restoring and

activating urban
rivers
Guide:Ar.Karthika Roshan

Brigit Mary Behanan | Roll no: 12 | S9

01

• To develop an approach through design guidelines by • through this research,will be exploring the design strategies
restoring and activating the river edges in urban areas. required for river edge and the treatments required towards an
attractive urban riverfront development.

To identify the issues in urban rivers. • in this study,the research will be limited to river edges in
urban context and their parameters only.
To analyse the core principles required for a successful
riverfront.

To explore the development process required for creating

• at the end of the study ,we will know the factors required
an attractive active space in urban areas.
to create a healthy and active urban environment.
 METHODOLOGY
brief description
urban riverfront
about urban rivers
advantages
importance of this
relevance
research in this context
issues faced in the
present context
examples of river
transformations
tangible accessibilities furnishings lightings landscaping services

design principles climatic psychological audial

intangible wayfindings
effects effects effects
sabarmati
case studies harnav river edge patna riverfront chongae river
riverfront

inference and developing design

analysis guidelines for
activating a
successful riverfront
conclusion
 research question

what are the design strategies for developing a

successful and active urban riverfront?
 INTRODUCTION

• An urban riverfront is a land alongside a body of river.

• They are places to live, places to work, and places we can

enjoy recreating.

• Its a place of community gathering parks ,gardens, walking

cycling, activities like fishing and boating.

• Urban rivers can play a significant role in improving the

livability of our cities.
• Urban waterfronts, like the cities help define, dynamic places

• building on the river front boosts activity in the public spaces around it.

• provides the general public space with an open space for leisure,tourism and
recreation.

• It will stimulate the economy, connect people to the river, protect the
environment and help prepare for rising sea levels

• It reduces the risks of climate change such as heat island effect and flash
floods

relevance
 ARTICLES
01 Learning from past mistakes: It's time
to save urban rivers
• rivers are constantly polluted, moulded, abused and face
grave environmental degradation due to urbanisation.
• Throughout a river's course, anthropogenic activities have
adverse impact on the river's watershed.
• As a result, an urban river becomes a stretch where the
function of that water resource is altered from its natural
state
02 Reclaiming Rivers: The Latest Trend in Urban
Design
• For years, rivers were a source of transport and power, upon whose
banks cities were born.
• But as cities industrialized, many of them clogged with filth and disease –
making them not only ugly, but dangerous.
• Rivers were often diverted, covered, pushed underground, and forgotten.
• The threats posed by flooding are becoming increasingly dire, and have
been exacerbated by climate change and the runoff from pavements born
out of urban sprawl.
 Why urban riverfront?

lack of understanding about the unplanned urbanisation,

built environment in combination
with the rivers and the natural
environment, rivers all around
the globe are being abused and
neglected.
concretization of flood plains and
other lands,decreasing capacity to
hold, store, recharge and drain the
rainwater, increasing rainfall
intensities with changing climate
has been reduced to 'river
beautification' and unaccountable
money to increase its real estate
and commercial value.

01 02 03
 why urban riverfront?
Reduces Urban
reduces flooding water pollution soil erosion
Heat Island Effect

boost ecology conserves

groundwater
contaminated rain issues faced
advantages dumping wastes
water run-off by urban
rivers
create green tackles pollution
corridors

drive urban climatic changes sewage and greywater

economic benefits regeneration
 why urban riverfront?
before

Wilmington transformed its once Patna was exploited by the

New Orleans economy suffered
decaying riverfront with a uncontrolled garbage dumping,
the loss of maritime activity due to
variety of mixed uses. toxic wastes and sewerage discharge.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
in the river edge

after

wasteland i sustainable urban reinvented the New Orleans transformed into a variety of mixed
redevelopment Riverfront uses,had a greater impact
economically
 01
data collection
"The waterfront isn't just something unto itself. It's connected to everything
else"- Jane Jacobs
design principles for activating an urban river
tangible assets intangible assets

public accessibility wayfindings and signages

vehicular accessibility climatic comforts

pedestrian assessibility psychological effects

street furnishings audial effects

lightings

landscapings

services

amenities
 accessibility

public accessibility pedestrian vehicular visual corridor

access should allow users to
commute easily between the continuous and visual continuity
riverfront esplanade and the accessible road networks must between the existing
city centre. promenade along be kept away form the city and the new
the river. river edge. development.
classified into three main
aspects:
 • Appropriate furnishings and fixtures should be provided throughout the length of
the multi-use path to make it attractive and functional for users.

• they must be maintained and fit within the context of the riverfront.

• should be provided throughout to maximize functionality and create a welcoming,

usable, and unified riverfront. Site furnishings should create a unified aesthetic
furnishings for the riverfront

• Materials

• Benches and Tables

• Trash and Recycling

Receptacles

• Railings
 lighting

• Lighting ensures that the public realm remains safe,

comfortable and engaging after dark.

• Night lighting helps transform a space or a dark building into

effective markers, ensuring that people feel comfortable
moving through the park.

• Effective lighting will clearly identify a destination as well as

exit and entry points from the river.
 lighting
• Lighting Bridges : should illuminate and enhance the essential character of the
structure.

• Lighting Structures : lighting enhances the ambience of the immediate

surroundings.

• Lighting Landscapes : should seek to strike a balance between light and shadow,
creating a balanced overall composition and avoiding too much lighting (glare)
and too little lighting (for safety considerations).

• Lighting Fountains and Water Features : Light from underwater fixtures will be
refracted or reflected depending on the angle of incidence of the light beam.

• Design : Reveal hazards such as stairs and changes in level. Illuminate dark and
potentially dangerous areas

• Sustainability : utilize energy-efficient technologies.Lighting efficiency

maximizes sustainability and minimizes long-term costs
 landscaping
Strengthen the landscape requirements
• use of native plants – to help ensure the ecological vitality of the river edges and
improve the continuous landscape effect.

Ensure that river edge management is adequately budgeted

• Riverfront projects are susceptible to damage from flooding and commercial
activities – as well as more typical wear and tear from public use – and are likely to
require revenues beyond the usual park budget allotments.
Maintain canopy trees along the entire riverbank to the fullest extent possible
• Plants along the riverfront have the potential to enhance the human experience
both on land and on water.
Plant native or non-invasive species throughout the river corridors
• Native species are preferred for the river edge landscapes because of their
adaptation to the local environment, response to flood conditions and biodiversity
enhancement.

• Plant Sourcing Replace paved surfaces and lawn with plants and porous materials
• With a large percentage of the urban environment paved with impervious surfaces,
• Aesthetics plants can play a significant role in decreasing stormwater runoff and improving
water quality. Tree canopies intercept precipitation as it falls and decrease the
• Trees amount of runoff leaving a site, even when the understory is paved beneath the
drip line of a tree.

Open Canal
used for surface stormwater
drainage for roads and parking lots.
can be located on the side, in the
center or halfway between surfaces.
Advantages
visibility of the stormwater system,
easy maintenance and aesthetic
design options for the streetscape.
Open canals need to be as shallow
as possible to allow for convenient
crossing by pedestrians or cyclists.
storm water management
Sedimentation Basin
bio-retention swale
improve stormwater quality and
reduce sediment loads.
remove (by settling) coarse to These are retention or detention
medium-sized sediment from water. basins with a vegetated (i.e.,
landscaped) surface. Runoff is
cleansed as it percolates downward.
Different construction elements can
be used to direct the inflow of
stormwater for cleansing and
drainage to reduce the outlet
and for emergency overflow.
function mainly cistern
as rainwater storage and
secondly for stormwater detention.
depends on the demand of rainwater use
for toilet flushing, irrigation, climatization,
or water features
intangible
wayfindings and signages

• Signage, identity, and wayfinding are essential components to enhance

the functionality, beauty, and character of the river.

• These elements should be incorporated throughout the riverfront, and

designed based on context and unique site conditions.

• Signage design standards, identifying elements, and aesthetics should

contribute to a unified identity for the entire corridor
 case studies
harnav river edge patna riverfront

sabarmati riverfront chongae canal restoration

Harnav river edge
Khedbrahma
 Harnav river edge,Khedbrahma
• Khedbrahma is a small town in Sabarkantha, Gujarat. There is a confluence of
three small rivers here. This confluence of river is known as Harnav. The
Khedbrahma Municipality decided to develop a public park for the town on one analysis
of the edge of river Harnav.

• This public park site on the river edge was initially used as a dump yard. The park used as a dump yard and
was envisioned as a recreational open space for the people to enjoy, seat and transformed to a park on river
relax. edge.

seats and plantation are

• Architects: UA Lab + Keyur Shah provided for greenery and
& Associates shade along the edge.
• Area: 3392 m²
• Year: 2015 inspiration from the water
• Project Cost:120 lacs INR movement.
• City:Khedbrahma
• Country:India
 Harnav river edge,Khedbrahma
• focused on creating recreational leisure spaces that would offer variety,
continuity and establish multiple connections with the water (seasonal) and the analysis
surroundings.

• Pedestrian, linear pathways parallel to the river edge are designed to enjoy the
walk along the edge.
experiences and engagement
• These pathways gently move up and down taking inspiration from the water with the surroundings keeps on
movement. changing as one moves through
these linear continuous
pathways. This pathways
moving up and down
establishes new programmatic
connections

concept
Harnav river edge,Khedbrahma

analysis

amenities like cafes,toilets,

childrens park are provided

Bridges are provided.the place

gives an aesthetic effect.

a pond is provided giving an

aesthetic feeling and proper
shade is also provided.

concept
 Harnav river edge,Khedbrahma

Each of the pathways meets at the

landing that allows the visitor to
change the movement course and
also provides a run off of the water
movement
analysis
sections planter details
analysis

Nimbhada stones are used for flooring which is a

kind of limestone giving it rough and polish

Tree planters and led rope lights are provided as a

design element.

structure provides an opportunity for the children and people

detail under all age group to enjoy the river edge.
Sabarmati riverfront
Sabarmati riverfront

• has attracted much attention for its concept,

approach and achievements nationally and
internationally.

• projected in the list of 100 “Most Innovative

Projects” hailing it as a project towards ‘urban
regeneration and environmental improvement
which will transform the river as a focal point of
leisure and recreation’.

• seen as a model for the country and a few more

cities such as Mumbai, Delhi,Surat, Kolkatta and
Lucknow are working on developing similar
projects.
 Sabarmati riverfront
amenities
• riverfront market : vending areas with 1,641
vendor platforms, seating areas, paved
walkways, food streets, parking of vehicles
and four public washrooms.

• exhibition centres : trade-fair facilities to

serve the business community.

• events ground : venues for holding planned

events of local and national importance.

• laundry : facilities for the washing

analysis
community as traditionally riverbanks were many amenities are provided which is a major advantage
used for laundering.
services like laundry are provided for the washing community
• integrated vending outdoor areas :
accommodate street vendors has benefitted street vendors too

economic benefits is high here

 Sabarmati riverfront

analysis
rising pollution in the river and discharge of industrial
effluents and sewerage in the water.

Social Upliftment: Sustainable Development: it is filled with stagnant water

Activities created of parks and Generation of resources,
public spaces provision of socio- revitalisation of neighbourhoods.Aims no longer has any fresh water when it enters
cultural Amenities for the city. to bring new life to the centre of the Ahmedabad
city.
 Patna
riverfront
 Patna Riverfront

• it is a public space at the Old City in Patna.

• 6m wide promenade, 4 community, education and recreational

public building, public toilets, change rooms, lifeguard and first aid,
food kiosks, way-finding and upgraded network of access streets.

• it was a place of garbage dumping, toxic wastes and sewerage

discharge.
 Patna Riverfront
• improve interceptor drains to capture the sewage
getting directly disposed to Ganga from the
building along the ghat and then finally dispose
them off at a city sewer manual to divert the same
to an STP.
• A total of 8 interceptor drains are constructed
• people use the walkway and restored Ghats during the local festival
of Chatt
• The festival is based on the ancient tradition of nature worship with
reverence to Sun and Water.
• Night Lighting of the entire 7km edge has made the area safe
• The improved public space provisions have greatly modified the
perception of the riverfront
analysis
services like stp provided
ChonGae Canal
Restoration Project
 Chongae Canal Restoration

ambitious redevelopment initiative that transformed the urban

fabric of Seoul, Korea.

was the winning project in an international competition and

celebrates the source point of cleansed surficial and sub grade
runoff from the city at the start of this seven mile green corridor.
analysis
The individual stones act to frame the urban plaza and the eight
source points where runoff is daylighted and represents the
unified effort in the transformation of this urban center. made into an aesthetic as well as functional
space

used local materials

fiber-optic light has been used is a major

advantage

has provided proper night lighting giving an

aesthetic and safe feeling.
Chongae Canal Restoration

analysis
uses this area for traditional
festivals,rallies,shows,concerts as many
people gets attracted by this river.

it has been a gathering open public space

proper shading system provided.

The unique sloped and stepped stone

elements allow for a reading of the various
levels of water while encouraging direct

plan public engagement with the river.

 Chongae Canal Restoration

analysis

located at the important source point of this seven-mile green corridor that begins in the central business and commercial
district of the city.

The goal was to restore this highly polluted and covered water-way with the demolition of nearly four miles of at grade and
elevated highway infrastructure that divided the city.

The outcome is the creation of a pedestrian focused zone from this former vehicular access way that brings people to the
historic ChonGae River while mitigating flooding and improving water quality.
 comparative analysis
parameters harnav river edge sabarmati riverfront patna riverfront chongae canal

garbage dumping, highly polluted

Turned from it is filled with toxic wastes and and covered
history dump yard to a stagnant water sewerage discharge. water-way
recreational space.
public toilets, change
cafes,toilets, improved the land rooms, lifeguard and
amenities childrens park are for leisure and first aid, food kiosks
provided recreation.
seats and plantation drains are provided
markets,exhibition
are provided for
design centres,event
greenery and shade used local
principles ground
along the edge. materials
materials blend sustainable
with the materials have been
environment used here

Tree planters and has provided

led rope lights are proper night
provided as a lighting giving an
design element. aesthetic and safe
feeling.
Inference and analysis
 planning element in urban area

Aesthetic effects functional effects

Visual effects Climatic comfort

effects

Audial effects
design principles

Tactual effects accessibilities

Psychological Recreational aims

effects

accessibilities
provide proper accessibilities for
pedestrian,vehicular
landscaping
Employ high-quality architectural
materials and sustainable
engineering practices
design guidelines
furnishings
maximize functionality and create a
welcoming, usable, and unified
riverfront. Site furnishings should
create a unified aesthetic
effect to the riverfront
wayfinding,signages
functionality, beauty, and character
of the river.
lighting
ensuring that people feel comfortable
moving through the park. Effective
lighting will clearly identify a destination
as well as exit and entry points from the
river
sewage facilities

section of an urban river

limit obstacles and connect

to the river. proper landscape lighting can
provide sustainable materials be used to reveal objects
• Goal 1: Improve Connections to the River and the City

Increase public access to the riverfront and the river, increase connections between riverfront neighborhoods, and make
better connections to other centers of resources

• Goal 2: Restore and Enhance Ecological Character and Quality

Recognize stormwater and vegetation as natural resources for a healthy ecology.

• Goal 3: Develop Complementary Uses and Amenities

Enhance the experience of the river’s edge with new recreational, commercial, and cultural uses

• Goal 4: Create Beautiful and Memorable Places Built upon Natural, Historical, and Present Resources
Give the city a new “front door” orientation toward the river and identify opportunities for authentic and distinctive “places”

• Goal 5: Plan for Sustainable Development

Plan for incremental and adaptive development to occur over space and time, build to sustainable standards, and create a
model for future riverfront development in the city and the region.
 conclusion
“Cities seek a waterfront that is a place of public enjoyment.

They want a waterfront where there is ample visual and physical public
access – all day, all year - to both the water and the land.

Cities also want a waterfront that serves more than one purpose :they
want it to be a place to work and to live, as well as a place to play.

River restoration, or any environmental improvement project, can have

multiple environmental, social and economic benefits.

In urban settings, although environmental benefits or flood risk may still

be the main driver of restoration, social benefits can be just as important
and are key in evaluating urban river restoration success.