MBES1059 Design Pre-Thesis 2: URBAN RENAISSANCE

Reinvigorating River in Cities:

Urban Design Strategies for River Development
Saifuddin Mohd Tahir1; Chan Wai Lai1
Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

ABSTRACT: Stream and water are significant assets for human life, condition and national improvement. Water is a key regular
asset that is an inexhaustible, however constrained. It utilizes the usage of recreational and environmental, household,
transportation, agricultural, industrial, and energy generation. Kılıç (2001) as referred to in Hamamcıoğlu (2005), water
resources have played significant roles throughout history in establishing settlement along the water corridor and obtaining
their identity. (Pekin, 2008). In Malaysia, the significance of streams as the point of convergence of the city was built up from
early occasions of civilisation and remains until the end of time. The river system in Malaysia has transformed from water
ventures into non-water ventures due to the factors of urbanization, adaptation to technology and population and grow of
economy. Because of these changes, the capacity of the riverfront regions has likewise changed and the flow example of
riverfront development in Malaysia currently centre more around mixed-use development and recreations. This paper aim to
elaborate the role of river in the context of a city and at the same time, analyse on overseas example of successful river
development (Singapore’s Riverfront) to formulate urban design strategies for river development in the context of Malaysia in
reference to urban design literatures and research papers.

Keywords: River in Cities, Design Strategies, River Development

1.0 Introduction areas aren't arranged on a noteworthy waterway

Since the start of civilisation, waterways have
contended a genuine and crucial job in moulding and
affecting the occasion of the state and furthermore the
way of life of its people. The close connection among
urban communities and water has been world
renowned since the beginning of civilisation as most
real urban communities are arranged on or near, a
water body or something to that affect.
(Breen & Rigby, 1994). It might be seen from these
precedents that each water and furthermore the urban
areas they serve speak to a rudimentary segment inside
the spatial association of economies and social orders
(Hoyle & Pinder, 1992).
Moreover, in Malaysia, settlements have generally
jumped up on estuary, henceforth, a few urban areas in
Malaysia like the national capital Kuching, Kota Bharu,
Malacca, Terengganu, Kuantan, and Kuala Lumpur were
set up once city locale settlements had created -
created on conduit edges or in waterway valleys
(Andaya & Andaya, 2001; Weng, 2005; Latip,
Heath, Shamsuddin, Liew, & Vallyutham, 2010). As
a result, some of the towns were named once the
streams that went through them explicitly, Sungai Kapal
Sungai Rengit, and Sungai Mati in Johor (Yassin, Eves,
& McDonagh, 2010a).

1.1 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this paper is to identify effective urban
design strategies for river development in the context
Figure 1.1 The Yellow River in Lanzhou, China (source: of Malaysia.
ChinaDaily) The objectives of this study as follows:
i. To elaborate the role of a river in the city and
For instance, the Yellow River, the Indus, the its identity as one of natural urban structures.
Euphrates River and furthermore the Nile River are the ii. To analyse on oversea example of successful
most punctual primary urban communities created on river development. A case study on
streams. The pattern proceeds with a few popular real Singapore’s Riverfront.
urban communities creating on conduits like Paris, iii. To identify attributes of riverfront
London, New York and Japanese capital (Dong, 2004). development in Malaysia to formulate design
Additionally, for example inside the United States, strategies for river development in local
exclusively six out of the seventy-five biggest urban context of Malaysia.
2.0 Literature Review
This section will encompass briefly on the
terminology waterfront used in this research from
various literatures in relation to riverfront
development. At the same time, this section will
elaborate on the role of a river in a city as well as the
principle of a successful riverfront development and
sustainable riverfront development.
2.1 Waterfront and Waterfront Development
For human population, water borders are the most
attractive water points, and in many countries the land
before the water grew earlier than inland. Although the
word waterfront is clear as crystal, various scholars
have unpredictively written the term waterfront, such
as, port front, city harbour, river bank, waterfront and
riverfront (H. Hussein, 2006; Mann, 1973; Tunbridge
and Ashworth, 1992; Watson, 1986). Dong (2004)
stipulates waterfront as land fronting on to water.
The waterfront is a zone of communication between
the water and urban development and a waterfront
territory is viewed as a one of a kind and imperative
asset where it interfaces between air, land, water,
beneficial plants and sun (Wrenn, 1983). In addition,
Zhang (2002) described waterfronts as a spot
incorporating land with the presence of water and
having a characteristic appreciation for individuals.
In the development perspective, waterfront
development has different understandings relying upon
the qualities of the destinations and the urban
communities (Dong, 2004). Butuner (2006) considers
waterfronts to be land to be recovered from water so
as to make an extension of existing downtown areas.
Breen and Rigby (1994, 1996) thought about that
development of waterfront should not really require to
straightforwardly front water but rather may require
possibly to look as though it is appended to the water.
They trusted that a property with an ordering
perspective on water, is called as property on a
waterfront.
Correspondingly, Ryckbost (2005) considers
waterfronts to be property that possess a solid physical
or visual association with water and example of water
itself being any sort of water body, for example, a lake,
the sea, a waterway or a flood everything being equal
(Breen and Rigby, 1994).
In this specific situation, by being an interface
among water and land, perspective of a waterfront is as
a significant asset that offers incredible chances to a
city. Hence, development of waterfront is best spoken
to as an improvement straightforwardly facing water
for any reason and the water segments can incorporate
stream deltas, seaside fields, wetlands, shoreline and
ridges, tidal ponds and other water highlights.
Additionally, the limit of where the water and land
meet is hard to decide and relies upon jurisdictional
breaking points and the organization of the nation.
2.2 Role of A River in a City
Through history, the rise of development of
waterfrontin numerous nations was fundamentally
related with the sea business (Hoyle, 2001). Port urban
communities have been described by advancement,
endeavour and monetary improvement. The
foundation of port urban areas brought expanded
opportunity to the urban waterfront networks around
the world.
The connection between the man and water, the
practical utilization of the waterway and the impact,
what stream had made for the general population life,
has been changing for a few times since the
commencement. It is a broad topic to be discussing on
river and its influences for the city, therefore, it is best
to be discussed in different parts of urban planning
theory and history. According to (Mačiukėnaitė &
Povilaitienė, 2013), generally, the role of the river can
be view through these categories.
• River as Function
The first category river as function, theorists and
urban planners analysed the river as part of the urban
structure by bringing out the functional importance and
tangible aspects of the river. For once, Le Corbusier has
mentioned the functional importance of the river by
equating the river as a liquid railway. This can be said,
that the river can function as a mean of transportation
that provides path and connectivity throughout the city.
• River as Public, Open Space
As stated by (Alexander et. Al, 1977) quoted
“…people will build places near the water because it is
entirely natural; but that land immediately along the
water’s edge must be preserved for common use. To
this end the roads which can destroy the water edge
must be kept back from it and only allowed near it
when they lie at right angles to it.”. This emphasise the
imperativeness of riverside as public, open place and
space. There are also standard designs strategies
focusing on riverside planning as stipulated by Buttler
et al, (2006) implying that variety, sequence, continuity
and connection are imperial factors. This also
supported by J. Ghel (2010) on his approaching on
humanistic open spaces (including riverside) by re-
shifting city design towards the pedestrian and cyclist.
• River as Ecological Stabilizer
K. Jakovlevas-Mateckis (2006) made a study on the
role of a river as ecological stabilizer. His study
stipulated that the river carry out important ecological
compensation function and is part of the ecological
natural frame. Formation of horizontal and vertical air
flow can be encouraged from the natural terrain of the layout, design, climate, land usage and
riverside slopes and its greenery that acts like the lung project's culture and history.
of the city. This process displaced polluted air up to the Image Image could give a sense of the
upper region of the atmosphere to ensure clean air potential waterfront initiative, and
flow all throughout the city. As mentioned in his study solid images became parameters for
as well, careful considerations that enhance the river other ventures.
identity, amplify the visual quality, improved waterway Authenticity For a successful waterfront project,
access and more recreational spaces for the urban the preservation of authentic values in
communities should be taken into consideration during the waterfront and surrounding areas
the process of moulding the urban environment. is important.
Function In order to enjoy the water
2.3 Elements of Successful Waterfront Development environment, visitors can also take
There are several principles that needs to be advantage of convenient services in
considered in the aspect of development of residential and work areas, a
waterfrontto maintain the public’s interest and to pedestrian access to animated
protect the waterfront itself. Although different outdoor dining areas and
waterfront projects may vary in sizes and location, entertainment centres.
nevertheless, these developments still apply similar Public To avoid environmental problems, the
process and shares the same cardinal principle and Perception of combination of image, environment,
objectives. need authenticity, theme and finance
Torre (1989) mentioned in his study that should include public consideration.
development of waterfrontshould address the human Financial As soon as they are promoted,
and water body needs. Implying that in order to Feasibility designed, packaged, managed and
maintain the waterfront, it is important to take effectively operated, a waterfront is
advantages on the amenities and to balance public considered feasible. The key element
participation. A successful waterfront development can is a concept of the waterfront that
only be deemed successful once it has achieved leads the financial evaluation, not the
function on multi-levels and managed to return all the reverse.
investment made by all stakeholders as stated by Torre Environmental In order to assess the effect on
(1989). Approvals environmental of the development of
waterfront, sequential inter-agency
meetings is crucial. There is a need for
approval from different agencies. As a
rule of thumb, two acres of mitigation
must be provided for each acre of
impact.
Construction Use budget-effective and
Technology environmentally sound building
materials; it is recommended to use
pressure treated wood.
Figure 2.1 Element for Successful Waterfront Development
(source: Torre 1989) Effective Good management must include a
Management variety of different outlets of skills,
Therefore, Torre (1989) recommends 10 elements and teamwork between them is really
that can be taken into consideration during the vital – regardless of whether for
waterfront planning process and is illustrated on Figure. waterfront development in the public
2.1 and elaborated in Table 2.1. or private sphere.
Beginning the A self-contained, comprehensive and
Elements Descriptions Project balanced project on waterfront will
Theme Theme is planned in the underlying result in the combination of all the
process which principally to guard elements listed above. At every stage
future spatial examination, scale, land of development, it is important for the
use materials and significance. public to participate. Organizational
Decided with a few considerations; management; set up a waterfront
 council and include government
officials to make the process effective.
Maintain movement; create
excitement and advertising and keep
momentum until it is important to
complete the project. Plan an opening
celebration.
Table 2.1 Elaboration on Element for Successful Waterfront
Development (source: Torre 1989)
2.4 Elements of Sustainable Development of
Waterfront
Waterfronts are one of the country's most valuable
resources-limited, valuable and nonsubstantial assets.
In order to ensure long-term resource growth, strategic
use of waterfront areas is important to maintain their
economic value and enhance their specific
characteristics or image (Bruttomesso, 2006).
Bruttomesso (2006) has therefore recommended 10
principles to ensure excellence in waterfront
redevelopment projects.
b) Integrated – It is recommended that existing
architecture, history and culture be integrated for
new development of waterfront.
c) Sharing benefits – a balance must be discovered
between public benefit and developer profitability.
To realize the design's inspiration, a public-private
partnership is essential.
d) Participation of stakeholders – multitudes of
stakeholders must be involved: developer,
government bodies, community and environmental
group as well as the public are all involved in the
development of a waterfront property and are
required to be involved along the journey.
e) Building phase – splitting a huge project into a
number of stages and enabling all investors and the
public at large to see this offers a prediction for the
future.
3.0 Methodology of Research
The research framework are as follows:

• Protect the water quality and the

ecosystem.
• Waterfronts are portion of the
urban fabric that exists.
• The existence of character is by the
historical identity.
• Mixed use is one of the priorities.
10 Principle
• Public access is a basic
for a
requirement.
Sustainable
• Public-private partnership planning
Waterfront
speeds up the process.
Development
• Public involvement is a
sustainability element.
• Waterfront projects are long-term.
• Revitalization is a process that
continues.
• Waterfront activities benefit from Figure 3.1 Methodological Framework (source: Author)
international networking
Table 2.2 Element for Sustainable Waterfront Development 4.0 Successful Case Studies on Waterfront
(source: Bruttomesso, 2006) Development
This chapter will elaborate on overseas case studies
Furthermore, Bertsch (2008) determined that in that have successful remarks in mitigating waterfront
order to maintain an economically viable waterfront, a development that encompasses all aspects. Namely,
water plan should be established before the land plan Wellington’s Waterfront, New Zealand and Singapore’s
for any use of a waterfront area. He therefore Riverfront, Singapore. This chapter will look into their
recommended several principles to be included in the design strategies behind the success in adaptation to
development of waterfront plans, as follows: the design principle aforementioned in Section 2 and
a) Accessibility – The waterfront must not be isolated the following chapter will try to propose new and
from development and access to the waterfront improved design formula in the context of Malaysia.
(convenient access to the waterfront area for
visitors) must be made easy for the public.
4.1 Wellington’s Waterfront, New Zealand
Figure 4.1 Site Planning of Wellington’s Waterfront (source: Wellington City Council)
Waterfront development has long been known in
New Zealand and primarily in Wellington considering
the pioneer land reclaims occurred in 1852 followed in
1975 and continued to this day (Grondelle & Price,
2005; Wellington City Council, 2010). The waterfront
has become a state-of-the-art waterfront for over 15
years and is now seen as a crucial element in the future
prosperity of Wellington.
Figure 4.2 Whairepo Lagoon, Wellington’s Waterfront (source:
Richard F. Bert)
In the seventies and eighty years, after the Port
Administrator decided to rebuild the abandoned
waterfront areas, it grew from a working port to a
dynamic part of the city for the purposes of recreation
and public life.
In 1986, the Harbor Board and the City Council
signed a joint venture agreement to develop the area.
The contract formed a special development corridor, a
design strategy, and two companies to administer and
manage the Wellington Waterfront project: Lambton
Harbor Overview Limited and Lambton Harbor
Management Limited (LHML), a local authority trading
company (LATE). It was owned by the Harbor Board and
the Council, but operated as a separate company.
The Waterfront of Wellington has since expanded
and has reserved many grounds for public space.
Indeed, the City of Wellington (2001) says that almost
80% of the riverfront will be maintained as a green area
and the public will have access to all areas along the
river.
According to the City Council of Wellington (2001),
there are seven objectives that the city council ought to
achieve and the objectives are as follows:
i. That the waterfront is recognized for its design
both locally and internationally.
ii. Easy access to the waterfront for all people.
iii. That at all times the waterfront is and is
perceived as safe.
iv. That the waterfront is regarded as an attractive
destination that attracts travellers and
Wellingtonians alike.
v. That a wide range of events and activities are
successfully attended by the waterfront.
vi. Significant heritage buildings on the waterfront
are protected.
vii. Waterfront activities are integrated with port
activities.
To achieve these goals, the development of
Wellington's Waterfront as a fundamental element of
development has followed several key principles. The
Waterfront Leadership Group has set out these
principles and considers all issues related to the
development of the waterfront.
 Principle Description
Waterfront history and heritage are
important components of the
waterfront distinctiveness. There are
Expression of
a range of aspects to the waterfront's
history and
pre- and post-colonial history,
heritage
including coastal, economic and social
aspects, and it is necessary to tell all
these tales.
Maori socio existence should be
Expression of
prominent on the waterfront –
Maori
demonstrating a living culture – and
presence and
include a focus on the culture of
heritage
Waka.
Any new construction will be similar
in nature to the existing facilities
around them and in an appropriate
scale. The identity formed for each
region will be characterized by the
Sense of Place entire waterfront.
for To maximize the unique value of the
Wellingtonians waterfront location, the design and
use of buildings should be oriented
outward. The waterfront is key
component of Wellington, and new
project complements the adjacent
city's buildings and public spaces.
Besides similar uses in other cities,
recreational, cultural and municipal
uses are especially suitable for the
river bank. The waterfront's ecological
values will be maintained–considering
Diversity of that this is a highly modified
Experience ecosystem. The entire waterfront is
mainly for people, not motor vehicles.
The waterfront can be used safely by
pedestrian and non-motorized
transport. However, access to the
service vehicle must be provided.
The public should be approached by
means of a two-stage process or a
regulatory planning process regarding
Sense of
any proposed new buildings and any
collective
significant change on existing
ownership
buildings. The ground floor of the
buildings will be mostly open to the
public.
A sequence of separate outdoor areas
will predominate that will cater for
Experience of various uses and activities. A variety
space and of open spaces will be available–some
openness green, some protected, and some
rutted. There will be a second large
green open space at Chaffers besides
Frank Kitts Park. It is important to
have panoramic views from the edge
of the water along with framed views
of the waterfront.
Better pedestrian access to the
waterfront from the city. For
pedestrians, there will be better
access points. The provision of shelter
will include improvements to
pedestrian access points. The council
empowered the proposed upgrade of
Ease of access
quays and streets, along with
for all
landscape design and street crossings
improvement. The waterfront must
be linked to the rest of the city, both
physically and visually, with views and
signs. Good design natural monitoring
is preferable to electronic or formal
methods of monitoring.
Table 4.1 Key Design Principle behind Wellington’s
Waterfront’s success. (source: Wellington City Council, 2001)
The development of the waterfront in Malaysia is
growing in popularity and focuses more now on the
development of recreational and combined uses. All the
values suggested for the Wellington Waterfront need to
be included to develop any waterfront area in Malaysia,
in particular for pleasure. Malaysia needs to consider all
the principles that other countries and in particular the
Wellington Waterfront have achieved to achieve
successful waterline development and to keep
economically viable areas on the waters. This will be
further discussed in the following chapter.
4.2 Singapore’s Riverfront, Singapore
Singapore an island nation has been graced right in
the heart of the city center with a long coastline and
water bodies. The Singapore River, 3.0 kilometers long
and running through the City Center, has been an ideal
place for bartering and logistics since the colonial days
of Singapore. Many office buildings and jetties were
developed during that time to facilitate trading
activities along the bank of the river (Urban
Redevelopment Authority, 2010).
Nearly three-quarters of all Singapore shipping
business was done along the Singapore River by the
1860s. However, both the banks of the river and water
became contaminated by the 1970s due to rising
numbers of business operations and looters along the
river, rendering the river an open septic tank (Chang &
Huang, 2005).
Figure 4.3 Singapore’s Riverfront, Clarke Quay (source: Chensiyuan Wikipedia)

Starting in 1977, many government agencies began d) Functions - The Singapore River has been a public
and involved in the task of cleaning up the river of recreation and recreational facility. A short walk
Singapore. Transformation on the river are from open from the lively outdoor dining and entertainment
sewer to green landscape by a huge river clean up centre, the ecosystem of the river can be
(Dobbs, 2002). The River was ready for a new lease of celebrated with convenient residential services and
life after ten years of cleaning up. In the 1990’s, the working areas.
Singapore River Development Guide Plan (DGP) of the Evidently, all the attributes arranged for the
Urban Redevelopment Authority (Urban Riverfront in Singapore are important to maintain the
Redevelopment Authority, 1994) redeveloped the financial and sustainable viability and achievement of
waterfront. The restructuring has shifted from a waterfront advancement as outlined by Tumbde (2005)
“working river” to a “heritage and entertainment site”. and Bertsch (2008).
Similarly, to the Wellington’s Waterfront, the In parallel to the analysis on Wellington’s
Singapore’s Riverfront poised several design elements Waterfront, to achieve their objectives, the Singapore’s
that are prerequisite to the overall development in Riverfront redevelopment project has implemented
relation to tackling issues related to the waterfront three key strategies and illustrated in Table 4.2 below.
development. Shown below are the characteristics of
Singapore’s Riverfront. Principle Descriptions
a) Theme - The Singapore River is considered the The river was zoned for a mix of land
city's cultural culture and history. For adaptive uses, including commercial,
reuse, the historical structures along the Singapore residential, hotel and institutional
River have been preserved. From boating to dining, uses, according to the Master Plan
these were balanced with leisure attractions. For for the Riverfront of Singapore.
example, to make walking a pleasurable These new developments in mixed
experience, pedestrian walks were planned along use would help attract people to the
the entire river. area. The new projects need to have
Establishing a
b) Image - The Riverfront of Singapore preserves the user-generating activity on the
recreational
old port image by conserving details in relation to ground floor to ensure the area is
and leisure
the cultural heritage of the river, such as shop street-level lively. Urban
activity corridor
houses and "bumboats." The river vessels were Redevelopment Authority (URA) has
via mixed land-
packed along the river before redevelopment. published a guideline for the Kiosks
use.
Following redevelopment: old structures were and Outdoor Refreshment Areas
substituted by a continuous walk and dining mainly to encourage more
outdoors. "Bumboats" are now being used for the development to locate their
transport of tourists. business activities on the waterfront
c) Authenticity - When the Singapore River was promenade areas.
cleaned up, the Riverfront of Singapore had
restored outdoor activities as it was.
 The Singapore River's identity and
character would be preserved by
selectively preserving and
integrating architecturally significant
buildings with new development.
For the betterment of coming
Mixing old and
generations, the heritage buildings
new
must be preserved. For commercial
development
and residential purposes, the
adjacent land can be used more
intensively. In order to increase their
viability, preserved buildings will be
permitted to be reintroduced for
new inventions.
Key infrastructure works were
implemented by the government to
make the area attractive for
redevelopment. Rebuilt and
reinforced several components of
the river walls that had withstood
the test of time. The Singapore River
bridges have been upgraded.
Underpasses were built to provide
continuing pedestrian access along
the banks of the river.
The government has provided the
private sector with the planning
structure and protocols to carry out
the river-side redevelopment using
private resources. State land and
Forging public /
conserved buildings were sold
private
through the Government Land Sales
partnership
Program to encourage the private
sector to participate in the
transformation of the Singapore
River
The guidelines for urban design have
been configured by the Urban
Redevelopment Authority to mentor
developers to design their
properties on a suitable scale with
the river cape and to design the
riverfront promenade to
complement their development.
Thus, through a public / private
partnership, all the vision for the
River Waterfront in Singapore was
realized.
Table 4.2 Key Design Principle behind Singapore’s Riverfront
success. (Source: Urban Redevelopment Authority, 1994)
Embedding the relevant key approaches used for
the redevelopment of the Riverfront of Singapore into
the development of waterfront areas in Malaysia might
enhance the probability of accomplishing sustainable
waterfront development and could help to develop
outstanding waterfront areas in Malaysia.
5.0 Discussions
This research presents a set of guidelines specifying
few preferences for the guidelines for waterfront
development and a desire for sustainable development
in Malaysia's waterfront development undertaking in
reference to studies conducted through literature
reviews. In Yassin, 2011, the suggestions consider
advice and thoughts from waterfront development
stakeholders as well as property development firms in
Malaysia. The six factors drawn from this research will
complement the existing guidelines for waterfront
development–the riverfront development concept
guidelines. Namely:
• Environments
• Waterfront Benefits
• Mitigations
• Beautifications
• Security
• Type of Development
Through Yassin (2011) findings, “Environment”
imposed the most influential factor to be included in
any future waterfront development. Keeping the eco
corridor along the body of the water will provide locals
and tourists with significant amenities. It will also be
preserved for future generations by preserving the
waterfront and waterfront environment. According to
Bertsch (2008), during the development of waterfront
development, several principles such as the inclusion of
heritage, culture and existing architectural style and the
involvement of multitudes of stakeholders should be
taken into consideration in order to sustain an
financially viable waterfront. In addition, ecological
consent from different organizations should be obliged
and a thumb rule for successful waterfront
development should be considered (Torre, 1989). It
would then be possible to achieve sustainable
development on the waterfront (Bruttomesso, 2006).
Next factor would be the “Waterfront Benefit” to be
included in the riverfront guidelines for redevelopment.
As defined by Bertsch (2008), only by balancing public
benefit and profitability of developers could the success
of a waterfront development be achieved. Choguill
(1996) implies that neighborhood engagement is
particularly significant in solving local issues, including
management of resources and development. Thus, the
use of locally produced remedies, residents ' active
participation of their own dealings, and a assisting
administration would be forecasted to be a legitimate
basis for the excellence of Malaysia's waterfront
development. Bruttomesso (2006) claimed that public
engagement was an important component in assuring
the fruitful long-term use of assets as well as the long-
term accomplishment of the waterfront areas.
The third recommendation to be included in the
riverfront guideline for redevelopment is “Mitigations”.
"Mitigation" stresses that public awareness of
environmental concerns is desirable. Tong and Chen
(2002) reports that the by-product of urban areas of
land use and the growing frequency of human activity is
one of the major causes of poor water quality
problems. In addition, land-use and cover modifications
can play an important environmental role and
contribute to environmental change (Meyer & Turner,
1994). It is therefore essential to educate the public
constantly on environmental issues by providing detail
on waterfront design programmes, which help to
protect living conditions.
Fourth factor is “Beautifications”. Conserving
resources of the country, such as water sources, helps
preserve the river's economic benefit and offers an
enjoyable environment for outdoor activities and
picnics. In Torre (1989) the preservation of true values
in the seafront and in the vicinity of the waterfront is
crucial for a successful waterside development.
Furthermore, Bruttomeso (2006) stated that the
ongoing embellishment of waterfront areas, river asset
security and water quality and the ecosystem are
essential elements of waterfront environmental
sustainability.
Fifth factor that suggested to be included in the
guidelines of river redevelopment is “Security”.
Security, together with recreation space and the
availability of goods and services were recognized as a
key factor to ensure successful development. Safety
may include security and property fencing (Logan,
2001). Although there are few historical records that
involve open-water accidents, the perception is that
unprotected water bodies can threaten children with
safety. Therefore, for new guidelines, a combination of
security factors is appropriate.
The last factor that ought to be considered in the
guidline is the type of development. The type of
development (land use) is significantly correlated with
water quality according to Yunus et al. (2003). In
comparisons to forested areas, built up areas along the
Penang River show a strong negative connection with
water quality (r=-0.911 in 2000) (r=0.871 in 2000).
These results show that one of the biggest cause of
problems with water quality is due to land use and to
the growing intensity of human activity. Land use is
therefore an important consideration in the design of
plans for matters of water quality for plan planners and
decision-makers and in the development of the project
on the waterfront.
6.0 Conclusion
This paper will conclude by reiterating the
objectives stated at the beginning of the paper. The
character of the river in the city can be seen into three
different categories namely; river as function, river as
public open space and lastly river as ecological
stabilizer. In parallel with the aim of this paper to
identify effective urban design strategies for river
development in the context of Malaysia, analysis
studies had been discussed on overseas examples
namely Singapore’s Riverfront and Wellington’s
Waterfront in New Zealand due to their successful
remarks in achieving prime waterfront design. Their
objectives and key design strategies in implementation
are analysed and synthesised to help formulate
recommendation for new guidelines towards more
sustainable development of waterfront in Malaysia. As
mentioned in previous section, there are six key
elements that needs to be taken into considerations
when it comes to waterfront design redevelopment
namely; the Environment of the existing eco-corridor,
the Waterfront Benefits by active public engagement
and participations. Thirdly, on Mitigation by considering
the water quality of the water body and next is on
Beautifications by conserving the natural resources of
the country such as water sources. Fifth is concerns on
Security especially unprotected open water body could
impose threat to children and lastly consideration on
the type of development by imposing strict
development type in order to minimize impact on land
use to the existing water quality of water body.
7.0 References
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