Waterfront Development
Many cities today are bringing their Waterfronts back to life. Waterfronts which were used mainly for trade are being revitalized as “people places” as societies, and communities improve and grow. Waterfronts are an integral part of cities, their urban landscape and contribute to a city’s vitality. Waterfronts that are active and diverse in activities and functions attract diverse crowds of people and increase the longevity of the waterfront. Promenades, piers, restaurants, bars, and retail facilities create numerous opportunities for a variety of activities that are cultural, recreational, retail and tourism oriented. The incorporation of well designed landscapes and appropriate street furniture into the infrastructure of the waterfront also add to its beauty.
Based on our research, here are some illustrations of waterfront developments that have proven successful by incorporating the above guidelines:
Public use and access to Waterfront a priority - “There is an exhibition at the waterfront this week. Artists can be seen painting and dancers dancing.”
Privatization of waterfronts should be avoided with public access, facilities and enjoyment being made priority.
Multiple activities and destinations - “We can see art, buy stuff, sit and read, stroll, eat at those restaurants. There is a great mix of things we can do on the waterfront”
Having one specific use for a waterfront can lead to a dead waterfront because it squeezes out other activities. Large expanses of green space on the waterfront may seem too passive, instead of adding to the layering of activities in the city. The Project for Public Spaces (www.pps.org) refers to this as the Power of Ten, having a minimum of ten (10) destinations along the waterfront.
Create connections - “The views to and from the waterfront to the city are breathtaking.”
Venice, Italy
Photo courtesy: Vernelle A.A. Noel
This includes visual, physical and psychological connections. View sheds to and from the waterfront should be protected, preserved and additional views provided as the city and waterfront develops. The waterfront should be enticing. Effective crime prevention systems can allay psychological barriers.
Create opportunities for interaction with water - “I love just sitting and splish-splashing my feet in the water, and my grandmother loves to look at kids playing in the fountain.”
Contact with the water is very attractive to users and visitors, whether via swimming, boating, or feeding animals in the water. If this is not possible having water features such as fountains and pools are also attractive.
Promote 24-hour activity - “There are fireworks tonight and a concert tomorrow at the waterfront, with 24 hr. police presence, it is very safe.”
Georgetown, Washington, DC
Photo courtesy: Vernelle A.A. Noel
Successful waterfronts are filled with people at day and at night. They are sites for dining, exhibitions, concerts, events, friendly sports and other gatherings. Having a high number of residential developments on the waterfront limits these activities which are necessary for a successful and vibrant waterfront. Visitors should feel safe when using the waterfront during the day and especially at night.
Use parks as destination connections – “There are beautiful parks along the waterfront on the way to the restaurants.” As mentioned earlier using waterfront parks as linkages to other destinations instead of THE destination allows for diverse people and activities on the waterfront.
Good management – “During the Carnival season there are several shows, and at other times artexhibitions, dances, martial arts exhibitions, and restaurant week.”
Amsterdam
Photo courtesy: Vernelle A.A. Noel
Maintaining the vibrancy of a waterfront throughout the years is essential. There must be ample activites to keep people wanting to return to the waterfront after the novelty wears off. Clean waterfronts are always attractive. Programming events such as temporary exhibits, local musicians, and dancers reflects the community, and reinforces the culture.
Some of Architecture Caribbean’s choices for successful waterfronts include
