Shanghai Riverfront Evaluation
Towards a connected and lively riverfront for people
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2020/2021 Gehl — Copenhagen Project Team Kristian Villadsen, Partner Director Rasmus Duong-Grunnet, Project Director Malin Nilsson, Project Manager Ola Gustafsson, Director, Expert advice Martin Nelson, Technical Designer, Data
Gehl — Making Cities for People
Content
1.
A more continuous riverfront
2.
A riverfront that is more connected to the city
3.
A more diverse riverfront
4.
A more activated and vital riverfront
Towards a riverfront for people The implementation of continuous public spaces along the Shanghai Huangpu Riverfront offers something for people all across Shanghai. The Huangpu River runs through 10 of Shanghai’s 17 districts. In this evaluation, we have measured the impact of the strategic guidelines. It is evident that with the implementation of continuous public spaces along the riverfront, it is truly becoming a connected and lively riverfront for people. 4|
Among others, we find that: → more than 29km of bicycle path has been implemented and 33% of visitors come to boost health; → 83% do not arrive by car; → 62% stay longer after the improvement of public spaces → 82% increase in greenery for all of Shanghai → Overall, the riverfront offers increased proximity to better public spaces for 4,8 million people working and living within a 15 minute walk of the Huangpu River. The work has been adopted into the UN Habitat “Shanghai Manual 2020” as a best case for greener and more social urban development. At a wider scale, it has a true impact for China’s ambition to reach carbon neutrality by 2060. The work is continuing with the aim of making continuous public spaces for all of the riverfront. Furthermore, the strategy will also be used to evaluate and improve existing public spaces.
Gehl — Making Cities for People
报告中提出的四个策略简明扼要, 非常有助于象黄浦江贯通这样高 度复杂的项目,并且已经帮助我们 在短短两年内45公里岸线贯通中得 到了贯彻。 上海黄浦江办公室的朱主任提到
“The four strategies from “Towards a people oriented waterfront” has with it’s simplicity and quality focus, helped us with the complexity of succeeding with the completion of 45 km of connected public space along the Huangpu River in only a few years” Director Zhu from Shanghai Huangpu River Waterfront Developing Office.
Increased proximity to better public space for
4,8 million people
working and living within a 15 minute walk of the Huangpu river
45+ km continuous
public space implemented along the Huangpu River
Cover photo - online from https://www.archdaily.com/930494/demonstration-section-ofyangpu-riverside-public-space-original-design-studio Image c Changheng Zhan
Background In 2014 Energy Foundation China, Gehl, CSTC, SUPDRI developed “Towards a people oriented waterfront” which contained 4 strategies for Shanghai Riverfront development. The strategy was developed for and in close collaboration with Shanghai Municipality’s Huangpu River Waterfront Developing Office, an office directly under the Shanghai Municipal Government, working across the districts and coordinating the development of the Huangpu River Waterfront.
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Turning vision and strategy into implementation - from around 2016, the Shanghai Huangpu River Waterfront Developing Office has used the vision to implement a people-oriented riverfront. In 2018 already, more than 45km of continuous riverfront was implemented. The work has been completed with involvement from local and international architects, engineers and consultants. The high ambition to develop a worldclass people-oriented waterfront has attracted some of the best designers and specialist in the world. The work is still ongoing, and new areas are constantly opening and being improved.
Gehl — Making Cities for People
Design Guidelines on Huangpu River Waterfront Public Space Construction
4 STRATEGIES FOR SHANGHAI RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
TOWARDS A PEOPLE ORIENTED WATERFRONT
Shanghai Urban Planning and Design Research Institute Shanghai Urban Construction Design & Research Institute December 2016 1
The four basic strategies are intended to guide the development of the riverfront areas both in the short and long term. The focus is on improving the accessibility and quality of the spaces in order to invite both locals and visitors. The four strategies correspond to the themes of the policy document and are the main principles behind the development.
4 strategies from the 2014 vision
1
One continuous river
Ensuring access and a high quality environment along the whole riverfront
2
Connect to the city
Frequent and high quality connections between the riverfront and the hinterland
3 Diverse spaces A variation of spaces of different character and scale that invites for activities for all user groups
4 Active edges Ensure built edges that contribute to and enliven the public realm
4800
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7 am
8 am
9 am
10 am
14000 13000
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1 pm
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5 pm
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6 pm
7 pm
9000 8000 7000 6000
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vehicles e-bikes 0,4% bikes 0,1% 4%
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6 pm
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95%
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0043 0256
3528
95%
0117
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9000
7000
0259 0237
e-bikes
3528
5000
90%
bicycles
from previous projects, which was also used on the original vision for the Huangpu Riverfront
10000
0261
pedestrians
8 pm
Saturday illustration of methodology Total number Nanjing E (all modes) 65868 11000
73%
vehicles e-bikes 0,4% bikes 0,1% 4%
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12000
5000
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0044
3000
648 11 am
12 am
0115
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
95% 4 pm
5 pm
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8 pm
Huangpu Survey
JINLING RD EAST MODAL DISTRIBUTION IN TOTAL
2.1
7%
Life
22%
How + who moves through space and interacts with one another
COUNT PER HOUR
TOTAL 10-20:
54%
Pedestrians Bikes Ebikes
Individual • Intercept Survey, including Favorite Places and Familiar Stranger questions • In-depth interviews
Cars
4000
18% 2424
2286
2052
.1.2
2094
1794
1404
1614 942
1000
Pedestrians
500 0
Bikes
• Pedestrian & Cyclists • Stationary Activities • Age & Gender • Group Activity
21270 2418 6144 8088
3024 2232 2000
Groups
time
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
0238
17
18
WEEKEND 2014 March 15 Weather: Clear, high 20°, low 13°
Ebikes Cars
19
20
Space ACTIVITY: DISTRIBUTION IN TOTAL
The conditions that support people moving through space and inter acting with one another -
Streetscape
vit y
4% 18% 40%
• Furnishings, Landscape, and Program Analysis
4% 6% 1%
lati o
nD
en sit y
Blocks
• Quality Criteria • Neighborhood Price Variety • Entries & Building Facade Activation
Po pu
10 am
cti
8|
0
ne
1000
Co n
2000
2%
1%
KEY
11% 11% 1000
Standing
1000 903
900
Standing using technology Waiting Transport
900
865
800
Bench Seating
700
Bench Seating using technology
600
Cafe Seating
800 700
684
600 534
500
500
482
Secondary Seating Sitting on foldingchairs
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1,5
e-bikes
Collecting data that puts people in the centre of planning
1200
85%
bicycles
Saturday Total number Nanjing E (all modes) 65868
1800
90%
pedestrians
8 pm
3000
0
15%
13%
1200
3600
428 400
Lying Down
300
Children Playing
200
Commercial Activity
400 299
300 240
221
200
100
207
126
100
116
99
Cultural Activity Physical Activity
time 10
12
WEEKEND
14
16
2014 March 15 Weather: Clear, high 20°, low 13°
18
20
time
8
10
WEEKDAY
12
14
16
2014 March 20 Weather: Overcast, high 12°, low 10°
18
20
Gehl Architects — Tool Box
12
11
Methodology Military Road Tunnel
The study area: 803.3 ha
The study area stretches from the river bank to the first municipal road, 90 km along both banks from Xu Pu Bridge to the Military Road Tunnel.
The survey area: 691 ha
Yangpu
Survey coverage rate: 86% (the completed riverfront development)
Hongkou
Collected data
In the study area: Big data, Online sourced data, Social Media data, Statistics on population.
Pudong
58 723 Weibo posts (anonymous) Data collected: Survey of users (age and gender), mappings of amenities and physical environment, Questionnaire.
The evaluation combines collected data
Huangpu
599 respondents in questionnaire The data used in this document has been collected by CSTC, on site and through other sources mentioned above. Data sets from Shanghai Municipality has also been used. The Gehl methodology used collects data that puts people in the centre of planning, and then combines this with other data sets, spatial data and big data. Combined, these data sets help us get a more complete image of how spaces in the city is used and perceived.
Luwan
City of Shanghai Study area Survey area
Xuhui
Mainly the two types of areas overlap, but not always. Some parts of the defined study area is not accessible due to for example construction. The research covers 6 of Shanghai’s districts.
For this document, CSTC have provided datasets as well as input for conclusions and storyboard, which has the been combined and developed by Gehl. The data for Nanjing road comes from the Public life Analysis by Gehl in Huangpu 2013
0
1
Xupu Bridge
N
2
3
4 5km
1
A more continuous riverfront
From disconnected to continuous The development of the riverfront creates both new public space and and a continuous riverfront connection. Previously, private developments and industrial areas created difficulties of moving between the different parts of the riverfront. Large parts of the riverfront was not accessible. This in addition with a lack of bridges, especially for pedestrians and slow mobility, created detours.
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The redevelopment of industrial areas and creation of new accessible spaces, in addition with new bridges enables a continuos movement for commuting and leisure.
Riverfront strategy 2014 recommendations:
A continous riverfront for pedestrians and cyclists • Generous and high quality space for pedestrians • Clearly marked route for cyclists
It’s good for you...
• A new route to choose for everyday commuting, with good infrastructure and local air quality • Promotes commuting by bicycle through an attractive route • A place for recreation - running and walking • A place to spend time and be social outdoors
• Places to rest
...It’s good for the world
• Support general health through active mobility • Sustainable through non-motorised mobility • Supports Shanghai as a showcase for urban sustainable development
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Summary - key take aways
45km
“骑自行车看日出真是太好了“ “It’s great to watch the sunrise by bike!” Quote from Social Media
continuous
of riverfront connection and public space
Inviting a variety of users Invitation to walk, run and cycle along the water by providing different clearly marked routes
22
bridges connect the promenade along the river
A continuous riverfront
From industrial to public space Large parts of the riverfront was inaccessible - industrial sites cut off the city from the water. By opening up and developing these areas, both a continuous connection and large areas of public space is achieved
Both a connection and a public space
Continuous walking/ jogging trail Pedestrian bridges connecting promenade
0
1
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4
5km
An inviting route for both commuting and recreation The successful implementation of a continuous riverfront has created an attractive route for both commuting and recreation.
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The riverfront allows for a variety of modes of movement: running, strolling, cycling - people also seek out the riverfront for rollerskating and other active types of movement. Since the riverfront is now connected and continuous it also opens up for the possibility of using it for communting, by offering easy and continuous movement in a healthy environment. The 22 bridges connect new spaces and enable movement along the river for pedestrians and cyclists. There has been a focus on universal access with ramps along routes and to buildings. Another focus has been on safety at night, providing lighting to create a safe evening route. Intermodality is in focus along the river as well, to enable people to both arrive by different modes of transport and switch between modes.
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29km
bicycle path along the river for commuting and recreation
“今天真的太魔幻了,在浦西 骑车上了轮渡到了浦东 “ ! “Today is really magical, I rode a bike in Puxi and got on the ferry to Pudong!” Quote from Social Media showing us that the possibility of combining modes of transport is a positive experience
33%
Come because activity will boost health
Case
Laomatou (老码头) Centrally located in Huangpu District, with iconic views, the area was in 2014 somewhat accessible - but with a poor quality of public space and no life at the waterfront. There was no continuous connection up to the popular Bund scenic spot and no connection down river.
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The area has been transformed with public seating, trees, lightning and the important floodwall has been incorporated in to the design. There are links connecting to the creative area behind called The Cool Docks, and there is a natural pedestrian flow down to the Bund scenic spot. It’s easy to catch one of the ferries crossing over to Podong.
Riverfront strategy 2014 recommendations:
2014 - The area is accessible but poor quality.
Comfortable and inviting Integrated floodwall Trees and greenery Seating and lighting
Vision collage 2014 Riverfront strategy - One connected river
Gehl — Making Cities for People
Trees providing Lighting shade
Integrated floodwall
Seating provides opportunities to rest
Greenery
Paving providing access for all users
Generous space for pedestrians
2
A riverfront that is more connected to the city
The connections to the city used to be a major challenge. Several factors played in such as industrial land blocking river from the city, highways posing as barriers, or poor quality of connecting streets. Once at the waterfront, the important floodwall was also a visual and physical barrier.
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Since 2014, connections have improved on multiple layers, average connection from the riverfront to the city is every 200 metres and only a few sections have further than 800 metres between. The redevelopment of land has opened the city to the river. The floodwall has become more inetgrated in the landscape.
Riverfront strategy 2014 recommendations: Fine grain and high quality connections
It’s good for you...
• Better proximity/easier access to the river as an amenity increase everyday life quality • Riverfront is integrated into the local communities as a naturally accessible public space • Active mobility healthy lifestyle
...It’s good for the world
• Supports the 15 minute community/resilience vision of Shanghai Municipality • Increased health has economic benefits • Sustainability through non- motorized transport choices The Riverfront strategy is recommending frequent access, but also high quality of the connectings streets, with a strong focus on streets connecting to metro stops
Gehl — Making Cities for People
Summary - key take aways
83%
Do not arrive by car
but instead by foot, bicycle or public transport. This makes frequent, high quality connections hugely important
Almost
1/3 Only
Arrive by public transport - showing how the waterfront is connected to transit hubs in the city.
250m
or 2 minutes walk between entrances to the riverfront today
92%
of flood- barriers are now integrated in design of the public spaces
Metro Stations Area within ca 15 minute walking distance or 5 min cycling distance of the river
0
1
2
3
4
5km
Improving connections to the city Improving connections to the city The improvement of Nanjing Road East is a high profile project in Huangpu District, but does nt stand alone. The overall iprovement of accessibility to the waterfront depends on frequent, local connections all along the river.
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This is important for all modes of transport, but especially for people walking or cycling, to avoid long detours. People arriving by bus or metro also depend on frequent and high quality connections with good wayfinding.
Riverfront strategy 2014 recommendations: Fine grain connections
Less than 260m between entrances to the riverfront The Riverfront strategy is recommending access every 200 m. With an average of 248 m between entrances today, the city is approaching this.
A few places still have longer distances between connections to the city. This can be due to larger developments posing a challenge when it comes to cutting though them.
0
Gehl — Making Cities for People
1
2
3
4
5km
Direct connections from riverfront to city
Take advantage of building gaps
Crossing?
Light at night adds to a welcoming atmosphere
Use plots to enter and exit (meaning integrate within building complexes where suitable?)
Reducing barriers at the riverfront The riverfront should not just be a tourist attraction or a one-off destination. It should support local communities. The aim of accessibility at a local scale is to ensure that the riverfront is intergrated as public space in local communities all along the river and thus through a large part of Shanghai.
20 |
Reducing barriers also support arrival with other means than car. The floodwall used to be a challenge. Now they are utilised as a part of the inventory and experience, seing the floodwall as a multifunctional opportunity.
Riverfront strategy 2014 recommendations: Soften the flood barriers to improve connections to the city Urban edges and soft landscaped edges Buildings integrated, hardened glass to withstand flooding Usable edges with seating integrated
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Only 17% arrive by car 17%
27%
4%
Walking Cycling E-cycling Bus
19%
17%
9% 8%
Metro Taxi or Uber Driving
people surveyed 78% ofpeople lives nearby
92% Of the floodwall is integrated with the landscape in various ways
Floodwall with seating and shade, with lighting and planting and lounge style wooden seat
22 |
odes) 65868
Case
9% e-bikes 0,4% bikes 0,3%
Nanjing Road East Thursday Total number Nanjing E (all modes) 65868
9%
e-bikes 0,4% bikes 0,3%
6000
The uprade of Nanjing Road East connects two of Shanghais main destinations, the pedestrianised Nanjing Rd with the Bund through historic central Shanghai. 5400
100
4800
4200
3600
3000
80
2400
1800
90%
pedestrians In 2013 when Gehl conducted an analysis of bicycles Huangpu district the users of the street was pedestrians e-bikes only odes) 65868 95 % pedestrians. have xx % of the 12 am
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm 1200 4 pm
5 pm
6 pm
7 pm
8 pm
600
0
7 am
8 am
9 am
10 am
11 am
12 am
1 pm
2 pm
3 pm
4 pm
5 pm
6 pm
Saturday Total number Nanjing E (all modes) 65868
7 pm
flows (weekend 10-20)
40
e-bikes 0,4% bikes 0,1% 4%
15258
15.000 15000
20
4%
14000 13000
60
bicycles
vehicles e-bikes 0,4% e-bikes bikes 0,1% 4% vehicles
space...
15258
11880
90%
pedestrians
8 pm
11880
12000
0
11000
10.000 10000
95%
9000 8000
But are 94 %
7000 6000
5.000
3528
5000 4000 3000
648 2 pm
3 pm
13%
2000
4 pm
1000 0
648 5 pm
6 pm
10am 10 am
11 am
7 pm
12am 12 am
Pedestrians
95%
95%
8 pm 1 pm
2pm 2 pm
3 pm
4pm 4 pm
Vehicles
5 pm
6pm 6 pm
7 pm
Bicycles
2013 - the street layout did not correspond to actual use of the street.
8pm 8 pm
13%
E-bikes
15%
Space distribution - 2013
85%
1,5
11
73%
Vision - Huangpu 2014, a pedestrianised Nanjing East 1,5 Sidewalk (effective width)
Gehl — Making Cities for People
11
Drivelane
2,5
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100% Pedestrian space
3
A more diverse riverfront
There is a strong tradition in Shanghai and elsewhere for using public spaces for social and recreational activities. The Riverfront strategy pointed towards the challenge of the riverfront lacking activities and invitations to spend time there. As a result, far fewer people than anticipated made use of the riverfront, a waste of valuable space in a dense city like Shanghai. The harbourfront has since been developed to become a major destination for the whole city, offering a variety of activities and experiences for all users.
24 |
Riverfront strategy 2014 recommendations: A variation of spaces:
It’s good for you... • Better access to recreation. More recreational space near home • Increased access to functions and services • Increased health and wellbeing • A social place to meet friends and family
...It’s good for the world
• Good for physical and mental health and wellbeing • Increase social sustainability - a place for people to meet. • A place for all, regardless of gender or age.
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Waibaidu bridge Heroes monument
Key take aways:
Cruise terminal
A global place
#1
Environment!
The Bund is #1 of 1,345 things to do in Shanghai on Tripadvisor
East nanjing rd
Mixed!
A local place
78%
Live nearby* The waterfront is an everyday destination
A place to spend time
62%
Pudong
The bund Old town Cool docks
of visitors stay longer after the public space improvements*
Exercise!
Expo site
Culture!
A place to bring the kids
28%
Come because the waterfront has places for kids to play. The waterfront has a mix of both formal play elements/playgrounds and playful art
Environment!
Long museum
Expo parks
What are people posting about on social media? Source: Weibo Culture Environment Facilities Exercise Renovation
Functions: Wash room Sport field
*In average across surveyed spots *Of respondents in questionnaire
0
1
2
3
4
5km
The riverfront is global and local A recommendation in 2014 was to continue to develop the riverfront as a destination. The riverfront has a double function, as a destination both on a local and global scale. The Bund has a strong history and importance - also for global visitors. It is rated as #1 on Tripadvisor. The experience of the Bund is grand and dramatic and the relationship between the sides of the rivers is of great importance with the views towards Pudong. 26 |
Along the river are more of this type of destination of national importance. At the same time there are also a high number of local meeting places with different types of experiences.
35 % highlight “having more local places” as the biggest win with the redevelopments
Gehl — Making Cities for People
A global place
#1
The Bund is #1 of 1,345 things to do in Shanghai according to Tripadvisor
A local place
78%
Large open spaces on The Bund both hold events and gather both locals and tourists to enjoy the iconic views towards Pudong and Pearl tower
of visitors Live nearby*
People visit the riverfront from all over China and the world - dots show where visitors are from.
The highest density of social media posts happen around the Bund
Based of 34 341 social media posts in the Huangpu river region
Where do people post on social media? Social media post
A greener, more active riverfront Wanting to lead a healthy life in Shanghai is an important reason to spend time in the waterfront. The river has become a green space in the middle of Shanghai with important ecological functions. There has been great increase in greenery at the river, and thereby in all of Shanghai.
82 ha
Greenery in 2014
INCREASE in greenery between 2014 and 2020
28 |
6
Proximity to green help relieve people of stress Stress index
5 4 3 2 1 0
0
200 400 600
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Distance to nearest green area (meters) Source: https://static-curis.ku.dk/portal/ files/20543963/natur_og_sundhed_haefte_net.pdf.pdf
“Casual” and “Exercise” are the most common purposes for visiting (Questionnaire data)
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1/3 2/3
“阴天也有很多人逛公园,果然出不 了上海也无妨” “Even on cloudy days there are many people visiting the [riverfront] park; it’s a good alternative if you can’t get out of Shanghai” (Quotes from Social media)
Of visitors say that they come to the riverfront because its activities are richer and more attractive now Say that they come because it makes them feel good! This tells us that the activation and quality is important along with the amount of greenery (questionnaire data)
A safe riverfront Studies1 show that 50% or more women in a public space can be an indicator of a public space that feels safe - this is especially important for nightime activity. This can vary between cultures, and different places may have activities that attract more men or women, still this has proven to be a globally relevant indicator. 30 |
A night time survey was conducted in various places within the survey area, showing differences between individual spots but with an average of 50 % men and 50 % women across all the locations, a positive indication.
A safe waterfront
50% 97%
of people present along the riverfront at night are women*
Good lighting
Most of the waterfront is after improvements well lit
Mapping has also been done to investigate lighting, closely tied to the feeling of safety. Only 3 % of the study area has poor lighting. Pavilions with new functions and activites on the riverfront also contribute to the feeling of safety and a sense of belonging.
Source - Gehl Healthier Public Spaces
1
*In average across surveyed locations The gender ratio varies between locations.
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“夜晚的水反射了城市的光芒” “The light of the city is reflected
by the water at night” (Quotes from Social media)
“晚上外滩的风景更美丽!” “The scenery of the Bund at night
time is even more beautiful!” (Quotes from Social media)
A riverfront for children Playing elements and a varied set of activities have been introduced to the riverfront, catering for children to be present. When surveying the presence of users, it was found that 17% of people engaged in activities are children and that 28% specifically emphasize that children have places to play. 32 |
Services such as washrooms and kiosks selling food or drinks have also been added, and this is also enabling families to stay longer at the riverfront.
More amenities is good for families and increase the possibility to stay for longer
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A place for kids
28% 17%
come here because the waterfront provides a place for children to play
Child activity ratio in surveyed sites
33 |
4
A more activated and vital riverfront
The riverfront used to be challenged by a lack of support for public life along the river. Few buildings supported life and there was a lack of amenties and structures to improve safety at night. One challenge were regulations that didn’t allow for strucures to be build closer than 50m to the water. There were many disused structures along the water, no longer in function, but with strong character. Existing buildings and planned new buildings had closed edges towards the water and thus no support to public life.
34 |
The strategy had clear recommendation to open up closed facades, add new buildings, add the smaller scale of pavilions and kiosks, as well as a change of legislation to enable pavilions/new buildings.
Riverfront strategy 2014 recommendations: Principal diagram - built environment
It’s good for you...
• Increased access to functions and services • Increased safety by presence of functions
Active ground floors interacting with outside spaces
• All all types of activities along the riverfront.
Housing close to the riverfront offering ‘eyes on the street’ at night
• Urban retrofit - making use of existing structures for functions
Pavillons contributing with activities and breaking down the scale
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...It’s good for the world
• Maintaining history and character of the waterfront • Support public life along the river
Key take aways:
32 %
thinks more stores and services is the greatest convienience after the upgrades
Change of legislation /Policy update
new rules allow to build certain structures on the waterfront especially pavilions to support public life, can be build 1 km apart
Increased Service and activation
Washroom Public amenities/convenience store Building within survey area
0
1
2
3
4
5km
Pavilions activating the riverfront Diversity of functions
As the regulations for built structures was updated a range of pavilions and kiosks have been added as part of the public space. These house a range of functions, with programming for children and elders, pavillions with art, shops and cafés and washrooms. This enables people to stay longer at the riverfront and also helps activate the area during the day and evening.
Diversity of scale and design 36 |
Designs with a variety in style and material, created by local designers make up a diverse experience. Many designs are inventive and stand out while some are existing structures that have been renovated and retrofitted with new functions.
Designs have been integrated with the public space and added life and new qualities, and valued and strengthened the cultural heritage with preservation of industrial structures
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Services cover large parts of the riverfront*
Tourist facilities
31 %
Convenience stores
39 %
Cultural facilities
67 %
Restaurants
57 %
*Calculated with a 300 m buffer around services
Case
Yangshupu Power Plant Retrofit of industrial heritage buildings and structure, preserving special characters along the river. The Huangpu River is rich on heritage and character, spanning many km across Shanghai. The strategy for the riverfront has allowed for individual areas to develop based on local character. The EXPO Park, the Yangshupu Power Plant, the Xuhui West Bank Cultural area, the Bund - all very individual characters, but part of the same continuous waterfront. 38 |
Photo from the site in 2014
In the Riverfront Strategy, the north part of the river was recommended a green and industrial cultural focus, with cultural events and activities that showcase the industrial heritage and support the local community. In 2014 Gehl did a Masterplan for the site of the Yangshupu Power Plant, suggesting a lively area with a human scale development and active public space. An important point was the old powerplant structures as part of the industrial heritage of the riverfront Today, the powerplant structures are integrated with the park and added pavilions and a site of recreation and culture.
Visualisation of an active public space by the river at the Yangshupu Power Plant site
Visualisation from Yangshupu Power Plant masterplan vision by Gehl suggesting a green
Gehl — Making Cities for People
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“The riverside of Yangpu is now an urban art center of industrial heritage” /Online quote (http://service.shanghai.gov.cn/sheninfo/ featuredetail.aspx?Id=a4df782c-c693-4faa-8195b4ec1c3c75f3)
Yangshupu Power Plant today, as part of the riverfront landscape
Case
West Bund area Opening up existing groundfloors and adding buildings to support life In the 2014 strategy, it was suggested breaking down the scale of the riverfront and to add commercial and cultural activities through pavilions and opening up the ground floors of existing buildings.
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In 2013, the West Bund Biennale of art and architecture took place in the West Bund area, and for the Biennale interventions were implemented in the public space. The public space has since been further developed, some temporary pavilions being replaced with permanent structures, enabled by the change in legislation.
“我喜欢一大早去黄埔看艺术”
“I like to go to Huangpu to
see art early in the day” (Quotes from Social media)
The structures speak to the industrial heritage of the site and add diversity in design and functions, helping to activate the riverfront
The Cloud pavilion is part of Schmidt Hammer Lassens work in the West Bund area, and is the permanents pavilion following the temporary pavilion design they created for the West Bund Biennale of Art & Architecture 2013 Photo by Peter Dixie. Image Courtesy of Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Gehl — Making Cities for People
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Before/ 2014
Riverfront Strategy 2014 recommendation - active public space with pavilions adding functions
The riverfront today, with pavilions activating the ground floor facing the riverfront. Schmidt Hammer Lassen.
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Gehl — Making Cities for People