Riverfront: The most underrated asset of the city

It's ironic to see the riverfronts, which once served as the cradle of human settlement are now the most underrated asset in some mega-cities. The core idea of settlement on the river banks is due to the availability of fertile lands on the flood plains which also acted as a natural barrier. Gradually with time, ships were the main means of trade between cities, thus the port cities developed, which marks the development of modern cities. Thus, as ports became part of the city, the industries due to their large dependency on water became the part of riverfront. With time these industries flourished, resulting in water pollution which has done an irreversible amount of damage to the biodiversity. This is more or less the same story for all port cities worldwide. With time some cities have realized their massive potential in cratering today's need and took action.?

Several Western and Middle Eastern cities took the initiative to improve the riverfronts, but among all of them, Singapore is worth mentioning. Though the city itself has transformed itself to be one of the greenest cities in the world, there are several lessons we can learn and apply.?

-1. Defining the skyline: The Skyline of a city gives a city its symbol to stand out among others. It should not always be a dense high-rise looking like a jungle of concrete structure, it can also be celebrating the history and culture of a city. If carefully planned, riverfronts with proper public space like viewing decks, cycling tracks, or any other elements involving public activities can redefine the city's skyline. The Helix Bridge at Downtown Core (Architect: Philip Cox) is worth mentioning because of its special viewing decks. Each viewing deck gives a different point of view of the skyline of Singapore.

2. Scope for Public Engagement: I mentioned the importance of public engagement in a public space in my last post "Lessons on Public Space Design from Jewel Changi Airport". For the riverfront, the public spaces could have live karaoke, skyline viewing decks, and light & and water shows. The light & and water show of Spectra at Marina Bay Sands particularly caught my eye, because of its perfect orientation with the city's skyline. This show, which is open to the public makes the skyline of the city more prominent and celebrated.?

3. Scope for conservation of culture and history: Since the areas around the riverfronts start development at the very initial stages of settlement, the riverfront holds the oldest buildings and prominent activities. One of the historical monuments in Singapore's skyline is The Fullerton Hotel. Though there are several skyscrapers in Singapore's skyline, the Fullerton Hotel speaks of the rich history and from where the city has developed. Skyline is not just the bands of skyscrapers packed together, but also can have layers of history and culture embedded with it.

4. Control of river water pollution: As public engagement increases along the riverfront, the awareness of its importance and the pride of having the infrastructure, sub-consciously triggers citizens to conserve it. This sub-conscious decision to conserve the riverfront would ultimately be reflected in the whole city. Continuous patrolling of the riverfront and enhancement of security would be needed to stop illegal and immoral activities along the riverfront.

Being born in Kolkata and doing higher studies while staying in Kolkata's CBD, makes me attached to the City. I believe the asset Kolkata already has is incomparable to any other developed city, a few of which are circular rail, ghats, flower market, and active ferry services. I will write a detailed post soon, about the potential of the Hooghly riverfront.