Swimming in Nature - Visualising Inclusive Community Spaces
“Chloe's attention to detail and proactive diligence was very much appreciated. Her masterful ability to translate abstract ideas into a photorealistic and atmospheric natural swimming pond image for our charity was invaluable.”
Nathan Miller, Director, East London Waterworks Park Charity
The Challenge
East London Waterworks Park (ELWWP) is a charity working to transform an industrial Thames Water depot on Lea Bridge Road into a community-owned, biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds and community spaces.
Co-designed by a team of volunteers, one of the project’s core principles is to create a space that is welcoming, safe and inclusive for all. To support this goal, ELWWP launched the Listening Project, a series of paid inclusivity workshops involving groups historically underrepresented in design consultations. These sessions provided a platform for participants to share ideas, express needs, and contribute to the design process in meaningful ways.
The charity needed Pro Bono imagery depicting swimming in nature to support these workshops and engage broader audiences on social media. The final image had to:
Encourage open and inclusive dialogue during the workshops and online
Clearly communicate key design features
Capture public interest
Visually convey the project’s commitment to biodiversity and inclusivity
The Solution
Using site design concepts provided by the ELWWP Design Circle, I created a vibrant visual imagining a joyful summer afternoon at the natural swimming pond. To meet the brief’s key requirements, I ensured the image incorporated:
Human diversity: The visual includes people of different ages, cultural backgrounds and mobility levels, including individuals using mobility aids. This representation was essential to reflect underrepresented communities and invite broad participation in the consultation process.
Swimming accessibility: The gently sloping pond, ramp access and handrails illustrate how the water space can accommodate a range of swimming abilities and mobility needs.
Nature as function and form: A rich variety of aquatic and terrestrial plants, glimpses of wildlife and clear water were illustrated to show that nature is integral, not just decorative. These features are functional, aiding in water purification, defining space and enhancing immersion in the natural environment.
Honouring the industrial past: Elements of the site's original filter beds were retained in the image, nodding to the site's heritage and illustrating how old structures could be repurposed in the final design.
The image was displayed during a launch event for the community voices report. Photo By Jane Kim
The Result
The visual proved to be a valuable tool during the inclusivity workshops, encouraging conversation, sparking ideas and helping participants better understand and respond both positively and negatively to the proposed plans.
When shared on social media, the image resonated with local residents, especially during a summer heatwave, capturing the public’s imagination and prompting further conversations around safety during wild swimming and public access to nature.
Following the workshops, ELWWP published a report, Community Voices: Shaping East London Waterworks Park, summarising key insights from the Listening Project. The report not only informs the next stages of the park’s development but also offers a practical framework for government bodies, design professionals and community groups seeking to create green spaces that are inclusive, safe and welcoming to all.
A sample of discussions that arose after ELWWP posted the image to their social media
Why It Matters
Designing inclusive public spaces isn't just about meeting accessibility standards it's about actively listening to those who are often left out of the conversation and embedding their needs and visions into the heart of a project.
This visual helped make abstract ideas tangible, enabling people to connect to the space and feel confident their voices were being heard. By representing diverse bodies, abilities and relationships with nature, the image encouraged honest, informed participation and conversations.
At a time when access to green space and clean water is increasingly unequal, projects like East London Waterworks Park show how community-led design and visual storytelling can work hand-in-hand to shape spaces that are not only beautiful but truly inclusive.