Regeneration of urban riverside sites and the sustainability agenda: working with the flow

The main thrust of the study is to contribute to better places to live in cities. It relates to the frustration that the living conditions in urban environments are deteriorating. Despite the knowledge and awareness of the challenges related to climate change and the sustainability agenda, urban planning and practices remain quite conservative. Economic growth and profit making often leading the decision-making process. The aim is to explore more innovative and radical approaches underpinned by knowledge and existing good practice. Former industrial sites in riverside location provide ideal test beds in this endeavour because on one hand they provide opportunities for city densification but they are also particularly vulnerable the impact of the climate crisis. Flood disasters is one of the key challenges listed in the United Nation New Urban Agenda (2020) and therefore new developments along urban rivers and in their surrounding flood plain must be considered more carefully. The study draws from previous publications concerned with the unique characteristics of riverside urbanity and the potential of riverside sites to provide more sustainable living environment and re-connect urban dwellers with nature (Pattacini 2021b and forthcoming – Appendix 3). The exploration consists of a systematic review and critique of literature and case studies to develop a better understanding of river landscapes and the relationship of cities with rivers as well as the potential of urban rivers and urban flood plain to create responsive and dynamic urban environments to adapt to changing times. The outcome of the study highlights the necessity to not just consider the river edge and water channel but to embrace the full terrain of water, the zone of river influence defined by topography and geology. The full complexity but also potential dynamic and richness of the river system and flood plain must be considered to developed appropriate strategies. These continuous linear water spaces flowing through urban environment are instrumental in the city open spaces network. As river parkway and/or environmental parks they offer accessible and legible connection with natural processes and the non-urban landscape. The past function of former industrial sites implies that the rivers in these locations are artificial. There might be scope for ecological improvement with in the channel but ‘renaturalisation’ is not an option with the river-city connections being mainly visuals. However, at the level of the urban realm, making room for both water and people is required to mitigate flood risks and re-activate the brownfield sites. In order to achieve a harmonious relationship, this study recommends to learn from the river system and develop artificial, self-sufficient, integrated water management systems accommodating the natural flow of water but also create new opportunities for habitat and activities. Allow water to run through urban environment by creating water paths flowing into water parks providing freedom space for water but also for people’s flows and pleasure. A new type of urban landscape defining the riverside urbanity.