creating space for the local community. The Museum lives inside an old 18th-century church and has a changing program of exhibits. Worth noting, it is a museum on the subject of gardening, not of gardens, so don’t expect many flower beds. Throughout the summer holidays, the Museum has lots of great events for kids, including cooking and drawing. Luke and I also designed the identity for the museum… the tote bags and visitor badges are particularly nice.

London / Bookstore

Great selection of books and magazine with a big focus on rare. out-of-print books Japanese photography. Can sends hours in this little shop. I'd try to avoid on Market day (Saturday) if you want to have a good look as it can get a bit busy for such a small space.

London / River

It paces a Londoner's life. When the tide is low I like wandering on the "beach" and discovering tunnels that take me to the centre of the Earth.

London / Restaurant

Healthy vegan alternatives to the classic Italian style pizza. Plus Lovely vegan soups and salads!