Planning Strategies and Design Concepts
Waterfront character areas as the key elements in building the city - river relationship
Bratislava, Slovakia case study
2022 Volume 10 Issue 2 Pages 19-37
Details
2022 Volume 10 Issue 2 Pages 19-37
Urban waterfronts have undergone a long process of evolution, and their functions, designs and primary uses have naturally developed along their entire length within cities. Unique character areas have emerged alongside rivers. They serve as key elements in building the city–river relationship, and represent valuable spaces with various identities that complement each other while contributing to the overall identity of the city. However, the unique place identity of the river and the city–river relationship are underestimated and not formally established. The development of waterfronts is often uncoordinated, and their full potential remains unexploited. To understand the character and nature of a particular place, the connotations that its users ascribe to it must be examined. In order to define the character elements that form the basis of the identity of waterfront character areas, we conducted a questionnaire survey and a socio-spatial analysis. The study defined the character areas of the Bratislava waterfront, highlighting their variability, distinct characters, functions, and utilisation. A vision for each character area of the Bratislava waterfront was formulated based on the defined character elements. A sensitive approach to the development of unique character areas of waterfronts can bring diversity, sustainability and inclusivity, and provide reasons to visit the river space. Character areas of waterfronts should be preserved and developed with a long-term vision while respecting the specific identity of a given place.
Waterfronts usually represent areas of strategic and high economic value in cities. They are vibrant places generally located in the central part of cities, and are connected to places of historic and natural importance. The character of waterfronts varies along their length; therefore, every waterfront can be divided into areas with different characteristics. Such an area with a specific atmosphere or character and distinct identity noticeably differs from its surroundings. Each of the characteristic areas has its unique character elements which are typical of the given locality. These are natural or artificially created elements, as well as being physical and abstract aspects of the environment, for which it is important to set an appropriate management procedure.
However, waterfronts face multiple challenges. Standardisation of waterfront projects and unbalanced preference for tourism over local communities and profit over design quality are some of the factors that jeopardise their success (Moretti, 2008; Krsmanovic, 2020). Consequently, the unique place identity, as well as the city–river relationship, is underestimated and not formally established, the development of the waterfront as a whole is often uncoordinated, and its full potential is unrealised.
Therefore, our main reasons for focusing on waterfront character areas and their unique identity were (a) the gradual loss of natural and cultural heritage due to destruction, rebuilding and building of new waterfront developments without maintaining the original identity of space; (b) interventions in waterfront areas without regarding the waterfront as a whole; (c) growth of privately owned waterfront sites with a unilateral preference for profit over design quality; and (d) the need to preserve functional variety along the river.
Undoubtedly, a strong place identity brings competitive advantages and strengthens the connections users have to a specific place or location. The definition and establishment of character areas of waterfront spaces within cities, as well as their character elements that form their place identity, are important for sustainable development of these areas and the waterfront as a whole. By preserving the character of a place, it is possible to avoid the creation of spaces without identity, similar to those in other successful projects, and with which it is difficult to form a certain relationship. To understand the character and nature of a particular place, place makers must first examine the meanings and values that its users ascribe to it.
Therefore, to identify the character of Bratislava’s waterfront areas, we studied the character elements that form their unique identities. This was accomplished by exploring the character elements of waterfront areas via a socio-spatial analysis and a questionnaire survey. The future development of these areas was envisaged based on the material gathered. This study aimed to describe character areas and character elements of Bratislava’s riverfront (the Danube River); however, the methodology used to identify character areas and character elements within this waterfront can be applied to waterfront areas of any kind anywhere in the world.
Rivers are often described as the land’s circulatory system (River Cities, 2019) and are of great benefit to both the environment and the community (Apriliani & Dewi, 2020). In addition to the social, economic, and environmental advantages they confer, the river and its waterfront play an important role in forming the identity of the city (Soemardiono & Gusma, 2014) and represent a significant part of the city's urban semiotics. The waterfront is never the mere interface between urban structures and the river; it is often the prime scene of social action, delivering many unique elements of social and community life.
Moreover, urban waterfronts, often located at the heart of cities, serve as places connecting the water and the land, and naturally attract people (Zhang, 2002). They play a highly important role as elements in the mental maps of the city and urban imagery in general. The borders of the waterfront area are usually not clearly defined. It is perceived as the space in close contact with the river as well as its adjacent area. The remaining space is occupied or separated mainly by elements of technical and transport infrastructure, flood barriers and buildings (IPR Praha, 2014).
Waterfronts represent the continuity of the urban historical context since they have evolved over a long period – from sites of first human settlements to spaces of an industrial character primarily intended for transport and transhipment of goods, to popular destinations for pleasant walks. They are pivotal to the reconstruction of historical identities of cities, perceived as collective accumulations of the experiences of many generations.
Many current urban planning challenges are associated with the development of waterfronts as high-quality public spaces, including efforts to preserve natural areas within the urban landscape, achieve sustainable development or maintain their historical and cultural value. Riverside structures display the deepest inertia and stability in terms of shifting urban identities – the river’s course can hardly be moved to another place. The retained traits of historical city identity may be highlighted as one of the key assets of waterfronts in the process of preserving the memory landscape of any European city.
Historical evolution of waterfrontsRivers are one of the most important natural resources, and the close connection between cities and water is an integral part of the history of our civilization. Waterfronts have always been the most attractive places for creating settlements; consequently, most places are located on or near a body of water of some type (Al Ani, 2014). Moreover, in most countries, the area located by the water developed much earlier than the inland area (Yassin, Eves, & McDonagh, 2010).
Waterfront areas are considered the centre in many cities, as they have historically been established as trade centres, transport hubs or production centres – functions naturally associated with central locations within the city. However, various factors, such as changes in transportation or production, have contributed to their significant decline in the past (Yassin, Eves, & McDonagh, 2010). In order to understand the stimuli of urban waterfront development, it is important to know its historical milestones.
Authors describe waterfront evolution in different ways, dividing it into different eras. According to Mann (1973), the historic milestones of urban riverfront development may be divided into six eras: first riverfront settlement; the middle ages; the renaissance; industrialisation; decline; and renewal of riverfront. Wrenn (1983) divided the historical development of the (US) waterfront into four periods: emergence of waterfront cities; growth; deterioration; and rediscovery. Hoyle (1988) described the evolution of the waterfront in a similar way by dividing the process into five stages: primitive; expanding; modern industrial cityport; retreat from the waterfront; and redevelopment. Han & Beisi (2016) described the morphological evolution of (south-east Asian) port cities as involving four phases: the emerging, early colonial, prosperous, and modern period.
| Phase | Description of the phase |
|---|---|
| Emergence of waterfront cities | At this stage of development, the waterfront was nothing more than a few roads converging on the pier. Settlements were closely linked to the water and land border; waterfronts played an important role in human needs, trade, and water transport. The rapid development of the community in the waterfront area initiated building development. |
| Growth of waterfronts | In this stage, the waterfront settlement developed, and the area became a busy commercial space which eventually became a city. Buildings sprang up along the waterfront and warehouses usually blocked access to the water from the streets. By expanding the port area towards the water to increase docking and storage areas, the city centre became considerably more distant from the waterfront. Various modes of transport, different from waterborne transport, emerged, but the waterfront became congested due to the larger space needed for railways. The state of the waterfront environment as well as the water started to deteriorate due to industrial pollution. The waterfront began to lose its natural appeal. |
| Deterioration of waterfronts | With changes in container and shipping technologies, improvement of transport infrastructure (motorways) and development of new ports outside the city, the original ports started to lose their role as transport and industrial centres, and people began to prefer motorways to railways due to the freedom of choice and accessibility offered by the former. Another factor contributing to ports becoming obsolete and waterfronts declining was the raising of public awareness of environmental issues and introduction of air and water pollution controls. The waterfront was becoming a dull, inaccessible, and dangerous area, further separating the city core from the water. |
| Rediscovery of waterfronts | Since the 1960s, many cities have decided to restore the aesthetic scenery of the waterfront, which had been destroyed over the years. Opportunities to reconnect the waterfront with the city centre to create spaces for public purposes started to appear. Mixed-use functions, such as recreational, residential, and commercial, began to be created in the waterfront area, as a result of which many spaces returned to public use. At the same time, new container ports were created outside the city, where enough space was available. By changing the functions of waterfronts, people started to form a relationship with these places; waterfronts became romanticised, and their social meaning changed. |
When the old port areas were abandoned by industry, the new elements characterising the new waterfront (consisting mainly of commercial, recreational or entertainment-based facilities) were not assigned gateway functions 1), but were allocated the functions of the central place that were able to attract people and resources from the surrounding space (Vallega, 2001). In the last phase, a significant improvement took place in the relationship between the river and the city, especially due to the amelioration of the ecological state of the river and the waterfront. The existential value of the waterfront increased and people began to feel comfortable with and spend their leisure time in the area, and the waterfront naturally began to be associated with positive experiences.
Each city’s waterfront has a different character, scale and speed of development, but at the same time, it is clear that the urban waterfront has changed dramatically due to the influence of social and technological factors (Maciukenaite & Povilaitienė, 2013). Initially, waterfronts were ascribed a more functional meaning (transport, transportation of goods, or as ports), but over time, people formed an emotional attachment to them (Petrtýlová, 2020).
Waterfronts and spatial planningThe development of urban waterfronts as public spaces of extraordinary and specific quality is generally considered to be a highly important activity in current city politics, and attracts investment and publicity (Yassin, Eves, & McDonagh, 2010). The issue of creating high-quality public spaces in general is perceived mainly as an objective of spatial planning, with planners playing a crucial role (Table 2).
| Implications of the role | |
|---|---|
| a) | Spatial planners are often the initiators of projects on public space, and pay attention to the importance of new or regenerated public spaces in specific localities with the guidance of spatial plans of cities, strategic frameworks, development manuals and other strategic documents (Carmona, 2019). |
| b) | They are considered guardians of the way in which public spaces are created by implementing regulatory processes for managing territorial development (granting/refusing a building permit) (Carmona, 2019). |
| c) | Spatial planners have an important role in coordinating various actors in the area to ensure consistency between city policy and the interests of all stakeholders as well as between strategic plans at city/regional/national level and the results of project implementation. |
| d) | Spatial planners can set limits to and define principles for the development of the waterfront area. |
| e) | They see connections and interlinkages in the area, can take into account the future development of the immediate surroundings, and view the project from a certain holistic perspective. Therefore, spatial planners can acknowledge the city-waterfront relationship. |
| f) | The role of the creators of the space (planners, architects, and designers) also includes creating the meaning and decipherability of the place (Jaššo & Kubo, 2015) or developing and supporting its identity. The site should initiate meetings, transitions, interactions, and exchanges. |
| g) | As one of the most exposed public spaces, waterfronts are often loci of conflicts between various target groups. Spatial planners are predestined to be mediators in these conflicts to ensure that the public interest is the overriding criterion in strategies of waterfront development or revitalisation. |
The creation of a successful waterfront area is accompanied by mutual communication between all private and public actors in the territory and people and entities interested in the development of their surroundings. At the same time, it should be complemented by professional planning expertise and sensible political decisions (Čorba, 2019). Decisions should be the result of an integrated strategy that considers the objectives, needs and characteristics of the waterfront itself, the existing local and river communities and the city as a whole, as well as the city as part of a larger unit. As the waterfront gained new functions over time (a detailed discussion is in subsection 2.2 Historical evolution of waterfronts), it became evident to city planners and decision-makers that this area represents a potential gateway to regional, national, or international connections. This is one of the reasons why the conceptual approach to waterfront planning has gained in importance (Vallega, 2001).
Principles of waterfront developmentOne of the 10 Principles of sustainable development of urban waterfront areas (URBAN 21) (Cities on Water, 2000) considers the preservation of the character of the place endowed by its historical identity an important element of waterfront sustainability. This relates to the fact that historic waterfronts are proven to have the highest potential to attract people (tourists) compared to other waterfront typologies (Keyvanfar et al., 2018). The collective heritage of water and the city, historical and cultural value, and natural areas should be utilised to preserve the character of the area and its value. The physical structure and urban design of waterfronts should continue to meet new and changing requirements, while striving to maintain these features (Zhang, 2002). In addition, the preservation of the industrial past is an essential element of sustainable development.
The perception of the river as a whole, especially at the city level, but also at the regional/state and the entire river basin level, is important for balanced development of the waterfront, where character areas are interconnected and naturally follow each other. Therefore, when decisions about development within the waterfront are being made, the entire length of the river in the city should be considered, not only specific sites. The development should always be addressed at least at the city level (IPR Praha, 2014). Waterfront growth, which encompasses environmental, social and economic aspects of the wider area, has the potential to create a public space of high quality. In such a place, activities and interactions of people and communities form naturally, while sustainability of the city, especially of the waterfront itself, is achieved (Apriliani & Dewi, 2020).
An overview of the principles of waterfront development (based on (Cities on Water, 2000) is summarised in Table 3.
| The principle | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Assure water quality and the quality of the environment. |
| 2 | Consider the waterfront as part of the existing urban structure. |
| 3 | Preserve the character of the place through historical identity. |
| 4 | Maintain diversity of functions along the entire river within the city. |
| 5 | Secure public access (physical and visual). |
| 6 | Involve public–private partnerships in planning. |
| 7 | Include the public in the planning process. |
| 8 | Treat waterfronts as long-term and continuous projects. |
| 9 | Consider the broader context of the area (city, region, nation, and river basin). |
| 10 | Profit from international networks. |
Urbanity generates unique psychological connotations which cannot be awoken outside of the urban milieu. One of the most significant positive connotations is urban imagery. Series of signs, visual registers and imageries related to urban spaces help to preserve city identity, the place attachment of people living within a given territory and their positive emotional connections to certain places. Zlydneva (2003) refers to archetypal perceptual patterns: the crowd as an ocean, skyscrapers as mountains, the city as a jungle, and cars as predators. Urbanity has been interpreted as a scene of revival of mythological contexts: ‘oceanic feeling’ (term of P. Tillich) – the individual in the city loses freedom and is led by the crowd and the city itself.
Although current urban imagery is fragmented, deterritorialised, heterogeneous, diasporic, and sometimes even split apart, it is still an irreplaceable experience in individual psychological development and personal growth (see e.g., Jaššo & Kubo, 2015). Waterfronts play a specific role in this process; their versatility, prominent and unique appearance and social potential are irreplaceable. In human mental imagery, the waterfront shifts from a place of production, social inequity and potential danger to a place of relaxation, interconnectivity and nostalgia.
Riversides and waterfront areas in general play an extraordinary role in the urban semiotics of any given city. Urban semiotics is the study of social meaning of spatial forms and settings. It includes the exploration of physical objects and their endowed meanings as mediated through the universe of signs and symbols they evoke and convey (Keller, 1988). Within the field of urban semiotics, the city is seen as ‘a text built on grammars of spatial structures and patterns with semiotic significance’ (Jachna, 2004). In one of the most significant contributions to the theory of urban semiotics (Gottdiener & Lagopoulos, 1986), the city is approached as a ‘pseudo-text’ that includes both semiotic as well as non-semiotic elements. Urban semiotics consists of a plethora of elements: orientation systems, colours, traffic marks, typography and letters, pictograms, photographs, streets, buildings, and squares, but even addresses, maps, area codes, postal codes or web pages might be included in this field for a broader point of view. The waterfront encapsulates several categories of these elements of urban semiotics: they are edges and landmarks in terms of Lynchian cognitive maps, they are places of mutual interaction of various contexts and ideologies, and they might be metaphorically addressed as the ‘face’ of the city or its signature (see the concept of the city as a personality in Jaššo & Ladzianska, 2017). The riverside significantly reflects the memory of the city, all its high points and setbacks, triumphs, scars, and wounds.
The river plays an important role in the identity of the city and the waterfront area can be considered its messenger. The river is a natural element that influences social relations, quality of life and human interactions, and at the same time, provides many recreational and leisure functions. The water element also forms a basis of the city’s or the nation’s image. A typical cityscape [vista] of Bratislava, for example, includes the Bratislava Castle, the Cathedral of St. Martin, and a natural element – the Danube River. Waterfront development, likewise, often reflects the degree of development of individual cities and their social image (Petrtýlová, 2020).
The identity of any urban territory cannot be changed sharply and abruptly in a short period of time – its inertia in the mental maps of inhabitants and users is enormous, overlapping even generations. The natural bond between the past and the future, between memory and aspiration, is encoded in the territory’s vital characteristics/traits. These are the most natural features of any urban area, making it a kind of meaningful metatext. Thus, identity also forms a part of the internal potential of the territory.
There are several examples worldwide where the water element is one of the main constituents of the city's identity. Well-known examples include the cities of Amsterdam, Venice, and Stockholm, where water has never lost its significance and has formed the city's identity for many years. An example of a city whose identity is formed by a river as a type of water body is Hamburg, where a new modern district was created on the site of the former port – HafenCity. Riverside elements which are visually and functionally integrated into the city organism in manifold and versatile ways make the Hamburg riverside (with all the other water elements) a stunning example of water enriching a city’s identity.
Because of the growing importance of competition between cities, it is increasingly necessary for the city to be able to influence its image. The specific characteristics of cities represent a competitive advantage and something that cities can build on to differentiate themselves from others for shaping their marketing strategies (Petrtýlová, 2020). Unique character areas of urban waterfronts can be a valuable element in this endeavour.
Existing urban studies, research papers, analytical and strategic documents and other relevant sources were used as a basis for this study. Furthermore, methods described in Table 4 and in the workflow diagram (Figure 1) were used.
Figure 1. Workflow diagram.
| The method | |
|---|---|
| Socio-spatial analysis | Socio-spatial analysis included multiple field visits, a photographic survey and desk research (analysis of stakeholders, communities, natural/protected areas, protected cultural and historical monuments, waterfront projects, and construction plans of the area). Based on the analysis and a basic overview of the area and the topic, the waterfront was divided into character areas – sites that have a specific atmosphere and different identities. |
| Comparative analysis | In the comparative analysis, chosen aspects of ecosystem quality, programme content, identity, maintenance and safety, and ease of movement were each rated 1 point (5 points for each category in total) for each of the character areas. Aspects were rated illustratively as a yearly average, not at a specific moment. |
| Online questionnaire survey | A questionnaire survey was conducted online on 4–20 March 2020. It aimed to identify the main characteristics and unique features ascribed by users to individual waterfront areas. These affect the perception of the waterfront, and need to be given increased attention in the further development of these areas. Respondents were asked to assign a word/phrase/adjective/element/ etc. they would think of first when they imagined the given area. For better orientation, maps of individual character areas were attached to the questionnaire. The results were evaluated for a screened sample of 31 respondents. Keywords/buzzwords were extracted from the answers (for example, for the Centrum + Eurovea character area, the respondent's answer ‘Tourists walking on the promenade’ led to the output: tourists, promenade). Based on the socio-spatial analysis and questionnaire, the character elements of each area were defined. In addition, an illustrative comparative analysis was performed to demonstrate the key differences between these areas. |
Finally, the vision of the future development of individual waterfront character areas was described based on the principles of waterfront development (subsection 2.4). The methodology used, based on the identification of characteristic elements of individual areas, can be applied to any city with a water element.
In this context, the term character area refers to a site with a specific atmosphere and typical characteristics that distinguish it from the surrounding territory.
Cities on the river have an intimate and complex relationship with water that should never be seen as a limit, but as a certain extension of urban structure (Moretti, 2008). However, Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, has not yet found a strong relationship with the Danube River, and is considered a city by the river rather than a city on the river. Cities such as Prague and Budapest have more or less completed their waterfront centres and are now looking for ways to further enhance these spaces. However, Bratislava became a city on both banks of the Danube relatively recently. Nonetheless, this delay may turn into an advantage, as more is generally known today about the importance of rivers and floodplains, not least in relation to climate change. Bratislava has the opportunity to learn from successful and unsuccessful solutions to waterfront development around the world (Čorba, 2019).
The Bratislava waterfrontBratislava lies on one of the most important rivers in Europe, the Danube. This location is unique, but given the size of the Danube, the river is both a barrier and a potential danger. The glacial hydrological regime of the Danube River causes fluctuations in water levels and regularly recurring floods that are regulated only by construction interventions (flood protection projects) of larger dimensions. Therefore, the Danube is currently flowing through a fast and impermeable canal. The flood protection measures influence the city's relationship with the river, as the social aspect has been ignored in these interventions.
The Bratislava waterfront has developed mostly as a reaction to individual projects in its space, not as a part of a comprehensive and interconnected vision. This is reflected in its (dis)continuity: its development has not been based on broader concepts and a large part of the waterfront is currently the property of the private sector. This has contributed to parts of projects being built without much emphasis on preserving the identity of the place or access to the river.
In Bratislava, the two banks of the Danube have developed in different ways. The left bank narrates a story about the history of the city, its centuries-old development and enormous regulation of water flow. In contrast, the right bank represents an effort to preserve the natural environment and green areas near the historic city, and consists of pebble and sandy beaches, small shipyards, and floodplain forests as well as uncoordinated development, a modernist housing estate (Petržalka). Nevertheless, this contrast between the two banks is not harmful, and it is appropriate to preserve it as places that allow the possibility of contact with nature near the historic centre should be protected (Vallo et.al., 2018).
Figure 2 shows eight character areas of the Bratislava waterfront which form naturally alongside the river. The primary function of each area is different, and this variety grants each area with unique features that can be enjoyed by users of different needs, backgrounds, etc.
Figure 2. Scheme of character areas of the Bratislava waterfront.
To illustrate the differences between these areas, as well as their unique characters, a comparative analysis was performed (Figure 3), in which aspects of the waterfront (Table 5) were evaluated.
| Aspect | Measure elements |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem quality | Amount of greenery, flora condition/greenery maintenance, biotope connectivity, wildlife presence, fauna species variability |
| Programme content | Presence of nightlife, active daytime programme, amenities (restaurants, public toilets, refreshments, etc.), sports and recreation options, children’s play elements in public space |
| Identity | Cultural/natural heritage, local elements used in urban design/undisturbed natural elements, embrace of character elements, access to the river, sense of security |
| Maintenance & safety | Cleanliness, lighting, physical safety, ease of orientation, facilities for the disabled |
| Ease of movement | Number/quality of pedestrian routes, number/quality of cycle routes, barrier-free space, links to neighbouring public spaces, access |
Figure 3. Comparative analysis of the character areas of the Bratislav
In the following part of the study, a vision of individual waterfront character areas, based on the principles of waterfront development (subsection 2.4), is described. Waterfront character elements and character qualities in Tables 6–13 were determined from the outcome of responses to the questionnaire survey, while the waterfront historic landmarks were identified based on the research of the Monuments Institute of the Slovak Republic (Pamiatkový úrad SR, 2020).
Devín| Character elements | Castle, history, cycling, walking |
| Waterfront character qualities | Peaceful, rural character, distance from the city, accessibility of the river, connectivity |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | Devín Castle |
Figure 4.The Devín character area of the Bratislava waterfront. (Source: Petrtýlová, 2020)
What should the future development of this area look like?
Since the Devín character area of the Bratislava waterfront is the place where the river enters the city, the aspect of connection plays an important role (principle 9). This area should build on its rich history (principle 3) and provide people with reasons for visiting as well as staying (principle 4), while respecting its peaceful atmosphere. Devín Castle should always be respected as the dominant feature of the locality. In the case of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, attention should be paid to users’ experience and the quality of solutions, with an emphasis on accessibility (principle 5). Waterfront works of art emphasise the historical heritage of the area; their surroundings, including greenery, should be adequately maintained (principle 1). The waterfront is suitable for family walks; therefore, footbridges/piers or other elements of small architecture should be provided for possible contact with water.
Karloveská bayTable 7. The Karloveská bay character area.
| Character elements | Source of water, greenery, nature, shipyards, water sports, water |
| Waterfront character qualities | Accessibility (proximity to the city), peace, relaxation |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | Water well no. 1, Karlova Ves pumping station, pre-pumping station with tunnel, Tatran boating club, Lodenica (shipyard), Karlova Ves canoeing club |
Figure 5. The Karloveská bay character area of the Bratislava waterfront.
(Source: Petrtýlová, 2020)
What should the future development of this area look like?
The Karloveská bay character area of the Bratislava waterfront should provide space for pleasant walks along the banks of the river (principle 1). The further development of the area must respect the local paddling community, one of the main characteristics of the locality (principles 3 and 7). Development should retain the natural character (principle 1) of the area, while adding value to a natural place located near the urban centre. The number of visitors should be balanced by continuing maintenance of this site, in particular daily collection of refuse (principle 9). Accessibility is important; therefore, the waterfront should fulfil the need for orientation by ensuring public access from several points in surrounding places and by developing the main interaction lines with the surrounding area (principles 2 and 5).
Pečniansky forestTable 8. The Pečniansky forest character area.
| Character elements | Nature, protected area, beach, greenery |
| Waterfront character qualities | Inaccessibility, neglect, purity |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | Slovak Rowing Club, German Rowing Club Donau, military bunkers |
Figure 6. The Pečniansky forest character area of the Bratislava waterfront.
(Source: Petrtýlová, 2020)
What should the future development of this area look like?
The Pečniansky forest character area of the Bratislava waterfront should retain its natural character and typical pebble and sandy beaches. However, they need to be maintained, especially by regular waste control/collection (principles 1 and 8). The views from this area are especially valuable, particularly the view of Bratislava Castle and the modern development on the opposite bank. These views should remain unobscured (principles 2 and 5). The area includes several historical monuments, such as military bunkers and the buildings of the rowing clubs. It is appropriate to utilise these and connect them with a network of hiking trails leading to the dam (principles 2, 3 and 5). Dam safety should be enhanced by suitable lighting. However, the waterfront at this setting should remain untouched by humans and provide contact with nature near the city centre (principles 1 and 4). It is appropriate to ensure access to the river in the east of the locality which has close contact with the urbanised area (principle 5).
The Dvořák waterfrontTable 9. The Dvořák waterfront character area.
| Character elements | Modern developments, promenade, walk, River Park, running |
| Waterfront character qualities | Modernity, uncomfortableness, dustiness, privacy |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | Mausoleum of Chatam Sofer; Dvořák waterfront –commemorative plaque, pontoon bridge of the Red Army, water tower, toll station, Lafranconi dormitory; Arm. Gen. L. Svoboda’s statue on a pedestal |
Figure 7. The Dvořák waterfront character area of the Bratislava waterfront.
(Source: Petrtýlová, 2020)
What should the future development of this area look like?
During any development of this area, attention should be paid to contact with the river (principle 5) which has not been adequately achieved in any of the previous projects in the area. The continuity of the promenade and its connection to its adjoining parts are equally important (principles 2 and 5). The barrier created by the road should be eased, while pedestrian crossings would help to connect the waterfront with the surrounding area (principles 2 and 5). Security should be ensured throughout the locality, especially in the site under the SNP Bridge – one of the gateways to the area. The waterfront at this locality should offer a diversity of functions; it should be lively and with the potential for social activities (principle 4) accessible to all (principle 5). It is necessary to pay attention to waterfront historical monuments (principle 3) such as the water tower and the mausoleum. It is vital to look for possible connections between these buildings and the waterfront (principle 2) to support the experience of the waterfront space.
Tyrš waterfront + lidoTable 10. The Tyrš waterfront + lido character area.
| Character elements | Greenery, park, beach, culture, relaxation |
| Waterfront character qualities | Obsolescence, naturalness, non-maintenance |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | SNP Bridge, Old Bridge toll house and bridge ramp, memorial plaque of the Soviet Army Bridge, Arena Theatre with premises (theatre, water tower, and service house), J. Král’ Park with premises (park, monument with statue, and tower with helmet) |
Figure 8. The Tyrš waterfront + lido character area of the Bratislava waterfront.
(Source: Petrtýlová, 2020)
What should the future development of this area look like?
The development of this waterfront character area should be based on the tradition of cultural events. The functions of culture and recreation should be promoted every season (principles 3 and 4). The parking area at the centre of the locality may be used for this purpose. The lido locality should build on its past by restoring the popular pebble beach lido, for example (principle 3). Communication between the two riverbanks should be provided by water transport or other means (principles 2 and 5). Communication with the adjacent housing estate area (Petržalka) should be strengthened by defining and developing interaction lines to eliminate the feeling of space separation caused by the highway (principles 2 and 5). The unique panorama of the city of Bratislava must always be preserved to achieve visual communication with the opposite bank (principle 5). The waterfront should be revitalised to provide opportunities and amenities to encourage visitors to spend a longer time there (principles 1 and 4).
Centrum + EuroveaTable 11. The Centrum + Eurovea character area.
| Character elements | Promenade, tourists, city life, Eurovea shopping centre, riverbank |
| Waterfront character qualities | Accessibility (Eurovea) vs. inaccessibility (rest of the promenade), inconsistency, non-continuity, liveliness |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | Bridge ramp, toll house, bridge pillar of the Old Bridge, memorial plaques to the Soviet Army, Fajnor waterfront with government building, FiF UK, Secondary Industrial School, Former Grossling Spa, Vajanský waterfront with monument to Bulgarian partisans, Jurenák's house, former seat of the Industrial Assoc., Slovak National Museum, Danube Fleet Monument, Monument of CZ-SK Statehood, Kotva Palace, Rázus waterfront with statue of P. M. Bohúň and water barracks, Riečna Street with Hotel Devín, Štúr Sq. with Dessewffy and Eszterházy Palace, Rybné Palace, and the Virgin Mary on a pillar |
Figure 9. The Centrum + Eurovea character area of the Bratislava waterfront.
(Source: Petrtýlová, 2020)
What should the future development of this area look like?
The waterfront area of Centrum + Eurovea should be lively, representative, and experiential, with a unique atmosphere, and should provide leisure options (principle 4). The views of the river and the opposite bank should not be obscured by flood protection elements and at the same time, contact with water should be ensured in several places (principle 5). The promenade should have a continuous character without neglected spots (principle 2). The waterfront area should be connected to a network of public spaces through the development of the main interaction lines connecting the waterfront and the city (principles 2 and 5). The road currently forms a barrier by providing an insufficient number of passages between the waterfront and the surrounding area. Communication with the opposite bank should be achieved by water transport or by other means (principle 5).
PortTable 12. The port character area.
| Character elements | Industry, ships, cranes |
| Waterfront character qualities | Danger, inaccessibility, separation, unknown, authenticity |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | Port (port warehouse, ship workshop, ship lift, shipowners' house), winter port (pumping station, water device) |
Figure 10. The port character area of the Bratislava waterfront. (Source: Petrtýlová, 2020)
What should the future development of this area look like?
One of the most important factors for the successful development of this area is the recovery of a feeling of security. This is possible by bringing new functions, life and activity to this area accompanied by suitable lighting and urban security (principles 1, 4 and 5). Bratislava Port is unique due to its industrial character which should be preserved by revitalisation of the main characteristic, its industrial objects. However, the original character of these objects should always be preserved (principle 3). Equally valuable objects are the cranes that form a typical panorama visible while passing through nearby areas. Any further development should build on their presence (principle 3). The port should be linked to the adjacent territory by connecting it with the promenade ending on the Eurovea waterfront or by creating several entry points to the territory (principles 2 and 5).
Danube floodplainsTable 13. The Danube floodplain character area.
| Character elements | Cycling, nature, Danube Floodplains Protected Landscape Area, floodplain forests, dam, rafting, Danubiana Museum |
| Waterfront character qualities | Naturalness, accessibility, uniqueness, wilderness |
| Waterfront historic landmarks | - |
Figure 11. The Danube floodplains character area of the Bratislava waterfront.
(Source: Sajdik, M., 2020; Fotoschalek, n.d.)
What should the future development of this area look like?
The Danube separates from the city in the character area of the Danube floodplains, and this farewell should be quiet and modest. The waterfront in this locality should retain its natural character in all circumstances (principles 1 and 9). Therefore, non-intervention areas should be defined to limit further human interference in the natural landscape. The principles of any further construction should also be defined, with an emphasis on nature protection. The houseboat site in the floodplain area has its historical roots there, but it is essential that nature is always prioritised. The houseboat site should not expand further. The dam, which provides opportunities for sports and recreation, must be seen as an important element connecting the whole territory (principles 2 and 9). When developing any sports and recreation facilities in this area, potential increases in visitor numbers must be considered; in addition, any resulting pollution must also be accounted for and its minimisation must be ensured (principle 1). An important feature in the south of the territory is the Danubiana Museum. It should be connected to its surroundings to provide easy access to it (principles 2 and 5).
It is essential that character areas and character elements of urban waterfronts are taken into consideration during any development processes of the waterfronts. The interaction of identity, sustainability and urban design is becoming the new engine of waterfront design and design of public spaces in general. The identity and character of a place should be some of the most important aspects that urban designers, planners, and policy makers need to seek. These aspects focus on the preservation of the genius loci of the place by restoring its historical and contemporary value, making it unique and identifiable.
Based on the concept of placemaking, character elements of the waterfront can be defined by the users’ perception of individual character areas. This study examined this aspect via a questionnaire survey, in combination with socio-spatial analysis, to illustrate the character elements that form the basis of the identity of the Bratislava waterfront character areas. A limitation of this study is the size of the survey participant sample. A larger sample may offer a more unbiased illustration of users’ perception of the Bratislava waterfront. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates the variability of individual waterfront character areas, their different identities, functions, and uses. This variability is vital for sustainable development of the area and, therefore, should be preserved.
Moreover, the study shows that people subconsciously perceive the differences between the individual parts of the waterfront, and are able to describe these areas. They visit different waterfront areas with different intentions and ascribe different characteristics to them. However, the question remains as to what extent these associations are subjective and to what extent they represent the overall perception of the waterfront’s users.
The role of the river in cities has changed due to various events in the course of history. Naturally, the city–river–people relationship has formed gradually. Nowadays, rivers and their waterfronts are part of the urban landscape, and are pivotal to the reconstruction of the historical identities of cities. Waterfronts serve as key elements in building the city–river relationship. Preservation of place identity is essential to protect the distinctive character areas of the urban waterfront which contribute to the uniqueness, competitiveness, and sustainability of the place.
Bratislava represents a story of discontinuity, which manifests itself also in the waterfront. Its waterfront has been neglected for many years; only in recent years has it become the beneficiary of certain development impulses. Nevertheless, the uniqueness of its individual parts has the potential to make it an attractive, enjoyable and vibrant place. However, the interaction of high-quality urban design, sustainability and identity preservation, while respecting the character elements of a given area, is crucial for its further development. Waterfront areas are too valuable as spaces to be clones of successful projects around the world; therefore, they require a sensitive approach that avoids the creation of identical locations without soul and unique character.
Furthermore, high-quality research on the historical evolution of the city–river relations, in Bratislava or any area of interest, is needed for a better understanding of the historical context of the area studied. Likewise, future studies should focus on the typology of waterfront character areas in order to specify desired or appropriate functions or characters for each area. Waterfronts function as a whole comprising several constituent parts, each with a specific identity, character and atmosphere, and should not be treated as a monofunctional unit.
To achieve a high quality of development, sustainability and preservation of the city's identity, as well as preservation of individual waterfront character areas, a strategic document for the waterfront is essential. The successful future of waterfront spatial planning resides in a conceptual approach with a broader context, practice of making places designed for people, and respect for the historical character of individual places. Therefore, it is crucial to approach waterfront development with a strategic and long-term vision while respecting the local minutiae.
1) A gateway is a point through which the city builds and implements relationships with other cities or regions.
