Restructuring South Arch, Rotterdam" - Waterfront regeneration

Abstract

The Core concern of this Research and Design Project is, to understand the current scenario of Socio-Spatial Segregation in cities, the problems rising due to it , general deterioration of living conditions in poor urban neighbourhoods, and how a good Waterfront can act as a CATALYST for the future growth and improvement of quality of life in the city. SOUTH ARCH, ROTTERDAM - THE IDEAL PROBLEM The most important task was identification of the project area South Arch, Rotterdam once a busy harbour and industrial district which was also home to many of the people employed in the same area. Water front location: The study area is situated in close proximity of the city centre, immediately south to it and boasts Approximately 5 km of waterfront on the southern bank of river Maas with large tracts of vacant land and some basic infrastructure as well as a corpus of interesting built heritage waiting to be re-structured. One can understand its escaping the generalised construction boom due to persistence down and poor connectivity to the city. Process of degradation and manifestation of segregation: The district faced heavy financial losses and degradation of living standards with the disappearance of main economy generators - the displacement of harbour activities and large scale shut down of industrial activities. Many of its inhabitants moved further away with the port and new industries abandoning their homes, many were left unemployed and doomed into poverty, whilst for the young the hope success and progress was weakened. The vacant houses were soon appropriated by poorer migrant populations in view of getting closer to the city, always in search of better employment and facilities. Soon all the physical signs of urban degradation like concentration of economically, socially and ethnically disadvantaged population, lack of new investments, and dilapidation of built infrastructure manifested. This text book like situation makes South Arch an important model project with a scope for addressing the two very important urban issues water front regeneration and urban renewal of areas facing problems of socio-spatial segregation. Besides its strategic location on an important transportation artery and between the city and suburbs make it an ideal example with potential to create the desired multiplier effect. Analysis and Design Approach: The subsequent research and analysis with universally accepted methods like SWOT, RGBG and physical structure analysis tools such as density, typology, connectivity, morphology and water patterns was very useful to identify crucial nodes and bring out the potential land use/ functional zoning / infrastructure diagrams. Some 8 nodes were identified for preliminary design proposals in which detailed design was proposed for 3. The aim here is to address socio-spatial problems with physical interventions and define how integrated design plays a genuine role where accessibility to public places-public facilities-local transportation, high density mixed development for new economic activity along with new living areas, scope for recreational, sporting and touristic activities are seen as design parameters.