Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea Region

Waterfront areas in cities are subject to constant changes. The desire to integrate the transformed waterside areas with the urban fabric involves shaping high-quality public spaces related to water, which are often referred to as urban blue spaces (UBS). The aim of the research was to examine the t...

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Main Authors: Izabela Maria Burda, Lucyna Nyka
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-08-01
Series:Water
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/15/2826
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author Izabela Maria Burda
Lucyna Nyka
author_facet Izabela Maria Burda
Lucyna Nyka
author_sort Izabela Maria Burda
collection DOAJ
description Waterfront areas in cities are subject to constant changes. The desire to integrate the transformed waterside areas with the urban fabric involves shaping high-quality public spaces related to water, which are often referred to as urban blue spaces (UBS). The aim of the research was to examine the transformation processes of urban waterfront areas in the Baltic Sea Region and identify emerging transition models and types of blue public spaces. The methodological framework of this study is based on qualitative analysis of urban form with respect to coastal and riverine waters. An introductory analysis of 50 cases of transformations was conducted, and 12 were selected for further investigation: Tallinn, Pärnu (Estonia), Copenhagen, Køge, Aarhus (Denmark), Helsinki, Turku (Finland), Stockholm, Malmö, Luleå, Sundsvall, and Ystad (Sweden). As the outcome of the study, the authors indicate that the existing hard land–water interfaces were transformed into soft transition zones where new types of blue public spaces were created with different relationships to water. Synergies were identified between public space design, flood protection measures, and climate adaptation schemes. Finally, the findings highlight the need to verify the existing planning regulations and make them more flexible and effective in guiding the sustainable waterfront design processes.
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spelling doaj.art-a553c11d4c234310af2aac7d10442df32023-11-18T23:48:15ZengMDPI AGWater2073-44412023-08-011515282610.3390/w15152826Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea RegionIzabela Maria Burda0Lucyna Nyka1Department of Urban Architecture and Waterscapes, Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdansk, PolandDepartment of Urban Architecture and Waterscapes, Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdansk, PolandWaterfront areas in cities are subject to constant changes. The desire to integrate the transformed waterside areas with the urban fabric involves shaping high-quality public spaces related to water, which are often referred to as urban blue spaces (UBS). The aim of the research was to examine the transformation processes of urban waterfront areas in the Baltic Sea Region and identify emerging transition models and types of blue public spaces. The methodological framework of this study is based on qualitative analysis of urban form with respect to coastal and riverine waters. An introductory analysis of 50 cases of transformations was conducted, and 12 were selected for further investigation: Tallinn, Pärnu (Estonia), Copenhagen, Køge, Aarhus (Denmark), Helsinki, Turku (Finland), Stockholm, Malmö, Luleå, Sundsvall, and Ystad (Sweden). As the outcome of the study, the authors indicate that the existing hard land–water interfaces were transformed into soft transition zones where new types of blue public spaces were created with different relationships to water. Synergies were identified between public space design, flood protection measures, and climate adaptation schemes. Finally, the findings highlight the need to verify the existing planning regulations and make them more flexible and effective in guiding the sustainable waterfront design processes.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/15/2826waterurban blue spacesurban planningcoastal areassustainabilitywaterfronts
spellingShingle Izabela Maria Burda
Lucyna Nyka
Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea Region
Water
water
urban blue spaces
urban planning
coastal areas
sustainability
waterfronts
title Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea Region
title_full Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea Region
title_fullStr Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea Region
title_full_unstemmed Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea Region
title_short Innovative Urban Blue Space Design in a Changing Climate: Transition Models in the Baltic Sea Region
title_sort innovative urban blue space design in a changing climate transition models in the baltic sea region
topic water
urban blue spaces
urban planning
coastal areas
sustainability
waterfronts
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/15/2826
work_keys_str_mv AT izabelamariaburda innovativeurbanbluespacedesigninachangingclimatetransitionmodelsinthebalticsearegion
AT lucynanyka innovativeurbanbluespacedesigninachangingclimatetransitionmodelsinthebalticsearegion