Reconfiguring abandoned urban landscapes: a multidimensional place-making approach towards sustainable transformation of industrial waterfronts

• Published in: Landscape and ecological engineering Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 175 - 190
• Main Authors: Wu, Yihao, Han, Fengyuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Springer Japan 01.01.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: aesthetics; Biomedical and Life Sciences; China; Civil Engineering; Derelict land; Developing countries; Environmental Management; Land ownership; Land reclamation; Landscape Ecology; Landscape/Regional and Urban Planning; landscapes; LDCs; Life Sciences; Nature Conservation; Original Paper; Plant Ecology; rivers; Urban environments; Urban planning; Urban regeneration; Urban renewal; wastelands; Waterfronts; China; Sustainable Urban Design; Industrial Waterfronts; Urban Redevelopment; Environmental Resilience; Multidimensional Place-Making Approach
• ISSN: 1860-1871; 1860-188X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11355-024-00632-7

This study introduces an integrated application of the Multidimensional Place-Making Approach (MPA) to urban regeneration, focusing on the reconfiguring abandoned industrial landscapes left by past industrial activity. While existing research predominantly emphasizes Western contexts, this study highlights the adaptation and implementation of MPA in degraded industrial waterfront in developing countries where the impetus of reclaiming the derelict land is also moving towards sustainability. The cases analyzed are located alongside Shanghai Huangpu River, which has a fair share of degraded and economically unproductive landscapes. his research systematically addresses the challenges of historically land ownership divisions, cultural and social dynamics, and the integration of industrial heritage, while maintaining a balance between environmental resilience and aesthetic values. The contribution of this study lies in its demonstration of how MPA facilitates comprehensive, evidence-based urban design and transformation in scenarios that are typically resource-intensive. The application takes a major step in bridging the gap between theoretical MPA concepts and a wide range of practical, implemented solutions. It extends beyond the specific context of the study, promoting the applicability of MPA to diverse urban landscapes and pledging a sustainable future in urban design.