Linear Park: Plot Lines was a collaboration between Lucy Harrison and Matter Architecture, commissioned by Waltham Forest Council as part of Making Places.
The project, which was completed in 2019, traced the boundary lines of houses that were formerly on the site, using lines of lavender, and created spaces between the lines for wild flowers and opportunities for community planting.
The history of the site, the previous houses and their residents, was researched with Leyton & Leytonstone Historical Society and interpreted in the landscape on metal plaques. More information and a map of the historical research can be seen on the Matter Architecture website.
The project was also awarded additional funding from the Mayor of London’s Community Green Space scheme, allowing enhanced planting and community gardening activities.
Planting took place in different areas of the park with local residents as part of Friends of Linear Park, Transition Leytonstone, and with local schools George Mitchell Seniors, Connaught School for Girls and Norlington School for Boys. Community gardening was supported by Carole Wright and TCV, and herbal workshops run by Rasheeqa Ahmad.
The Friends of Linear Park group is still active and meets regularly in the park to care for the wild flower meadows and community planting areas.
Making Places was a unique £1m arts and cultural programme, funded by Waltham Forest Council, aiming to revitalise the borough with artwork and cultural interventions, having an impact on local communities and surrounding neighbourhoods. The Making Places project was delivered in partnership with Create London.