City Waves
The importance of recreational activities for reestablishing the social connectivity of rivers
Katarzyna Prokopiuk (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Abhijeet Chandel – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
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Abstract
This research investigates the importance of leisure practices in bringing rivers back to cities. It explores the historical and present significance of water-based recreation and its role in urban ecosystems. The paper analyses the development of waterfronts from centres of social activity, through their industrialization and neglect, to a recent rise in interest in restoring urban waterways. It looks at the revival of waterfronts in cities through the perspective of leisure practices, showing that reintroducing the once present water-based activities and adding new ones can contribute to establishing the social connectivity of the river. The research uses two case studies based in different contexts – Copenhagen's harbour and Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul. This allows a perspective on various approaches to urban waterfront restoration, and noticing patterns that can be applicable in other developments.
Literature search showed a gap in scholarly writing regarding the recreational use of waterfronts and its importance for establishing a connection between the river and the city. Articles that cover the topic of water-based urban leisure practices usually don’t look at their historical context. This paper combines a historical study of recreational activities practiced near urban rivers with research on contemporary guidelines regarding waterfront restoration, leading to a thorough overview of the role of leisure in reestablishing the social connectivity of rivers.