The Regent's canal from Islington to Mile End is highly varied in nature. To reflect the ever changing requirements of this site, Re-Ouse fluctuates, evolves and transforms.

The design is characterised by two illuminated sculptural canopies, made from recycled white translucent sails. The movements of the canopies are reminiscent of the cranes which were once used to load cargo onto the boat. Similarly to the cranes, they pivot up and down from two axes. LED strips attached to the underside of each frame ensure that they glow overnight.

Inspired by floating lanterns which symbolise rebirth, the dormant Ouse will be reawakened.

The interior is defined by four types of adjustable CNC-routed furniture blocks. These assume various configurations according to the designated activity. Moored outside Victoria Park in the summer, the Ouse can open up to become a bar or small cinema space. Outside Vyner Street, it may lower its canopies to form a floating exhibition space; or perhaps it will float further down to Queen Mary's University, with its blocks and canopies rearranged into an outdoor teaching space or debating chamber. The four types of furniture blocks are to be positioned to complement the configuration of the canopies, which allows for the boat's ever evolving activities.

From one use to the next, the playful furniture blocks and the illuminated sails are completely flexible. Interwoven together, these elements transform the Ouse into a harmonious machine of flowing parts, a seamless icon of local energy, breathing life and light once again into this historic boat and reawakening areas of London that for too long have been under-appreciated.