A colossal blue whale is soaring from the dock at Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf, captivating passersby and sparking conversations about sustainability. Standing four storeys tall, this breathtaking installation titled Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper) is more than just a striking sculpture—it’s a powerful statement on the growing crisis of plastic pollution in our oceans.
Art that speaks volumes about ocean plastic waste
The inspiration behind this awe-inspiring Canary Wharf art installation stems from a sobering truth: pound for pound, there is now more plastic floating in the ocean than there are whales. That’s approximately 150 million tonnes of plastic waste choking our marine ecosystems. To highlight this, StudioKCA, a New York-based architecture and design firm, collaborated with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to physically collect plastic debris from Hawaiian beaches and transform it into art.
The result? An intricate mosaic whale that appears to leap from the dock, assembled entirely from discarded plastic waste. Up close, visitors can see the details of the colourful fragments—bottle caps, containers, and microplastics—all coming together to form a majestic, life-like figure. It’s a beautiful yet poignant reminder of the impact urban waste has on our waterways.
A beacon of sustainable innovation
Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper) isn’t just an artistic marvel—it’s a feat of sustainable design. Conceptualized by artist-architect duo Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang, the sculpture sits atop an underwater base constructed with low-carbon concrete. This base incorporates biochar made from used coffee grounds collected from Canary Wharf’s many cafes and eateries—an inventive example of how circular economy initiatives can reduce waste and environmental impact.
With an estimated 190 tonnes of spent coffee grounds generated annually in the area, reusing this material in eco-friendly construction demonstrates a commitment to turning local waste into lasting value. The sculpture’s supporting structure is also crafted from reclaimed steel, further emphasizing its sustainable credentials.
Part of a broader environmental mission
This striking eco-friendly public art piece is the latest in a series of sustainability-driven efforts by Canary Wharf Group (CWG). Since 2009, CWG has maintained a zero waste to landfill policy for its managed areas, and the whale installation exemplifies the group’s proactive approach to upcycling and environmental education.
Beyond its artistic impact, the whale serves as a rallying point for plastic pollution awareness and a visual cue encouraging locals and visitors alike to rethink their consumption habits.
Now a permanent feature of Canary Wharf’s public art collection, Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper) is open to the public at Wood Wharf, offering both a visual spectacle and a meaningful message.
For more information and to plan your visit, go to Canary Wharf’s official event page.
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