Sustainable Urban Waterfront Development in Port Cities

Since the 1960s the urban waterfront has been of special interest for urban planners and architects. Due to the structural change in economy and the emergence of container shipping, in many cities a relocation of ports took place, so that inner-city areas have become vacant for redevelopment and revitalization. The affected cities have developed very different strategies to deal with the new challenges at the waterfront. It is often the focus to find a balance between port-and city-development in order to preserve the economic importance of ports as well as to generate attractive quarters. This poses the question, which specific priorities such strategies may include and how they will be implemented. In addition, uses must be found, that can be located on the waterfront or close to the harbor. At the same time it is necessary to show ways in which the requirements and objectives of sustainable development can be combined successfully. To find answers to these questions, two different case studies will be analyzed and scrutinized critically. From the existing conglomerate of waterfront projects, the cities of Rostock and Auckland are in the focus of interest for this examination. Despite their differences, it is possible to derive criteria and principles, which are relevant for the future development of port cities with an international reputation.