Zhongshan Zou - Riverside Nomadic Homesteads

Riverside Nomadic Homesteads

Tottenham, London

Riverside Nomadic Homesteads

Tottenham, London
For centuries, the canals and rivers of London have played a vital role in the city's history, economy, and culture. With over 100 miles of navigable waterways stretching between London and the Midlands, they provide a unique perspective on the city and its people. Boat life on London's waterways is a fascinating blend of old and new. Traditional narrowboats, which were once used for transporting cargo such as coal, timber, and food, now offer a unique and affordable way of living in the city. Converted into cosy homes, they provide a close-knit community, a slower pace of life, and a chance to explore the city from a completely different perspective. As I wandered along the canal banks, lined with moored narrowboats, each with their own unique character and charm, I shot this collection of photos at the beginning of 2023. I was struck by the people's creativity and fascinated by how they had arranged their self-built structures along the riverbank. The small houses next to different narrowboats showcased their ingenuity and resourcefulness. However, as I pondered their living situation, I became curious about the local council's policies regarding land ownership. I knew that each boat owner was only allowed to stay in one location for a maximum of two weeks, which begged the question: how did they arrange themselves amongst their "neighbors"? Perhaps they constructed temporary structures as a common dining area for new arrivals to use. Or maybe each self-built structure had its own owner who shared the riverbank with new arrivals. It was even possible that those people actually own those small pieces of land and chose to convert their boats into bedrooms. Regardless of the truth behind their arrangements, it was clear that these people were the true architects of Tottenham. Their close-knit community, seemingly formed organically, was a testament to the fact that planning is not always necessary for the creation of vibrant communities.

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