QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF WATERFRONT LANDSCAPES AS A PUBLIC SPACE

Dissertation Submitted by

MAULIK SHRIVASTAVA

113701134

B.ARCHITECTURE VII SEMESTER

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

MANIPAL UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER 2014

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNINGMANIPAL UNIVERSITY

CERTIFICATE

We certify that the Dissertation entitled “QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF WATERFRONT LANDSCAPES AS A PUBLIC SPACE”, that is being submitted by Master. MAULIK

SHRIVASTAVA 113701134, in the VII semester of Architecture undergraduate program, Faculty of Architecture and Planning,Manipal University,Manipal is a record of bonafide work,to the best of

our knowledge.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I find it my absolute duty to extend and express my sincere gratitude to the entire faculty of F.O.A who in one or another way have contributed to my dissertation.

I express my endless gratitude to my dissertation Professor Ar.Deepika Shetty who has been of invaluable guidance, educative and who has been providing constructive criticism when supervising my work all through till end.

I am also indebted to my institution Faculty of Architecture for giving me invaluable guidance, experience and information concerning my topic.

I would like to appreciate the non-teaching staff for their support and help.

I would also like to pass on my thanks to my institution’s rich library for its assistance and ample material for my research.

Table of ContentsABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................................................... 6

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................. 6

AIM :............................................................................................................................................................................ 7

OJECTIVES :............................................................................................................................................................... 7

METHODOLOGY :....................................................................................................................................................... 7

Case studies to understand the concepts and technologies in detail.......................................................................7

A varieties of different secondary sources were used to provide information regarding the topic............................7

Study from books, various references, journals and through online search.............................................................7

SCOPE :...................................................................................................................................................................... 7

LIMITATIONS :............................................................................................................................................................ 7

LITERATURE RIVIEW :.................................................................................................................................................. 8

Definition of waterfront :............................................................................................................................................... 8

The emergence and history of waterfront development :.............................................................................................8

Concept of public space :............................................................................................................................................. 8

Waterfront as a shared space :.................................................................................................................................... 8

Riverfront Development............................................................................................................................................ 9

Seafront Development.............................................................................................................................................. 9

Lakefront Development............................................................................................................................................ 9

General principles for waterfront development as a shared space :............................................................................9

Interconnected, linear waterfront development with broad public access :.............................................................10

Protection and enhancement of the natural riverfront environment........................................................................10

Recoup the city’s identity as one of the best water cities.......................................................................................10

Steps to develop a Great Waterfront :....................................................................................................................... 10

Look first at the public space :................................................................................................................................ 10

Public goals as the primary objective :...................................................................................................................10

Reclaim the city’s identity as one of the best water cities :.....................................................................................11

WATERFRONT LANDSCAPE FURNITURE DESIGN BRIEF :...............................................................................11

FURNITURE TYPOLOGY...................................................................................................................................... 11

LIGHTING FEATURE............................................................................................................................................. 11

MATERIALS AND DETAILS.................................................................................................................................. 12

CASE STUDIES............................................................................................................................................................ 12

Hussain sagar lake ,Hyderabad :............................................................................................................................... 12

Paris Plages :............................................................................................................................................................. 14

From the Louvre to Pont de Sully........................................................................................................................... 14

Bassin de la Villette................................................................................................................................................ 14

Kolkata:...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Hong kong................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Stockholm, Sweden................................................................................................................................................... 16

Sydney harbor, Australia............................................................................................................................................ 17

Harbor’s landscape experience :............................................................................................................................ 17

Sydney Harbour attractions.................................................................................................................................... 17

Sydney's National Parks......................................................................................................................................... 18

Aboriginal experiences........................................................................................................................................... 18

Harbour and coastal journeys................................................................................................................................ 19

ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDIES.................................................................................................................................... 20

Hussain sagar lake ,Hyderabad :............................................................................................................................... 20

Paris Plages :............................................................................................................................................................. 20

Kolkata:...................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Sydney harbor, Australia :.......................................................................................................................................... 21

STRENGTHS AND OPPURTUNITIES OF THESE SHARED WATERFRONTS :.....................................................22

ZONING :....................................................................................................................................................... 22

ZONING & POLICY INITIATIVES :................................................................................................................23

POLICY INITIATIVES & ZONING :................................................................................................................23

PUBLIC SPACE ACTIVITIES AND SOCIABILITY :...................................................................................................23

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE WATERFRONT :......................................................................24

Characteristics of a Great Public Space include:....................................................................................................24

...................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Creating open spaces like these helps in connecting various built spaces together ....................................................25

ADVANTAGES OF A SHARED WATERFRONT ON CITY DEVELOPMENT :.........................................................25

CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................................. 26

REFERENCE................................................................................................................................................................ 27

ABSTRACT

This study aims on the qualitative landscape aspects of how a waterfront as a shared space is more efficient and feasible for the city rather than a privately developed waterfront. The study first explains about how land and water can be use to create pubic spaces which further helps in the development of the city. Further the study continues by explaining What is a waterfront? Why it is a provision for cities development ? How can a waterfront be enhanced through landscape as a public space and what all public activities possible along the water edge .The study also marks the environmental issues while developing a waterfront and how to sustain the waterfront without disrupting the flow of the water stream and also conserving the existing flora n fauna .Linking developments to access public spaces is also addressed in this study. The study comprises of case studies and examples from India and abroad to have a collective analysis of deferent landscape measures taken for a public oriented waterfront development.

INTRODUCTIONWater n land together is a great example for a place for people to relax and chill in a soothing and calm atmosphere. The unforgettable beauty, entrancing experiences and unparalleled opportunities happens where land meets sea or a lake or a river. A place for the people to relax n enjoy a pollution free green atmosphere. A place that over the years becomes the main gathering spot or a social hub of the city. The economic and historical significance of many cities speaks of the splendid waters flowing through it. Developing these water edges into amassing waterfronts hence becoming the underlying element of the city.

Waterfronts are settlements, civilizations or commercial developments that come up along water bodies like rivers, coastal regions or lakes, acting as provisions for development of cities.The waterfronts have the potential to become the cultural and heritage foci of these cities that lie on the bank of the rivers and attract people from the city and also tourists to spend time. Thus, waterfronts have emerged as the lively urban core of cities. Though developed waterfronts are mainly on the edge of the city but due to its aesthetics and prominence in the city, it becomes central point of attraction for public gatherings.

Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor public areas, landmarks to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes.It involves the methodical investigation of existing social, ecological, and geological conditions and processes in the landscape, and the design of interventions that will produce the desired outcome. The increasing pace of urbanization and industrialization has left several towns/ cities with minimum avenues for recreation and open green spaces. A developed waterfront trail would provide residents access to new recreational breaks and an expanded awareness of the natural aspects of river life. The waterfront would attract a rising legion of morning walkers and after-work runners. Added to this, public access sites connected by linear greenways will tie developments together, eliminating barriers, both real and envisaged and animate the waterfront with the light and life of the city. This form of urban redevelopment can pull the waterfront areas from minimal use and neglect into the mainstream of public activity and private investment. Cities enjoy increased tourism, employment and growth. A

vital and vibrant waterfront serves to unite residents and visitors in a shared experience of the city. It is in that daily sharing of ideas and points of view that a city finds the energy and desire to continually improve and remake itself. Treating a waterfront as a public space and finding new ways or techniques to redevelop a water edge into a public hub is more feasible and efficient for the city than private waterfronts. Moreover rivers that once were the most importance element of city were neglected. They were channelized and used as drains. Due to the natural recourses destruction in urban area, importance of rivers has become realize by city dwellers. It has the potential to become important landmarks for recreation and leisure.

Qualitative aspects of landscape as a public space will :

• Encourage the use of the riverfront greenway as a daily commuter path and recreational amenity.

• Demonstrate the connection between access, greenway development and market demand.

• Creating a coherent, visually gratifying order to the water’s edge. Remodeling of the waterfront with a natural outlook will provide the general public with an open space for leisure and recreation.

• Human/Environmental connections

• Conservation and development of land

• Conservation of flora and fauna

Improving the quality of life of nearby community by reviving the neighborhood. This way of developing waterfront as a public space underlying quality of landscape will lead to a better and healthy environment to live in, with people communicating and meeting new people and also helpful for the vigor of the people as well as the city.

AIM :Qualitative Analysis of waterfront landscapes as a public space.

OJECTIVES : To understand about the qualitative aspects of natural landscape along the waterfront . To identify the possible public activities possible along waterfront. To suggest various landscape techniques to enhance a waterfront. To address environmental issues during development. Linking development to access public spaces along waterfront.

METHODOLOGY : Case studies to understand the concepts and technologies in detail. A varieties of different secondary sources were used to provide information regarding the

topic. Study from books, various references, journals and through online search.

SCOPE :To show how landscape enhance water edge as a shared space and developing these waterfronts with various landscape elements and techniques , promoting to create more such communal hubs over privately developed waterfronts.

LIMITATIONS :The only limitation with this study is lack of sustainable design techniques. As such in India there is no such waterfront with conservative landscape design measures. With the limited time period in mind, doing a case study outside India is not possible. Hence I will be depending on the secondary sources.

LITERATURE RIVIEW :

Definition of waterfront :

Waterfront can be defined as piece of land or a part of a town adjacent to an area of water and borders a body of water. Lake, pond, canal, river, sea and bay are considered as the body of water including manmade water element. The urban waterfront could include any urban area that overlooks or adjacent to a river, sea, lake, canal or an synthetic water body.

The emergence and history of waterfront development :

Waterfront development is a trend that hit the big cities of the world since the 80's, and is stillpopular. The development started in the 1960s by the beach cities in America that make use of unoccupied lands formerly a port that had been developed into empty container port area to be developed as the business area, entertainment, and residential area. It was copied by European port cities and then spread to all corners of the world.

Concept of public space :

Carr et al. (1992: xi) regard public space as a fundamental feature of cities. They represent sites of sociability and frontal interaction, and at the same time their quality is commonly perceived to be a measure of the quality of urban life. Cybriwsky (1999: 224) defines public space as “Developments that are freely accessible to the public and are envisioned for social interaction, relaxation or outdoors.” According to the Oxford English Dictionary (1993), the term public means, “in general and in most of the senses, opposite of private”.A public space may be a congregation spot or part of a neighborhood within the public realm such as waterfront that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community. It is clear that public space is important in terms of how the spaces are measured and used for the betterment of the public.

Waterfront as a shared space :

The waterfronts have the potential to become the traditional and heritage hubs of these cities that lie on the bank of the rivers and attract people from the city and also tourists to spend time. Thus, waterfronts have emerged as the active urban core of cities. There are different types of waterfronts like Riverfront, Lakefront and Seafront based on

the source of water in the city. Vivacious public waterfronts represent the signature of a great city. Cities all over the world, which are blessed with ocean or bay views, have learned one principle: the grander the publics access, the more valuable their harbor areas become. The creation of waterfront is considered as a better viable idea for transforming an otherwise underutilized area into a flourishing center of tourism, culture, leisure and business. Various public activities are taken into consideration for revenue of these waterfronts which further adds to the beneficial of the city .These activities includes both land and water events happening on the particular water edge .

Riverfront Development The development of riverfronts typically includes the following activities:

Boat trips Shopping Petty shops Restaurants Theme parks Parks Parking lots Walk ways Sit outs

Seafront Development

The development of seafronts typically includes the following activities:

Water sports Deep sea touring Commercial complexes Hotels Restaurants Bars Cinemas Shops Ocean aquarium Scuba diving Museums Offices Residential buildings Rented houses

Lakefront Development

The development of lakefronts typically includes the following activities:

Boating Various rides Restaurants Walkways

General principles for waterfront development as a shared space :

Waterfront development planning is often guided by four priorities: balanced land use;

respect for limited resources; improved public access; and safeguards for environmental quality.

The general principles for waterfront development are set out below:

Interconnected, linear waterfront development with broad public access :

• Maximize continuous public access to the water’s edge;• Making public spaces that are of high quality, rich in amenities and flexible in their use;• Providing active and dynamic year-round destinations;• Epitomize architectural quality, have animated streetscapes, and respect and support

activity at the water’s edge, and;• Economical and environmental sustainable development.

Protection and enhancement of the natural riverfront environment

• Documenting the ecological state of the waterfronts in order to preserve this environmentally diverse natural habitat.

• Preventing and, where possible, eliminating inappropriate uses and practices from the rivers’ edge.

• Shielding existing natural areas from development.• Preserve and interpret historical uses, activities and forms of the waterfront, and conserve

lands with marine industrial use potential.

Recoup the city’s identity as one of the best water cities

• Raising public expectations of what the city’s waterfront offers to them.• Attracting people, investment and the best aspects of urban living to the

waterfront.

Steps to develop a Great Waterfront :

Look first at the public space :

The city officials or a developer should begin by visualizing a network of well-

connected, multi-use public spaces that fit with the community’s shared goals. By

orienting waterfront revitalization around public spaces, new construction will

enhance the quality of existing destinations and result in a whole that is greater than

the sum of its parts.

While streets may be appropriate on some waterfronts, pedestrian connections

should be given top priority, making large parking lots and auto-oriented

development out of the question

Public goals as the primary objective :

Each an every waterfront are too valuable to simply allow developers to

dedicate what’s happening there . This is not to say that private

development is undesirable and should be discouraged – on the

contrary, it is often necessary to the future of a healthy waterfront.

Best solutions for refurbishing waterfronts put public goals first, not

private short-term financial objectives . As long as redevelopment plans

follow to the notion that the waterfront is an integrally public asset, it

will be relatively easy to follow the rest of the steps here. Community

engagement – and, ultimately, local ownership and pride – depend on

this basic premise.

Reclaim the city’s identity as one of the best water cities :• Raising public expectations of what the city’s waterfront offers to the people.• Attracting people, investment and the best aspects of urban living to the waterfront.

WATERFRONT LANDSCAPE FURNITURE DESIGN BRIEF :

The brief provides a wide variety of furniture designs and how to utilize these according to the theme and culture of the city. The framework depends on the number of interlinking themes that needs to underlay all the development on the waterfront which includes –

• Historical and contemporary culture • City to water connections • Promenade • Open space • Diversity

FURNITURE TYPOLOGY

The furniture needs to relate with the themes giving more emphasis on the historic art and culture of the city that should be reflected at the waterfront as it represents the city. One should refer to the natural ecology or typology of softscaping of the city and even some historical background, art and culture, in determining the character of the respective areas and the components and elements that make up those areas.

People are more likely to occupy a space if seating, lighting and other furniture is provided. Furniture should be consistent throughout the waterfront and used to enhance the identity of the area and the city as a whole. There should be a wide range of different seating types.

LIGHTING FEATURE

Lighting is a vital part of the public space design. It gives the opportunity to create special night-time effects within the waterfront. Functional lighting should have safety standards, but specifically designed lighting is appropriate throughout the waterfront. Consideration is given not only to the night-time lighting effect but also to the day-time appearance of lighting standards, which may also be used to support banners or signages to enrich the public environment. In addition to observers on the waterfront, lighting design should consider people observing the area from other vantage points around the harbor and surrounding hills.

MATERIALS AND DETAILS

Material and details reflects the identity and history of an area, to emphasize its waterfront relationship to the city. Materials along the water’s edge likely to be a large section, robust and industrial in nature, whereas those in the rest of the areas should be more urban in scale and appearance.

Waterfront materials:

• Paving/ground surface – timber decking/edging, web grating, asphalt, rocks, stones • Railings and bollards – timber beams (at water’s edge), metal railings (similar to ship railing),

original gates and fences (at interface with the land), metal balls • Benches/seating – timber beams • Lighting – metal frames with plates

More urban materials: • Paving – unit paving, concrete, asphalt, exposed aggregate finish • Bench seating, more urban form relating to city with references to waterfront

Railings/fences (including original gates/fences at waterfront/city interface)

A family of elements needs to be developed for each area while relating to the wider waterfront to create a strong waterfront identity.

These individual areas are characterized by:

• Elements which relates to the proximity of the city which they are adjacent to, and may include hard paving, grass, trees etc.

• Lighting helps to reflect the setting.• A variety of seating should be placed, which can be used by different people. Heights of

seats and the inclusion of backs to be considered. • Use of the original waterfront gates/fences where appropriate as a transition between the

waterfront and the city.

Therefore quality of landscape is a key element in designing a waterfront and needs to be worked out in various waterfronts of our country.

CASE STUDIES

Hussain sagar lake ,Hyderabad :

Hussain Sagar is a lake in Hyderabad, India, built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. It is spread across an area of 5.7 square kilometers and is fed by River Musi. A large monumental statue of the Gautama Buddha, erected in 1992 stands in an island in the middle of the lake. Maximum depth of the lake is 32 feet. Hussain Sagar Lake in the city of Hyderabad is now a major tourist attraction in the city.

This boulevard connects to nearby parks such as Jogi bear park, Sanjivaiah park and Jalavihar. Both these park provide excellent lung space and environment along with its calmness. This boulevard is frequented by early morning joggers, marathon events, and evening hangouts. The Necklace Road MMTS Station is the closest rapid transit facility available connecting to all major parts of the city. The emergence of 'Eat Street' has further transformed the place into a vibrant and popular place to hang out for people belonging to all age groups.

The lake was source of water for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad but the condition of lake deteriorated and got polluted due to industrialization and immersion of Ganesh idol during Ganesh Chaturthi. It was the HUDA – Hyderabad Urban Development Authority which came forward for the conservation of the lake and turning it to a tourist attraction. Over a period of time Hussain Sagar Lake has got a lot of attractions driving local and tourists to visit the place. The surroundings of lake has aesthetically built

• Andhra Pradesh Secretariat buildings,• NTR Memorial• Lumbini Park • Prasads IMAX•• Hyderabad Boat Club • Sri Venkateswara Temple (Birla Mandir)• Telugu Thalli Flyover• Secunderabad Sailing Club• Sanjeevaiah park• Hotel Marriott• Hazrat Saidani Ma Saheba.• NTR Gardens on the Necklace road is a good place to hang out in the evenings for the young

as well as the old.• Necklace road has been opened to public which passes round the Hussain Sagar Lake.

This is how Hyderabad’s authority HUDA that developed the lake and made the necklace road as a shared space which became a very popular and attractive public spot for Hyderabad with such diverse public activities happening surrounding the road.

Paris Plages :

Paris-Plages [Paris Beaches] is a plan run by the office of the mayor of Paris that creates temporary artificial beaches each summer along the river Seine in the center of Paris, and, since 2007, along the Bassin de la Villette in the northeast of Paris. Every July and August, roadways on the banks of the Seine are blocked off and host various activities, including sandy beaches and palm trees.

A Seine-side holiday. That, in a nutshell, is what Paris Plages is all about – complete with sandy beaches, deckchairs, ubiquitous ice cream sellers, and concerts for French and foreign guests. Holidaymakers at the Bassin de la Villette (Paris 19) can also borrow books free of charge, play beach volley, take an aquagym class in a mini pool, or kayak around the lake – or, of course just chill and enjoy. The Seine’s banks become pedestrian and the beaches are spread across three spots (Louvre/Pont de Sully, Port de la Gare and Bassin de la Villette). 

From the Louvre to Pont de SullyThis was the first beach that opened in 2002. It spans three kilometres through historical Paris, and features open-air attractions (rollerblading, tai-chi, wall climbing, boules etc.). Refreshment areas, play areas and deckchairs are available for your time out unwinding by the river.

Bassin de la VilletteThis is the latest addition to Paris Plages, and opened in 2007 round Bassin de la Villette (Paris 19). It stretches from Rotonde de Ledoux (nearest Jaurès Metro station) to the former Magasins Généraux (in Rue de Crimée) and features a proper water-sports complex (with rowing boats, kayaks, pedal boats and dinghies) alongside quaint quay-side restaurants and boules courts.Paris Plages 2014 : from 19 July to 17 August

All Paris Plages beaches are open non-stop from 9.00 am to midnight

This temporary arrangement of public beaches is an important example of how a city can create a great waterfront for the people to relax and chill for a specific period of the year .It also adds to the revenue of the city as these points accts as attractive spots for tourist around the world to experience happiness in such a big city. Boating and other water sports are the main source of revenues in such cases. Hence it is good to have such activities running for the waterfront to be alive every second and also beneficial for the city .

A place for people to read, write, relaxand enjoy rest of the time lying down on fine sand keeping all worries aside just enjoying the scenery. This August program happens every year in Paris and should be incorporated in every waterfront city as it is a temporary arrangement hence not disturbing the existing city life.

This makes paris more beautiful and interesting place to visit as it is well known for its historical buildings and also known as the city of love .

Kolkata:

An ambitious riverfront development projecthas been drawing many visitors in Kolkata.The Millennium Park runs along Strand Road,for a kilometer on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River and has been a successful attempt to bring it back to the forefront of thecity's landscape.Two sections of the park, stretching over 750 m, were opened to the public on January 1,2000, while the final section, 300 m in length, was made accessible to public on January 1,2006. Attractions on the riverfront are: Lily pools, herbal and cosmetic gardens, food kiosks,an amphitheater, a promenade, amusement rides and a children's park. An added attractionis the access to the Silver Jet Jetty and Fairlie Jetty for those who fancy a boat ride. Inaddition, Kolkata Municipal Development Authority organizes festivals, with musicians andactors performing at the amphitheater.

Hong kong

Hong Kong’s harbor is core to Hong Kong's heritage, a global icon and the source of Hong Kong's competitive advantage in the Pearl River Delta. The harbor is at the heart of the city; is considered as an environmental lung, and is one of the busiest ports in the world.With an estimated 8.3 million residents and 70 million tourists by 2030, Hong Kong's harbour is considered to be a showcase forHong Kong with a high degree of social, economic and environmental vibrancy. The quality of the environment surrounding the harbour is fundamental to the realisation of such an objective. An attractive, activitated and accessible harbour will add to the well being and quality of life of Hong Kong; increase Hong Kong’s attractiveness to tourists, and act as a magnet for foreign business and the world class human resources necessary for Hong Kong’s sustained economic growth.

Stockholm, Sweden

As a city of islands, the waterfront here really is the heart of town and has quietly adapted over time as Stockholm evolves, providing many new and different ways for people to use it. With few traffic-heavy roads along the water, walking and bicycling become great pleasures, enabling people to discover an array of attractions all along the city’s shoreline. What really sets Stockholm apart are the promenades and esplanades that naturally draw people to public destinations on the water, such as the outstanding City Hall (where the Nobel Prizes are awarded) or the wonderful Kungstradgarden (King's Garden).

Sydney harbor, Australia

Sydney is a city shaped by its stunning natural harbor. From the Dreamtime through

to the modern wonders of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge;

Sydney Harbour has been the heart and soul of this lively landscape. On its doorstep

you'll find national parks, World Heritage sites,

Aboriginal heritage and convict history. Swim at

pristine beaches and explore secret inlets, cycle

through tranquil parks and watch the sun rise over the

ocean from a cliff-top. The natural and cultural landscape of Sydney, stretching

beyond its harbor, along its coast and waterways, is a vibrant tapestry waiting to be

explored.

Harbor’s landscape experience :

Sydney Harbour is one of the most environmentally diverse landscapes in the world. The dramatic

coastline creates an endless natural lookout of spectacular views and opportunities to enjoy

nature. Scale the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views stretching east to the

Sydney Heads and west to the Greater Blue Mountains. Right on the city fringe, the urban oasis of

the Royal Botanic Garden gives an insight into Australia's origins with rare plants dating back to

Captain Cook's voyage. Head to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair for a ring-side seat of the whole

magnificent scene and take some time to explore The Rocks, Australia's oldest European

settlement.

Sydney Harbour attractions

Dotted throughout the harbor, the islands of Sydney Harbor offer a journey into

Australia's Aboriginal, convict and maritime past. Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to

explore the islands of Fort Denison and Goat. Camp overnight on World Heritage-listed

Cockatoo Island and watch the city light up around you. Step back in time and hoist

the sails on board an historic Tall Ship or uncover the Aboriginal history of the harbor

with Tribal Warrior. Meet some of Australia's unique wildlife at Wild Life Sydney,

Sydney Aquarium or spectacular Taronga Zoo. Go snorkelling at Nielsen Park along

the Rose Bay to Watsons Bay Walk. Grab fish and chips and watch the yachts against

the city vista from Watson's Bay then take a leisurely walk to South Head for

spectacular views.

Sydney's National Parks

Sydney's national parks are a journey through Australian history -

protecting a wealth of Australian flora and fauna, ancient Aboriginal

cultural sites, and military fortifications. There are also abundant

swimming spots and bushwalking tracks where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat. The

‘green' heart of the landscape is the great expanse of Sydney Harbor National Park, hugging the

foreshore at North and South Heads at the dramatic entrance to Port Jackson. Stay at the historic

Quarantine Station where the first migrant ships arrived in the 1830s. Make sure to watch out for

whales on their winter migration. From Middle Head you can gaze over the Pacific Ocean right to

the horizon. Join volunteers helping to regenerate the bush. South of the city, walk the Coast

Track in Royal National Park and take in the cliffs, beaches and inspiring scenery from Bundeena

to Otford. More than 300 bird species have been sighted in Royal National Park alone. In the

north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers a wonderful mix of bushland and bay, a stone's

throw from delightful sandy beaches.

Aboriginal experiences

Evidence of Aboriginal People’s long connection with this land is present in the form of rock

engravings, middens, campsites, scarred trees and stencils that are sprinkled throughout the

landscape. Go walkabout in The Rocks with an Aboriginal guide to find out about the traditions

and cultural practices of the Cadigal people. Cruise to Parramatta for a stroll along the Riverside

Walk and look for scarred trees in Parramatta Park. Take an Aboriginal Discovery tour in Ku-ring-

gai Chase or Royal National Parks, and look out for rock engravings along the Bronte to Bondi

Coastal Walk. For a taste of contemporary Aboriginal culture, take in a Bangarra Dance Theatre

performance and enjoy some bush tucker at Purple Goanna in Redfern or Gardener’s Lodge Café

in Victoria Park.

Harbour and coastal journeys

This landscape is an aquatic paradise with everything from surfing its ocean beaches to sailing

and stand-up paddle-boarding on harbor beaches. Kayak the waterways in any part of the

landscape to find an enchanting corner all your own. Cool off with a swim at one of the popular

local beaches like Bronte and Freshwater, or ramble around their rockpools. Cruise the waters of

the Harbor or take part in one of the landscape’s organized ocean swims. See a range of

waterbirds in the riverside wetlands of Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park, and walk

around the largest mangrove forest remaining on the Parramatta River. Discover the landscape’s

rich underwater life on a snorkelling safari at Clovelly where you might catch a glimpse of Bluey,

the resident Blue Groper, or at Bare Island where you can find sand rays and colorful sponge life.

Dive the Gordon’s Bay Underwater Nature Trail, one of many exciting dive sites in Sydney - spot

octopus, cuttlefish and colorful nudibranchs.

This is also a good example of how Sydney

utilized its waterfront to its fullest by making it a

shared space where people gather and makes

it a unique and a world’s diverse waterfront.

ANALYSIS OF CASE STUDIES

Hussain sagar lake ,Hyderabad :

Key features :

This boulevard connects to nearby parks such as Jogi bear park, Sanjivaiah park and Jalavihar. Both these park provide excellent lung space and environment along with its calmness. This boulevard is frequented by early morning joggers, marathon events, and evening hangouts. The Necklace Road MMTS Station is the closest rapid transit facility available connecting to all major parts of the city. The emergence of 'Eat Street' has further transformed the place into a vibrant and popular place to hang out for people belonging to

all age groups

Paris Plages :

complete with sandy beaches, deckchairs, ubiquitous ice cream sellers, and concerts for French and foreign guests

borrow books free of charge, play beach volley, take an aquagym class in a mini pool, or kayak around the lake.

open-air attractions (rollerblading, tai-chi, wall climbing, boules etc.). Refreshment areas, play areas and deckchairs are available for your time out unwinding by the river.

features a proper water-sports complex (with rowing boats, kayaks, pedal boats and dinghies) alongside quaint quay-side restaurants and boules courts.

This temporary arrangement of public beaches is an important example of how a city can

Kolkata:

Attractions on the riverfront are:

Lily pools,

herbal and cosmetic gardens,

food kiosks,

an amphitheater,

a promenade, amusement rides and a children's park.

An added attraction is the access to the Silver Jet Jetty and Fairlie Jetty.

Sydney harbor, Australia :

On its doorstep you'll find national parks, World Heritage sites, Aboriginal heritage and convict history.

Swim at pristine beaches and explore secret inlets, cycle through tranquil parks and watch the sun rise over the ocean from a cliff-top.

STRENGTHS AND

OPPURTUNITIES OF THESE SHARED WATERFRONTS :

POLICY & REGIONAL INITIATIVES :

• Make the waterfront aesthetically pleasing.

• Improve the waterfront and create new public open space and make open

space connection to new parks.

• Promote accessibility within the district by improving existing roadways & improving and creating new pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths.

• Improve utilities and infrastructure.

• Encourage appropriate connections to proposed areas along the waterfront.

• Encourage a balance of wildlife, open space and development.

• Create a Resource Management Plan.

ZONING :

• Facilitate the development of a mix of uses including residential, office , retail, restaurants, light industrial, hotel-create waterfront overlay district or change zoning.

• Replace vacant land, underutilized structures & undesirable uses with moderate intensity mixed-use development.

• Increase real estate investment and maximize development.

ZONING & POLICY INITIATIVES :

Increase/improve access to the particular waterfront for pedestrians and commercial/recreational boaters by creating additional open space and increase public moorings and improve public launch area.

POLICY INITIATIVES & ZONING :

• Clean environmentally contaminated sites to a level suitable for a mix of uses including residential. Any mixed use development should include retail on the first floor.

PUBLIC SPACE ACTIVITIES AND SOCIABILITY :

Reflects the community's local character and personality.

Foster social interaction and create a sense of community and neighborliness.

Provide a sense of comfort or safety to people gathering and using the space.

Encourage use and interaction among a diverse cross section of the public.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE WATERFRONT :

Hardscaping - Build walkways that draw attention to the lake by leading to the water's edge. Elevated boardwalks allow for activity without disturbing natural water movement. Add a deck to both maximize your view of the lake and provide an area for entertaining.

Wetlands and buffer zones. Create a buffer zone or wetland area using aquatic landscaping next to the water's edge to help maintain the quality of the water. Using natural plant life will minimize your maintenance requirements.

Erosion control. You can control erosion using natural plants, retaining walls, paver walls or terraces. Retaining walls keep the soil from washing away and terraces provide erosion control for steep landscapes near the water's edge.

Additional landscaping options. Add plant life, shrubbery and trees to frame the lake and add color to your landscaping. Build a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for entertaining.

Characteristics of a Great Public Space include:

Promotes human contact and social activities.

Is safe, welcoming, and accommodating for all users.

Has design and architectural features that are visually interesting.

Promotes community involvement.

Reflects the local culture or history.

Relates well to bordering uses.

Is well maintained.

Has a unique or special character.

Creating open spaces like these helps in connecting various built spaces together .

ADVANTAGES OF A SHARED WATERFRONT ON CITY DEVELOPMENT :

With the development of waterfront there would be creation of jobs in developing the front, jobs as it gives way to starting up of a host of commercial activities in that region and also indirect job creation associated with the set of activities.

• Source of revenue for government – government would be able to earn revenue in terms of taxes from the commercial activities in the region. The commercial activities include shops, restaurants, sport activities, transportation, boating etc .which can be leased out or giving to private players to operate.

• Development of tourism in the region – with the development of waterfront the tourism in the region can be increased by offering a variety of attractions like water sports, entertainment arenas, parks, shopping areas, etc.

• Water conservation practices - Development of Riverfront projects would ensure a proper design of projects in conserving river and maintenance of rivers flowing through large cities.

• Beautification of the waterfront with a natural outlook will provide the general public with an open space for leisure and recreation.

• Providing employment opportunities for nearby people and helping in development of region.

• Encouraging recreational activities like walking, jogging, biking, sports activities, etc

• Improving quality of life of nearby community by revitalizing the neighborhood.

The following casestudies are perfect examples of great successful public waterfronts with the guidelines of developing beautiful places along the water edge of other cities that lacks in development.

CONCLUSION

Considering the design features and the guidelines specified in the case study strongly impliments

that a public space waterfront can enhance the economic and social growth of the particular city

through landscape connectivity using different forms of landscape design typologies mentioned in

the study.Due to its capturing beauty of land meeting water makes it a place for the city dwellers to

gather and socialize and even acts as a contributing tourist spot for the city.the study concludes

that how a shared space can be a better transformation of a waterfront with a sustainable

consideration of landscape design typologies.

REFERENCE

http://www.australia.com/nationallandscapes/sydney-harbour.aspx

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/7234923.jpg

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http://www.houzz.com/waterfront-landscape

http://www.aedas.com/The-Waterfront-Ludhiana-India

http://west8.com/projects/toronto_central_waterfront/

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http://www.saugus-ma.gov/pages/saugusma_treasurer/Waterfront%20links/Advantages

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http://www.tripadvisor.in/LocationPhotos-g297586-Hyderabad_Telangana.html

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https://www.law.ufl.edu/_pdf/academics/centers-clinics/clinics/conservation/resources/establishing_comm_redev_area.pdf

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http://www.pps.org/reference/10_qualities_of_a_great_waterfront/