Paramaribo Waterfront Final Report

E

PARAMARIBO WATERFRONT MASTERPLAN

1984

MOSQUE KEIZERSTRAAT

2001

ARYA DEWAKER

2017

LIVING PARAMARIBO

1651

FORT ZEELANDIA

1688

PALMENTUIN

Master Plan for the Waterfront of Paramaribo

Comprehensive design strategies for a sustainable and lively waterfront A set of urban and public space design tools from a participatory process input February, 2017

Table Contents Introduction

1.

Overview from the Stage 1: Master Plan Report February, 2017 1.1. Current situation in Paramaribo as a framework 1.2. Main concept design and design tools 1.3. City center area of influence, a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the historical center.

1.4. Recognition of the waterfront intervention area

2.

Stage 2: Participatory input Designing and implementing participatory design instruments to achieve consensus among the stakeholders over the intervention area.

2.1. Participatory design process and methodology.

2.1.1. Instrument 1: Workshops 2.1.2. Instrument 2: Living Lab

3.

A set of urban and public space design tools from a participatory process input Identification of design tools and guidelines for the intervention.

3.1. Main concept design and design tools 3.2. Infrastructure as public space: A retaining wall for water management and social inclusion

4.

Final recommendations to the City Center Area general vision A comprehensive strategy to revitalize the historic center.

4.1. Recommendations over the city center area of influence comprehensive strategy to revitalize the historical center.

4.2. Recommendations over the city center area of influence. Rebuilding the collective imaginary of the city center.

5.

Final recommendations to the Waterfront Mater Plan and Urban Design Intervention Re-articulate the city with the Suriname River and structure the implementation plan based on phases.

5.1. Urban Design Intervention Area 5.2. Urban design elements: A tool kit 5.3. Waterfront Masterplan 5.4. Urban design rehabilitation strategies 5.5. Urban design actions 5.6. Identification of Urban vocations and areas of activity 5.7. Urban vocations and areas of activity

6.

Final recommendations to the Phase I: Waterkant Events Park Prioritization of specific initial projects within the Waterfront Area, and final technical inputs for the final executive design and construction 6.1. Public space Intervention area 6.2. Public space design tools applied 6.3. Waterkant Events Park: A linear strategy along the riverfront 6.4. Public space design composition elements 6.5. Sustainable Water Management Strategy 6.6. Awareness and educative strategies to reconnect the city with the river

7.

Final technical considerations Inputs to guide the design and construction of the Waterfront Area.

7.1. Preliminary costs for Phase 1

Annex table

i. ii. iii.

Midterm Report Participatory Design Report Living Labs • • • • • •

iv.

Instructions for workshop activities Workshop Brochure Balloon Canopy Manual Balloon Canopy and Testbed Hub Storyboard Viewpoint Tower Manual Water Conversations and Bike Lane Storyboard

#LivingParamaribo Workshop Branding • Main Poster • Postcards • Water Conversations (English and Dutch) • Stamp

Introduction The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) was born to support cities in Latin America and the Caribbean to improve the quality of life of its urban citizens. The Bank aims to develop programs that support cities in the region, in the identification and prioritization of the main challenges in the context of a) disproportionate growth and inadequate patterns of land use; b) greater number of people living in poverty; c) inadequate institutional capacities and resources; and d) growing environmental and social problems adding to the population’s vulnerability.

Through its programs, the IDB provides the funding for sectors and actions contained in developed Action Plans. These challenges are grouped into three major dimensions: (i) disaster and risk, environment sustainability, and climate change, (ii) urban development and (iii) public management, governance and transparency.

Paramaribo Urban Rehabilitation program: The challenges of rapid urbanization become more significant in intermediate cities, where the urban population tends to settle more and more. One of these cities is Paramaribo, Suriname.

A city poorly coordinating land use planning and government policies, vulnerable to natural disasters such as heavy rains, tropical storms, storm surge and flooding and particularly exposed to the effects of climate change given its location near the coast.

Paramaribo’s historic center was designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site in 2002. Developed during the 16th and 17th centuries, the historical center is considered a 8

unique example of the fusion of European and indigenous South American culture, architecture and construction techniques.

This concentration of historical and cultural heritage buildings, monuments, and urban sites gives this area vast potential to lead the city’s sustainable development. However, recent studies indicate that the area has been undergoing physical, social and economic deterioration, which places high risk on invaluable heritage buildings and on the continuity of UNESCO’s heritage site designation To deal with these challenges it was launched the Paramaribo Urban Rehabilitation Program, with the aim to contribute to the socio-economic revitalization of Paramaribo’s historic center.

The program’s specific objectives are: (i) attract new residents and commercial activities to the area; (ii) preserve and value its cultural heritage; (iii) reduce traffic congestion; and (iv) strengthen the institutional framework to manage the area’s sustainable development.

The program – which is a specific investment operation – comprises three components: ·

Component 1 - Urban Interventions

·

Component 2 - Residential and Business Development

·

Component 3 - Institutional Strengthening

The Waterfront of Paramaribo: Paramaribo´s waterfront is the biggest and most important public space inside the historical center area defined as world heritage by UNESCO. This frames the waterfront as the main element to intervene inside the urban interventions component 9

of the rehabilitation program.

During the last 18 months there has been a process of building a strategic urban interventions project for the Waterfront. Intended to revert the physical deterioration of the historic center and trigger a sustainable revitalization process, the project has been thought mainly from two aspects i) climate-smart strategies to adapt and mitigate the environmental risk and ii) community appropriation and social inclusion strategies.

The intention was to structure a sustainable public space intervention that takes into account cultural, social, economical and environmental aspects in different scales. With this framework we structure the proposal in 3 different levels: i) A city center general vision, ii) a urban design set of strategies and iii) a set of public space design strategies in the form of a Master Plan for the intervention area.

This project was developed in two stages: Stage 1: Comprehensive design strategies for a sustainable and lively waterfront, finalized in February 2017, which included the identification of the state and urban conditions of the area of interventions that leaded to a concept design proposal for the rehabilitation of the waterfront as a successful public space.

Stage 2: A participatory design process based on the previously developed proposal. With the idea to strengthen the design tools developed and help build consensus over the proposal through identifying and including the main stake holders of the area and the citizens through plaice making activities, the goal was to understand the complete waterfront area from a more diverse and holistic way, taking into account citizens needs and desires.

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The present document constitutes the final set of recommendations for the project after concluding the participatory process. It is also the consolidation of an integral urban vision within the downtown area of the city and a strategic model of public space intervention in the specific zone of the waterkant.

With emphasis on improving the Master Plan and by challenging the main hypotheses and guidelines that outlined the developed strategic design, this document shows a common understanding between the public and private stakeholders.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH Projecting urban and rural developments in a solid and adaptable way to the impending social and environmental changes implies implementing flexible models based on inclusive methods. These models must approximate and incorporate the local knowledge about the specific place that is willing to be impacted, and should allow to structure a series of translations of information, looking for encounters between languages and common places.

In this sense, the objective of these models is to transform the knowledge that is generated while planning and design to a local language, so that they can be understood and embraced by the different publics that a particular project seeks to impact.

In order to help ensure that a design, plan or end product meets the needs and aspirations of its users and / or context, we propose a methodology to analyze the proposal based on the interaction and generation of trust between the Potential stakeholders (eg, promoters, designers, impacted people, government decisionmakers, etc.). One of the great outcomes of implementing this kind of participatory design is to be able to foster citizen 11

engagement, community participation and deliberation, institutional alliances (public and private) and understanding of a context from its tangible and intangible virtues.

This emphasis is a key to strengthen the sense of ownership and collective responsibility and to generate a system of sustainability based on the sense of belonging to the project. Our methodology responds to 3 questions: How can we approach designs that can be easily appropriated by the citizens, to impact and generate local development and empowerment?

How to address the lack of trust, empathy and individualism increasingly evident in the political and planning attitudes of the built environments we currently inhabit?

How could the in infrastructure for risk reduction be rethought as an urban project that could also build successful public spaces and community development?

TOOLS The establishment of a strong cooperative network of actors is a cumulative and ongoing process, as relationships and trust grow stronger over time. For this reason, to establish solid and socially supported design processes, it is important to generate events and meeting points that forge new imaginaries and redefine the collective and individual memory of the context.

It is also important to highlight that the planning and design of moments of debate and encounter play a key role in fostering the commitment of the different actors. These moments, in addition, 12

can contribute to the general objectives of the design process, in so far as they generate information that must be registered and communicated.

In order to develop this process, it is essential to ensure that promoters, community groups, designers and representatives of public and private institutions can participate in the development of the urban impact strategy at different levels: from advice to co-design the projects, and from accomplishment some specific aspects to the consolidation of strategies that allow to fulfill some of the expected results.

Our method has a series of tools that are implemented throughout the process of definition and analysis as well as the design and implementation of the project. These tools are means for generating both, a physical intervention project and a community public asset that continues as a social catalyst even after project is implemented.

By bringing together in our team planners and architects with other different kind of experts, we seek the transfer of information, knowledge or techniques across borders or disciplinary fields.

ADAPTED DESIGN AND GUIDELINES Bearing in mind that investment in infrastructure, from its public nature, has the ability to promote the socio-economic transformation of the inhabitants of any impacted sector, resignify the territory and promote the creation of new cooperation networks and environmental and social sustainability. We see this intervention project on the waterfront as the opportunity to reimagine a zone in decline of activity and with specific needs of infrastructure for climate change adaptation and risk mitigation, 13

as a public meeting space that serves as the main nucleus for communal activities and configurators of social interaction.

It is essential that this strategic vision, which identifies the structuring and structuring elements of the territory, serve as a guide to define the prioritization of the triggering phases of the project in the short, medium and long term. More than a public space intervention project what we establish here is a clear set of rehabilitation objectives that, through a city vision, contemplate and accompany the governmental development goals with the citizens’ needs and desires.

This final report is defining in an integral perspective the physical-spatial strategies that will allow the project to impact the territory in an articulated way with the plans and projects of the municipality and other private actors. On the other hand it establish a detailed guide to design principles and social management to formulate a solid, positive, innovative, participative and high quality proposal under a planning analysis to guide the future executive design.

At the end this proposal becomes in a method to align the actors and present interests around the waterfront as an urban design project.

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Phase 1:

Phase 2:

Comprehensive design strategies for a sustainable and lively waterfront

Participatory design process

1

2

2.1

2.2

2.3

Workshop no.1:

Midterm Report:

Living Lab:

During the first Workshop participants from institutions, public and private sectors were all invited in order to get a first hint of how Paramaribo is perceived today

Provide an overview on the conclusions of the participatory workshops developed in Paramaribo. .

The goal during this second workshop is to test out the most significant intentions and design tools established after the findings in the Workshop I. Through one day long event with four different stations and by implementing an urban narrative composed by series of prototypes, we want to reconnect the people to the waterfront and to its main public function as a place for everybody to embrace the river.

Overview of the Paramaribo Waterfront Masterplan and urban design Project

2.4 Final Update: Provide an updated final version of the current conceptual design project for the Paramaribo Waterfront Area based on the living lab inputs

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1.

Overview from the Stage 1: Master Plan Report February, 2017 19

“human activities have been substantially increasing (...) these increases enhance the natural greenhouse eff warming of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere and may adversely affec

20

the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases ffect (...) this will result on average in an additional ct natural ecosystems and humankind.”

UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE.

“Suriname ranks with the small island states as being among the most vulnerable nations in the world to the impacts of accelerated sea level rise (...) Paramaribo and Wanica, which account for more than 80% of the country’s GDP are the most vulnerable districts in terms of economic losses and impacts on the population”.

“The World Bank has listed Suriname as one of the 10 most vulnerable countries in terms of impacts on GDP, agriculture, population and urban areas”.

Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood within the Coastal Zone of Suriname. Sieuwnath Naipal and Adriaan Tas

21

“Climate-change-related risks from extreme events, such as heat waves, COASTAL FLOODING, are already moderate and high with 1°C additiona

22

, EXTREME PRECIPITATION, and al warming.”

INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE

“If no measures are taken, large parts of Paramaribo and Wanica districts will be inundated and tidal waters will intrude deep into the natural area. In combination with increased evapotranspiration this may lead to increased salinization.

Intensive rainfall events will put increasing pressure on the drainage systems causing further pollution from excess wastewater from industries, agriculture and households.

Prolonged droughts, in turn, will cause severe water shortages, which will negatively affect many of the key sectors in Suriname, including agriculture, energy and industries.”

Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood within the Coastal Zone of Suriname. Sieuwnath Naipal and Adriaan Tas

Expected climate change consequences in Paramaribo and Wanica districts: ■ By the year 2100 the temperature in the area will increases 2o to 3o.

■ A sea level rise of approximaterly 30 to 80cms in the coming 100 years. It is recommended that a related sea level rise of 1m is used for determining future profiles of the sectors.

■ Subsidence of 20 to 40 cm, due to human activities in the coastal zone.

■Storm surges of 20 to 30cms fostered also by change in the wind velocity and wind direction.

The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report

23

90 percent of the world’s population lives closer than 10 km to a surface in most settlements waterways have been regarded as a problem to be watercourses are often marginal and deteriorated. Yet, rivers and waterb convergence to address social, economic and environmental challenges

24

e freshwater body. Nevertheless controlled. Areas around bodies are key elements of s. “An abscence of land use planning has converted considerable areas of the coastal ecosystems on the outskirts of Paramaribo (particularly to the north) into agricultural, residential and aquacultural land. This trend might be reversed due to climate change induced flooding and salinity intrusion which will force people to abandon the most vulnerable areas close to the ocean.

On the other hand, the draining system is in urgent need of maintainance. This results in frequent flooding of the urban areas during the rainy seasons. About 13% of the urban area and 13,000 inhabitants are directly affected.

Necessary steps and great efforts have been taken to improve the drainage conditions in the past years.�

Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood within the Coastal Zone of Suriname. Sieuwnath Naipal and Adriaan Tas

25

The rapid growth of population in cities needs to be paired with the exte spaces.

“The social goals of building social capital, increasing civic engagement the city are as central to contemporary placemaking as are the creation squares.�

26

ension and enhancement of public

and advocating for the right to of beautiful parks and vibrant DEPARMENT OF URBAN STUDIES AND PLANNING AT MIT

27

1.1. Current situation in Paramaribo as a framework

View of Paramaribo’s waterfront, 1893.

This document presents the first stage of Master Plan for the Waterfront of Paramaribo and the design strategies that will create a sustainable and lively waterfront. Being designated as a Cultural World Heritage area by UNESCO, Paramaribo has the challenge to value, preserve and revitalize the historic city center and to capitalize on its privileged relation with the Suriname River. The waterfront is the area’s main public space.

Although currently underused, this stretch of 1.3 km is one of the few remaining public and open riverfront areas in the city.

It is also surrounded by some of the most emblematic historic architecture.

The waterfront provides a unique opportunity to reimagine the center as a vital area of residence and public encounter and as a main core of everyday leisure activities and yearly events. There is also an urgent need to rethink the city’s relation with water, as the city is one of the most vulnerable districts in Suriname in terms of economic losses and impacts of climate change. It is expected that in the next decades Paramaribo will confront sealevel rise, an increased climate variability which in turn will bring abundant rainfall in shorter periods of time as well as longer droughts. New strategies to adapt and mitigate these changes need to be implemented.

In the last five years the embankment on the eastern stretch between De Waag and Fort Zeelandia was upgraded with sheet piling and concrete, along with the construction of a retaining wall to protect the area of Fort Zeelandia from river floods and erosion. Nevertheless, while safeguarding the area, the retaining wall limits both visually and physically a direct encounter with the river. This Master Plan underscores that a comprehensive intervention that re-establishes the public character of the waterfront by connecting citizens with the river and that

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introduces resilient strategies of water management is essential both in terms of urban sustainability and urban revitalization.

A business as usual approach would extend the concrete retaining wall and rise it as needed, reinforcing the separation between the river and the city. It would also view water management and public space as two separate subjects. In contrast, this proposal argues for a multi-dimensional design that considers water management strategies as an integral part of the design concept for both the historic center and the waterfront.

A Dynamic strategy:

Multiple areas of action to trigger revitalization and appropriation.

The first stage of design proposal has two main objectives: 1. To design a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the historic city center.

2. To re-articulate the city with the Suriname River.

Together, these two strategies will help to re-connect Paramaribo’s metropolitan area to the historic city center.

This proposal is based on a dynamic strategy. Rather than one core area, the strategy proposes multiple nodes of action that have the potential to trigger revitalization and appropriation.

Rather than a fixed plan, the Master Plan provides strategies that allow the implementation of projects in different phases according to budget and changing needs. This approach has the capability to incorporate decisions that are made by stakeholders during the process.

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Projects can be implemented in different stages.

1.2. Main concept design and design tools

Today, urban areas located near water bodies are not only t by a scarcity of public spaces. This condition is a key opportu create ways to build RESILIENT PUBLIC SPACES that are bo change and to respond to the rising need to build social cap

RISK REDUCTION

30

threatened by the increasing effects of global warming, but unity for policy makers, urban designers and city dwellers to oth able to adapt and mitigate the consequences of climate pital in today’s societies.

SOCIAL CAPITAL

31

WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES RESIST

+ +

DELAY

+ +

STORE

+

DRAIN

+

RESILIENT PUBLIC

+

LIVELY PUBLIC SPACES RECONNECT + LAND

+ WATER

= AND LIVELY SPACES

USE

RESIST

STORE

DELAY

+

+

+

RETAINING WALL

WATER CANAL

RETENTION PONDS

DEPLOYABLE FLOOD WALL

SEPARATE SEWAGE SYSTEM

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

TERRACED EDGES

GREENER STREETS

RAINWATER TANKS

CONSTRUCTED REEFS

GREEN ROOFS

UNDERGROUND WATER STORAGE

RIPRAP REVETMENT

BIOSWALE

RAINGARDENS

PERMEABLE PAVING

STAGE 1

VACANT LOTS AS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

34

RECONNECT

DRAIN

USE

LAND

+

35

WATER

+

CANALS

TERRACED EDGE

PROGRAMATIC DIVERSITY

PUMPING

VIEWING PLATFORMS

GATHERING PLACES

SEPARATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS

BOARDWALKS

LIGHTING

PIERS

SEATING AREAS

ACCESS POINTS

SHADOW

WATER ACTIVITES

APPEALING LANDSCAPE

EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

BOARD WALK NEXT TO THE WATER LEVEL

∞ City center Área of influence ∞ Waterfront

BUSINESS AS USUAL DEFENSIVE: EXCLUSION OF WATER FROM PUBLIC SPACES

1. Water management strategies • Maintainance of the combined system of stormwater and waste water management that drains directly into the river. Extension of water pumps if required.

• Extension or continous use of impervious surfaces will increase stormwater runoff.

• Extension of embankment wall to protect the waterfront from erosion and river floods.

2. Public space design

i. Relation with the river

ii. Uses and activities

• Further upgrading of the embankment with sheet piling and concrete that keeps limiting the relation between the city and the river.

• Exclusion of canals and water from public spaces.

• Separation of public spaces from the river.

Continuation of the retaining wall.

• No new investments in the embankment areas, maintainance of the craft and food stands.

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SCENARIO A INTEGRATED: MAKING SPACE FOR WATER WITHIN PUBLIC SPACES

+ + +

• New system to separate stormwater runoff and waste water.

• Proper maintainance to structures such as open and closed waterways, channels, pumps and sluices, a.o.

• Enhance the current flood early warning system.

• Sustainable water management strategies to delay,retain, store, reuse and drain stormwater.

• Incentives to reduce imprevious surfaces both in public and private areas, and rebuild streets with new standars to delay and infiltrate water.

• Adding green shores, riverbanks and streescapes to reduce the impact of the heat island effect and create recreational possibilities.

• Use of cool paving and building materials that reflect sunlight or are less heat absorbent.

• Continuation of concrete retaining wall to protect the waterfront from erosion and river flood with proper sewage outlets.

• Sewage infraestructure rehabilitation near and along the waterfront.

LAND

WATER

37

SCENARIO B INCREMENTAL STRATEGIES

• Study of alternatives of temporary flood protections (deplyable retaining wall, sand bags, inflatable constructions or stop logs, or a quay).

• Development of a comprehensive and integrated Urban Water Plan.

• City in a Delta: Articulate plan within a Coastal Management Plan for the Paramarivo Wanica coastal zone, focusing on coastal protection and climate change impacts, including sea level rise.

• Creation of strategies to re-connect public space with water that enhances the quality of urban areas with elements such as terraced edges, viewing platforms, water features and bridges, a.o.

•Integrate clean and healthy water into public spaces for recreation and educational purposes.

• Interactive water features and educational activities that raise awareness about climate change.

The waterfront can become a learning environment.

• Use drainage canals that parallel many streets as connectors between public spaces. The canal system can be used as a secondary pedestrian and cyclist route.

• Creation of a pedestrian and cyclist circuit around the historic center.

• Location of a variety of public amenities and playing areas along the green infrastructure circuit that attracts a diversity of users and extends the time-lapse use of the waterfront.

• Location of canopies that can protect visitors and the craft market, a.o, from tropical rainstorm and sunlight.

• Plantation of trees in the city center to provide shade and increase walkability of the city.

• Consider a fixed-route circulateor system within the city center to complement walking as a means to navigating the area.

• Articulate public spaces to early warning d response systems.

• Create a permanent structure for the bus terminal out of the city center to enhance the quality of public areas.

• Organization of parking areas in the city center.

1.3. City center area of influence, a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the historical center.

Rather than shifting the problem to more downstream lying parts of the water system, the philosophy has become “first retain, then store, only then discharge�.

Dutch National Policy on Water Management for the 21st Century.

A series of green areas forms a circuit that work as a transition belt between the city center and the nearest neighborhoods.

A green belt: Unlike a border or a limit, the belt is a green pedestrian corridor of connection between the center and other areas. It is a green circuit that allows cyclists and pedestrians to circulate the historic center. These areas will also provide space for catching and retaining stormwater runoff. Within the circuit a diversity of public amenities such as playgrounds, sport circuits, a cultural center, parking areas and retail will become nodes to strengthen the residential character back to the area. The belt has three distinct zones:

a. Waterfront belt: Between the Centrale Market and the intersection with the Sommelsaijksekreek. This area is of vital importance for the revitalization of the center. Historically, the waterfront has been one of the most active spaces of the city as point of departure and arrival and as a commercial area around View of the retaining wall at Fort the market.

Zeelandia.

b. Canal belt: Along the Sommelsaijksekreek up to Tourtonnelaan Street. This area can become a public pathway that allows the creation of retention ponds in strategic zones in order to manage and filter stormwater and, at the same time, establish public areas such as playgrounds and a sports circuit that articulate the center with the other side of the canal. c. Street belt: Along Tourtonnelaan Street, Klipstenen Street, Dominee Street up to Jodenbree Street, closing the loop in the market. This area can create public areas in currently vacant Example of an enhanced relation with or underused lots in order to create hubs of activity with the watercourses.

Equipo mazzanti+ northern zone.

GeografĂŹa Urbana

38

Public space strategies RECONNECT +

USE SEPHARDI SYNAGOGUE

+

3.

NVG SPORTS COMPLEX

4.

KEIZER STREET

2.

PALMETIUM

5.

1.

6.

BUS STATION

WATERKANT

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

COMMUNITY USE OF PUBLIC SPACE IN THE CITY CENTER HIGH

MEDIUM

Central Market Flower Market

BVSS Festival

LOW 20 YRS AGO

Indigenous People’s Day Fete de la Musique

50 YRS AGO

40 YRS AGO

30 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

NOW

COMMUNITY USE OF THE WATERFRONT HIGH

Ferry

MEDIUM Kite Festival Swimming Marathon Bird watching

LOW

Construccion of Wijdenbosch Bridge Coffe shops & restaurants

50 YRS AGO

39

40 YRS AGO

30 YRS AGO

20 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

NOW

The center is in need of a revitalization plan that attracts new activities to the area. Given the high percentage of empty lots, parking areas and deteriorated buildings within the center, there is a lack of lively everyday activities and public spaces. Yet, this condition is also an opportunity to use fill-in strategies that provides a pedestrian network to articulate public spaces. Green spaces are the public areas which citizens value most, as it was visible during the community workshops undertaken during the design process. Green areas provide shadow and public places of leisure and recreation for a wide diversity of users and also play a key role in the creation of stormwater management strategies.

5.

Paramaribo’s historic inner city center reflects the country’s multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.

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Nodes of activity: Specific projects to revitalize the city center

1. Palmentuin: The Palmentuin is a traditional public space. Catchment areas can be built in front of the Palmentuin along with a sports circuit with a pedestrian bridge that articulates the area with the ‘uitgaansgebied’ or ‘nightlife’ area on the other side of the canal.

2. Dutch Embassy: This block can be internally connected through a pedestrian path to link the Cultural Office and the Dutch Embassy.

3. NGVB Sports Complex: The soccer field can be opened to the public and be further activated through its juxtaposition with other programs such as a library or a cultural center. The area can also serve to retain and store stormwater runoff.

4. Sephardi Synagogue: Located on Tourtonnelaan Street, the old synagogue structure can be rehabilitated and reused. This also involves the creation of new public areas such as a linear playground and cafés.

5. Keizer Street: This intersection leads to the mosque and the synagogue. New public amenities and housing projects that link the residential neighborhood can be created.

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Commercial and business areas Public area Bus stop area

Program: Total area: 5160sqm

Bus stop Parking: Commercial Pedestrian Playground Multipurpose Natural Canopy Pedestrian Shaded Environmental Strategic area Museum pool green paths Research Center of activity court 300 cars area: 3460sqm path path

6. Bus station area-The triangle: This is a key project to connect the waterfront to the center by creating internal public paths. A new program of redensification that comprises the transport terminal, parking and retail is proposed as a possible public-private initiative. The re-densification of this block seeks to reactivate the area with commercial activities to generate economic activities and provide new amenities to citizens and visitors. The program of the block includes a bus stop area, parking for 300 cars, 3460 sqm of retail area, a multipurpose sports court, and an environmental research center in front of De Waag. (Total area: 5160 sqm).

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Parking

1. Decline of the center’s residential character:

1. Land uses distribution.

2. Land uses distribution.

URBAN VOIDS URBAN VOIDS

2 Source:

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

3. Urban voids.

LAND USES IN DOWNTOWN PARAMARIBO

Residential use

Commercial - Office use

HIGH

MEDIUM

Religious - Public use Religious - Public use

LOW Commercial - Office use

20 YRS AGO

Residential use

50 YRS AGO

View of commercial activities in the city center

40 YRS AGO

30 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

NOW

4. Land Uses in Downtown Paramaribo

Source: The Consultant, based on data from ARTESI. Source: The Consultant, based on data from ARTESI. 4 Source: The Consultant.

1 2

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Strategic areas of residential revitalization A1-Housing Op. Areas A2-Housing and Services B1-Complementary Services

New Housing Proposal Landmarks Block Empty Area Parking Oportunuity Areas Integration Belt Existing Residential Buildings

B1

B1 A1 B1

A1

B1

A1

B1

B1 B1 A2 A2

A2

B1

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

Whereas commercial and institutional areas have increased throughout the last decades, the center’s residential character has strongly declined as citizens have moved to the outer city in search of greener and wider areas. Currently, under 16% of the buildings are residential1. Also, an important percentage of lots is currently vacant or used as a parking-lots. Yet, urban voids can become opportunities to strategic urban revitalization projects.

Over 70% o the city building stock is dedicated to government and institutial uses, it is fundamental to enourage the emergence of a vibrant residential, educational, cultural and commercial presence.

The decline of housing in city-centers is a common phenomenon in many cities throughout the world. The main consequence is transformation of these areas into mono-functional areas with low levels of everyday use and appropriation. In order to counteract this phenomenon it is strategic to encourage new permanent residents that activate the area on an everyday basis. To attract new inhabitants and visitors to the inner city, it is essential to create new public spaces that guarantee a good quality of life.

1

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Source: UNESCO.

2. Conservation of the historic city and the rehabilitation of its buildings: UNESCO PROTECTED BUILDINGS DESIGNATED CONSERVATION ZONE BUFFER ZONES UNESCO ESSENTIAL LISTED MONUMENTS BUILDINGS OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE

18th Century Urban Expansion

9

4 Wilj Combé

7 10

3

2

6

8

5 1 1 - Fort Zeelandia Area 2 - Presidential Palace 3 - Ministry of Finance 4 - St. Peter and Paul Basilica 5 - “Corner House”

6 - “De Waag” 7 - Centrumerk 8 - Lutheran Church 9 - Neveh Shalom Synagogue 10 - Ministry of Justice

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

1. Map of Unesco Protected Buildings

2. Building Decay Condition

View of conservation buildings.

1 2

The urban layout, green areas and buildings currently under UNESCO’s World Heritage List are in a diverse range of conditions. We propose a design strategy that protects, articulates, revitalizes and recognizes the historic center and its architecture through a landscape intervention that links these areas through new public spaces. This can work as an incentive for owners to rehabilitate their own properties.

Source: Geografia Urbana, cartographic restitution based on information from UNESCO. Source: Geografia Urbana, cartographic restitution based on information from UNESCO.

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Landscape network and conservation strategy Building Protection and Transport Primary Road Network Secondary Roads Ferry Transport Stations Bike and Track Path New Pedestrian Space Protected Landmarks Protected Buildings

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

3. Monuments and Building Conditions “The challenge for us today is to conserve the Historic Inner City of Paramaribo World Heritage Site for present and future generations, whilst ensuring that the city continues to function as a living city.�

3

47

Source: Geografia Urbana, cartographic restitution based on information from UNESCO.

3. Fragmentation and unbalanced quality of its public spaces: URBAN VOIDS +PUBLIC SPACES URBAN VOIDS EXISTING GREEN/ PUBLIC SPACES

Old Sephardi Synagogue

St. Peter & St. Paul Basilica

Centrumkerk

Jodenbree Straat

Palmtree Garden

Independence Square

Bus Station

Watertank

1. Urban voids + Public spaces

Fort Zeelandia

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

2. Open Public Space Characterization

View of public spaces in the city center.

3. Public vs Private Buildings

Source: Geografia Urbana, cartographic restitution based on information from UNESCO. Source: Geografia Urbana, cartographic restitution based on information from UNESCO. 3 Source: Geografia Urbana, cartographic restitution based on information from UNESCO. 1 2

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Public Space network proposal REINTEGRATION OF PUBLIC SPACES EXISTING GREEN/ PUBLIC SPACES PROPOSED GREEN/ PUBLIC SPACES EXISTING TREE CANOPY PROPOSED TREE CANOPY NEW URBAN FLOWS

Old Sephardi Synagogue

St. Peter & St. Paul Basilica

Centrumkerk Jodenbree Straat

Palmtree Garden

Independence Square

Bus Station

Watertank

Fort Zeelandia

SURINAME RIVER 0

There is a strong fragmentation of the center’s public spaces and a striking unbalance between the eastern and western areas. In the eastern area, where most government buildings are located, green spaces predominate. On the western side, there is a lack of green areas; public spaces are visibly deteriorated due to the traffic impact of the market and other commercial activities. The creation of a green network that strenghtens the public spaces on the western area is part of the strategy to articulate the center’s landmarks.

On the other hand, the use of the waterfront has declined over the years. When Suriname River was the main transportation corridor there was a constant activity around the ferry. With the construction of the bridge on the southern side of the city, the activity around the waterfront has revolved mainly around the market. In the last few years, new public areas have been built with the construction of a retaining wall between Fort Zeelandia and De Waag. Still, these areas are not engaging enough to revitalize the center.

49

60

120

4. Creation of sustainable water management strategies: 100 YEARS FLOODING RISK HIGH RISK FLOODING AREAS MEDIUM RISK FLOODING AREAS

SURINAME RIVER

25 YEARS FLOODING RISK

1:7500

HIGH RISK FLOODING AREAS MEDIUM RISK FLOODING AREAS

SURINAME RIVER

SEWAGE SYSTEM AND WATER RUNOFF 25 YEARS FLOOD AREAS 100 YEARS FLOOD AREAS SEWAGE SYSTEM STORMWATER RUNOFF

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

1

Source: The Consultant, based on data from MLTDE.

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Sustainable water management strategy WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY DRAIN

GREEN PUBLIC SPACES/INFRASTRUCTURE

STORE

WATER RETENTION AREAS STORMWATER MANAGEMNET CANAL EXISTING RETAINING WALL PROPOSED RETAINING WALL +

DELAY

STORE

STORE

DELAY

DRAIN

DRAIN

DRAIN

RESIST RESIST SURINAME RIVER 0

60

COMMUNITY USE OF THE WATER CANALS HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW Drainage system for plantations Sewage of the city center

50 YRS AGO

40 YRS AGO

30 YRS AGO

20 YRS AGO

10 YRS AGO

NOW

Located in a low level area, the center faces high sea level rise risks (it is expected that in the course of this century the sea level will rise around 1 meter) but also flood risks due to urban stormwater runoff. It is therefore necessary that any strategy of urban revitalization includes mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change. The provision of integrated design strategies that address both the creation of remarkable public spaces and sustainable water management strategies are key elements at stake in any plan of revitalization of the city center.

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Inundated street in Paramaribo.

Example of an artificial wetland, Turenscape.

120

RESIST

+

DELAY

+

+

STORE

+

+

DRAIN

+

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

RESIST

+ +

DELAY

+ +

STORE

+

DRAIN

+

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

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RESIST

+

DELAY

+

+

STORE

+

+

DRAIN

+

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

RESIST

+ +

DELAY

+ +

STORE

+

DRAIN

+

SURINAME RIVER 1:7500

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3. DE WAAG 2. BUS STATION 1. CENTRAL MARKET

1.4. Recognition of the waterfront intervention area

Stage 1: Waterfront Intervention Area design strategy: Re-articulate the city with the Suriname River.

The highlight from stage (1) were the fact that the waterfront would synthetize the main strategies at stake in order to bring back activities to the city center: the creation of multifunctional programs and public spaces that attract a diversity of users on an everyday basis.

The waterfront will become Paramaribo’s new and most visible park—one that can be built in different phases through a modular strategy. These Five main areas of activity have been identified through analysis: 54

G

4. WATERKANT 5. FORT ZEELANDIA

PHASE I. WATERKANT PARK

1. Central Market 2. Bus Station 3. De Waag 4. Waterkant 5. Fort Zeelandia.

These nodes are connected through shadowed cycling and running paths that are part of the green transition belt. While these nodes have a central activity, the juxtaposition of other uses will provoke the emergence of diverse economic and leisure.

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Waterfront design concept without the extension of pier structures

Waterfront design concept with piers as urban landmarks

56

Urban Landmark: An emblematic and recognizable public space that expresses the importance of the river in the everyday life of the city. The piers, extending and integrating the river into the public space of the waterfront play a key role in the re-appropriation of the riverfront.

An urban landmark is the convergence point and key area of encounter for citizens and tourists. It is the area from which new imaginaries and perceptions of the city will emerge.

Piers as a continuation of the city into the river

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+ 3.00

AVERAGE TIDAL RANGE : 1.90 m

MAXIMUM TIDAL RANGE : 2.74 m

TIDAL CHANGES

+ 4.00

+ 4.00

+ 1.00 0.00

+ 3.00

SPRING HIGH TIDE = + 2.66 AVERAGE HIGH TIDE = + 2.26

+ 2.00

+ 2.00 + 1.00

AVERAGE LOW TIDE = + 0.36 SPRING LOW TIDE = - 0.08

WATER RUNOFF

0.00

- 1.00

- 1.00

- 2.00

- 2.00

- 3.00

- 3.00

- 4.00

- 4.00

- 5.00

- 5.00

- 6.00

- 6.00

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- 9.00

- 9.00

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- 10.00

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TIDAL CHANGES AND WATERFRONT CONDITIONS

40

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0

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2

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25 YEARS FLOODING RISK DESIGNATED CONSERVATION ZONE UNESCO PROTECTED BUILDINGS WATERFRONT INTERVENTION

SURINAME RIVER

100 YEARS FLOODING RISK DESIGNATED CONSERVATION ZONE UNESCO PROTECTED BUILDINGS WATERFRONT INTERVENTION

SURINAME RIVER

58

- 8.00

- 8.00 - 9.00

- 9.00

- 10.00

- 10.00

- 11.00

- 11.00 05

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

TIDAL CHANGES AND WATERFRONT CONDITIONS

65

0

70

2

5

10

+ 4.00

+ 4.00

+ 3.00

+ 3.00

SPRING TIDE = + 2.61

+ 2.00

+ 2.00

+ 1.00

+ 1.00

0.00

0.00

- 1.00

- 1.00

- 2.00

- 2.00

- 3.00

- 3.00

- 4.00

- 4.00

- 5.00

- 5.00

- 6.00

- 6.00

- 8.00

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- 9.00

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- 10.00

- 11.00

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10

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WATER CONDITIONS AT SPRING TIDE

65

0

70

2

5

10

OCCURS AT FULL MOON AND NEW MOON (EVERY 13-14 DAYS)

+ 4.00

+ 4.00

+ 3.00

+ 3.00

+ 2.00

+ 2.00 AVERAGE HIGH TIDE = + 1.20

+ 1.00

+ 1.00

0.00

0.00

- 1.00

- 1.00

- 2.00

- 2.00

- 3.00

- 3.00

- 4.00

- 4.00

- 5.00

- 5.00

- 6.00

- 6.00

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- 9.00

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15

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WATER CONDITIONS AT HIGH TIDE

65

0

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2

5

10

OCCURS TWICE A DAY EVERYDAY

A sustainable waterfront revitalization: 2. Bus Station 3. De Waag 4. Waterkant 5. Fort Zeelandia.

6. Commewijne Port + 4.00

+ 4.00

+ 3.00

+ 3.00 + 2.00

+ 2.00

+ 1.00

+ 1.00 0.00

0.00 AVERAGE LOW TIDE = - 0.80

- 1.00

- 1.00

- 2.00

- 2.00

- 3.00

- 3.00

- 4.00

- 4.00

- 5.00

- 5.00

- 6.00

- 6.00

- 8.00

- 8.00

- 9.00

- 9.00

- 10.00

- 10.00 - 11.00

- 11.00

05

10

15

WATER CONDITIONS AT LOW TIDE

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Each phase is connected to the next through shadowed cycling and running paths that are part of the green transition belt, and will eventually cover the whole length from Fort Zeelandia to the Central Market. While these nodes have a central activity, the juxtaposition of other uses will provoke the emergence of diverse economic and leisure activities around the area.

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60

65

0

70

2

5

10

OCCURS TWICE A DAY EVERYDAY

59

+ 4.00

+ 4.00

+ 3.00

+ 3.00

+ 2.00

+ 2.00

+ 1.00

+ 1.00

0.00 - 1.00

0.00 NEAP TIDE = - 1.80

- 1.00

- 2.00

- 2.00

- 3.00

- 3.00

- 4.00

- 4.00

- 5.00

- 5.00

- 6.00

- 6.00

- 8.00

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30

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40

45

50

55

60

WATER CONDITIONS AT HIGH TIDE

65

0

70

2

5

10

OCCURS TWICE A DAY EVERYDAY

+ 4.00

+ 4.00

+ 3.00

+ 3.00

+ 2.00

+ 2.00

+ 1.00

+ 1.00

0.00

0.00 AVERAGE LOW TIDE = - 0.80

- 1.00

- 1.00

- 2.00

- 2.00

- 3.00

- 3.00

- 4.00

- 4.00

- 5.00

- 5.00

- 6.00

- 6.00

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- 9.00

- 9.00

- 10.00

- 10.00

- 11.00

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10

15

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25

30

35

40

45

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55

60

WATER CONDITIONS AT LOW TIDE

65

0

70

2

5

10

OCCURS TWICE A DAY EVERYDAY

+ 4.00

+ 4.00

+ 3.00

+ 3.00

+ 2.00

+ 2.00

+ 1.00

+ 1.00

0.00

0.00

- 1.00

- 1.00

NEAP TIDE = - 1.80

- 2.00

- 2.00

- 3.00

- 3.00

- 4.00

- 4.00

- 5.00

- 5.00

- 6.00

- 6.00

- 8.00

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WATER CONDITIONS AT NEAP TIDE

40

45

50

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65

0

70

2

5

10

OCCURS THE FIRST AND THIRD QUARTERS OF THE MOON (EVERY 13-14 DAYS)

WATERFRONT CURRENT CONDITIONS RETAINING WALL 100 YEARS FLOODLINE 25 YEARS FLOODLINE STORMWATER RUNOFF WATERFRONT INTERVENTION

SURINAME RIVER

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1

3

2

4

Existing Situation

Future rise of retaining wall

Retaining wall

Waterkant road

7

5

Added public space

8

6

Internal stormwater channel collector

Retaining wall

2

1

Concrete retaining wall

View of the retaining wall from the river

5 Riprap Revetment

6 Terraced edges

The waterfront area requires a study of the further extension of the retaining wall up to the Central Market or other alternatives that resist future sea elevation levels to guarantee a more direct 8 7 3 4 View of the Food and Canopies relation between paved craft standsthe city and the river. Parallel to this project toPlaygrounds embankment protect the inner city from floods and erosion it is strategic to revitalize the public space of the waterfront. The embankment between De Waag and Fort Zeelandia is an ideal testbed to provide Paramaribo with a sustainable and lively new public space that re-connects the metropolitan area with the city center.

The second two sections demonstrates a new possible approach of how to attack the integration of the wall together public space.

61

Stormwater channel collector

62

2.

Stage 2: Participatory design process Proposal and execution of participatory instruments to guide the identification of design tools and guidelines for the intervention

63

Framework The Result from the first stage was the conceptualization of the public spaces in the intervention area. This ides are summarized in the previous chapter “Recognition of the waterfront intervention area�. Up next we will explain the development of the Waterfront Master Plan based on a participatory approach.

Having recognized as of critical importance to consider the opinion, interests and priorities of all stakeholders, especially local population (residents and people working in the area); this chapter constitutes the framework for the second stage of the design process for the Waterfront Area. The aim is help to build consensus over the proposal, and to focused on the main debate points including: 64

i) Architectural treatment of the public space ii) Integration of alternatives for the mobility plan (cycling paths, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways etc.) iii) Urban and commercial equipment required for the incorporation of recreative and commercial activities. iv) Urban furnishing considerations

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2.1. Participatory design process and methodology 1

2

3

4

Comprehensive design strategies

workshop No.1

living labs

Design tools & recommendations document

INSTRUMENT 1: WORKSHOPS Building knowledge and a network of actors.

The participatory design process we present in this proposal differs from a traditional one as it includes not only the promoter and the professionals involved in the establishment of such design, but also generates a co-production and co-analysis network that includes community members in general (from users directly affected by design to local institutions that may be interested) to be recognized as legitimate actors with the ability to impact the project.

The degree of participation may vary. From being informed of the development of a project to sharing roles and responsibilities in decision-making. While there may be times when information is a necessary part of the process, we believe that real impact is often achieved when we intentionally build a person’s ability to contribute to higher levels.

In this work system, the planner / architect assumes the role of facilitator within the creative process. It is an agent in search of needs, aspirations, talents and ideas to later act as a designer of processes that involve such local knowledge.

66

Components: A) Collection of qualitative data. (Interviews, surveys, observations) B) Active participation in a collective imaginary creation (Group sessions, cooperative data analysis, social cartography) C) Feedback and evaluation of proposals (Group sessions, surveys)

INSTRUMENT 2: LIVING LABS Establishing relationships with the project.

As a general idea and practical approach to improving a neighborhood, a city or a region, we propose a system of “Place-making” or collective construction of spatial elements or activities that inspire people to re-imagine collectively and re-invent public spaces as cores of each community. By strengthening the connection between people and projects, this collective construction refers to a process of collaboration through which we can shape the scope of the public in order to maximize shared value of a design. Rather than promoting better urban design, these “Living Labs” establish moments that will facilitate creative use patterns, paying special attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support the continued evolution of the design process.

With community participation as a centre, an effective Place-making process that capitalizes on the assets, inspiration and potential of local actors, allows the creation of successful public designs that contribute to the development of new behaviours and individual and collective feelings of belonging.

Components: A) Definition of problems and possibilities B) Identification of a place of significant intervention for the community.

C) Respond to problems with a specific event, activity or use D) Generate new collective imaginary ideas E) Community construction of the element or activity F) Inauguration or event and recognition to the actors involved

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2.1.1. Instrument 1: Workshops The objective is to develop a series of workshops focused on evaluating the design tools proposed on the “Comprehensive design strategies for a sustainable and lively waterfront� document, that allow the different stakeholders to have a voice and actively participate on the design process.

INSTRUMENT 1: PARAMARIBO WORKSHOPS The workshops were structured thinking on understanding Paramaribo´s waterfront Past, Present and Future.

This idea is based on the background of the project:

1. The project is framed in a Historical heritage site area (past) and hart of the city for its historical meaning 2. It is imperative to be able to understand its actual situation (present) so we can clarify its challenges and possibilities 3. Our methodology wants to understand the urban visions (future) that the city (public and private institutions) and its citizens have, so to be able to build together one that support the project.

The workshops were developed within 3 different approaches that are interconnected: 1. Individual Workshops:

Visions and missions of the city center and the river - individual workshops

The idea of this first type of workshop is to develop a series of individual meetings with each of the actors or institutions directly involved in the project. The objective is to be able to define a clear position on the vision that each one has over the development of waterfront and the historical center. We want to clearly define what they believe about the mission that the project has at different levels: 68

• governance (building social networks) • connectivity and transport • services • environment • social equity • economy • housing • culture This material will serve to generate a synthesis and definitions of the different local visions that already coexist in the city. With this we want to find essential aspects and common points to be later applied in the review of the urban strategy.

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2. Group Workshops:

Co-designing the water tank - Group workshop

There will be 2 different group workshops: A) Public sector B) Private Stakeholders.

The idea of these working groups is to enter to discuss the strategy of public space design and come to reach some kind of consensus. Taking as a common element the different visions and positions found in the previously described workshops, this workshop wants to exchange roles. Each actor will take the position defined by one of the other actors and taking that vision into account, we will discuss: • Priorities and stages of development of the public space project •Program and public activities on the edge of the river.

•Architectural treatment of the public space •Integration of alternatives for the mobility plan (cycling paths, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, etc.)

•Urban and commercial equipment required for the incorporation of recreational and commercial activities.

3. Fieldwork: Interviewing the citizens: There is a third type of activity to be carried out in the field. For two days we interviewed users in the affected area and collect audiovisual material from the local dynamics. At the same time, we want to visit educational, commercial and cultural institutions to establish contacts and possible alliances to support and support the Living lab activities that will take place on the next trip.

Interviews & Selection of questions

A qualitative and semi-structured interview method was used with the purpose of encouraging people to tell their own story with their own words. When meeting and conversing with people a more nuanced understanding of how people look upon their waterfront emerged. This is a method often used in the Social Sciences (Patel and Davidson, 2003). In addition open interview approach was used in this research, which can be interpreted as a conversational way of gathering information (Ibid.)

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Participation- introduction In total 40 people from different institutions, public and private sector participated during the three days of workshops.

One of the great outcomes of implementing this kind of participatory design is to be able to foster citizen engagement, community participation and deliberation, institutional alliances (public and private) and understanding of a context from its tangible and intangible virtues.

1. Workshop I - Individual The first objective for the individual workshop was to reach a general understanding of how the participants interpret the waterfront and the historical center on a general level.

The second objective was to map the participants existing collaborations and what they defined as the main threats and opportunities within the intervention area.

2. Workshop II - Group The objective for the groups workshop was to reach a general understanding of the waterfront and how the participants perceived its context. In addition an important outcome from this workshop was to recognize the participants priorities and also understand what projects that are under development, or wanted for the future, within the waterfront of Paramaribo.

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Workhop. In the beginning of June, 2017, during one week, workshops in Paramaribo were made together with public and private institutions.

THE WATERFRO NT IS GOOD, ALTOUGH I DO NOT GO SO OFTEN ANYMO RE...

F Y LOT O ENJO D TO E WERE A I USE ER ...

CHILD RONT, TH .

S MT H F AS A T ...

R A S E E AT TO REE THE W LMOND T T DOWN A G TO A S IN & M CO NKE T A BLA WITH AME WE C

IT JUSED TO BE GREAT, NOW IT IS A MESS...

...BUT IT IS AWAY W NOT LIKE TH AT AN ITH & SAFE THE BUSES, M YMORE...

AKE IT GRAND SO I CAN CO NICE ME CHILDRE N TO TH WITH MY E WATER KANT.

RONT RE WATERF THE FUTU EP ITS SHOULD KE ES AND BE LU VA L ...

HISTORICA VEHICLES MOTORIZED CLOSED TO

THEY MADE SOME SMALL IMPROVEMENTS BUT STILL YOU CAN NOT SIT SAFELY OVER THERE...

RT THEY SHOULD STA HALL...

WITH THE MARKET THEN WHERE THE TAXI BOATS ARE...

Interviews. In the beginning of June, 2017, during 2 days, interviews with local people in Paramaribo were held.

In total around 15 people were interviewed and asked about how they perceived Paramaribo’s waterfront.

3. Interviews The objective with the interviews was to collect stories and understand how the citizens perceives the waterfront in the past, how their relation to the waterfront is today and how they would like to develop the waterfront for the future.

Result • Identified and commented key areas within the waterfront intervention area • Keywords • Focus topics • Design tools based on the results from workshop within the categories Connectivity, Envrionment, Economic aspects, Public space and Heritage.

1. Workshop I - Individual The main identified keywords and categories can be translated into possibilities and challenges. Possibilities: The maintenance of the historical heritage buildings, intensify the connections to the river (physically and visually), supported tourism, increase opening hours of commerce and add restricted traffic zones.

Challenges: The lack of safety, Waste issues, Flooding issues, the lack of fund for restauration of the historical heritage, problems in traffic and a underdeveloped mobility system for pedestrians and cyclists.

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Main topics: Activities, Greenery, Safety, Mobility, Envrionment, Heritage, Events & Branding, Relation to water & Problematic waste.

2. Workshop II - Group

Priorities within the public space: • Provided safety • Restricted traffic zones • Improved paving and road network for pedestrians and bikes • Trees, greenery and canopies that can provide shade • Diversity within activities such as sports and play • Spaces for events e.g. arts and culture • Visual art • Wide range of sitting opportunities and more provided light poles, which mainly relates to the safety issue.

3. Interviews

Many of the interviewed people answered very similar in the question about how they perceived the waterfront.

Keywords: Past: Neat, Clean, relax and well visited.

Present:Worse, Messy, Waste (plastic bottles), water issues and Homeless people.

Future: Attractive, Economical activities as stores, activities and comfortable.

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Workhop. The interviews were held both in groups and individual.

2.1.2.

Living Lab

2.1.2. Instrument 2: Living Lab

An effective Place-making process that capitalizes on the assets, inspiration and potential of local actors.

The goal with this second instrument was to test out some of the proposed interventions and design tools defined from the findings in Workshop (I). During one day long Workshop (II), there were four different activities (living labs) taking place, and within them an urban narrative, composed by a series of prototypes, was be implemented.

The living labs activities are used as: (i) opportunity to collect more information that can feed the design tools and the final design; (ii) to generate place-making activities together with the citizens; (iii) work as a communication tool; (iv) a way to produce a content that can visualize the progress of the project and show its evolution since its early stage (idea), implementation (construction), in order to finally change the image of the city and use of a public space.

Target audience The activities are designed to be accessed openly by anyone, as 74

the active enrollment of the community is the main asset for nurturing the design process.

QR Code link: Access to the Living Paramaribo video.

Evaluation and data collecting This living lab is a research tool that we structure through the idea of understanding the Past, present and the future of Paramaribo’s waterfront. Each activity provides different types of data, that will be used to further complement the design proposal. Through recordings, pictures, text and diagrams it will be possible to spread the project worldwide on the website.

Tactical elements & the four activities A. Past: Water conversations Where? Boats over the River.

B. Present: Another point of view, another perspective Where? On the Commewijne side of the River, from the old ferry platform.

C & D. Future: Waterkant testbed and the testbed hub Where? On the waterkant road and next to the Plate Brug.

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LIVING LAB A. WATER CONVERSATIONS / C. BIKE LANE KEY MOMENTS DURING THE WORKSHOP

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Water conversat

ions!

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Water conversations!

The day before the event, the volunteers that will participate on activity A must practice reading the text, and fully understanding it.

In the morning of the day of the workshop, they will check that every boat has enough life vests, as well as double checking the rest of the materials.

At Platte brug, they will assist people getting in and out of the boats, as well as explaining them what the activity is all about.

During the trip to Commevijne the volunteers will read the text out loud, making sure that the participant fully understand and embrace it.

And participant will get the opportunity to rethink the Waterfront, its history and meaning, all while engaging with the Suriname river.

On activity C, the day before the event, the volunteers will help to paint the streets with the stencils and placing the cones to set up the bike lane.

During the event day, two volunteers will help by taking care of the bikes, lending them to the participants, and handing in the evaluation maps.

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A discussion will emerge after the reading ; pictures will be taken, memories and thoughts will be shared, all which constitute the output of this activity.

Trace

Participants can take the bikes for an hour maximum, and we must encourage them to ride anywhere they want!

The idea is to test a possible bike network, where no longer the cars are dominant, but people walking and biking all around the city.

your

trip on

ap!

the m

At the end of the activity (after returning the bikes), participants must complete an evaluation map, where they will trace their tour along the city.

By the end of the event, volunteers will help by cleaning up the streets, collecting the maps, picking up the cones, and returning the bikes to the rental.

To structure this instrument, was necessary to frame a question that involved the framework of the project in a closer way to the citizens. After the workshops in Paramaribo, the public´s approach was to generate a narrative where the main focus was to understand: What is the past, present and future of the waterfront from the citizen’s perspective?

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LIVING LAB D. TESTBED HUB

KEY MOMENTS DURING THE WORKSHOP

Livi

ng

Para

mar

ibo!

The streets that used to be reserved for the cars will become a party for the day, people claiming their space and actively using the waterfront.

The balloon canopy will be setup early in the morning, and will be, along with the view tower, one of the most recognizable elements of the workshop.

The canopy is designed to invite people to engage with it: pass through it, play with it, take pictures underneath it.

During the day there will be two volunteers pumping the balloons, and handing one of them to each participant.

Participants can take them anywhere, the idea being to make visible what people think of their city, and identify the most important places

Blue balloons will be taken to places that should be preserved: spots of collective memory, public spaces that have been successfully appropriated, etc...

Pink balloons will be taken to places that need a change: spots dirty with trash, or places that have been abandoned by the city, etc‌

wish, Make a oon! b r u o all place y

Each balloon has a card attached: it will ask the participants to take their balloon to a place they would like to change or preserve, and write why.

Ma Make a Mak

ce your

wish, pla

Make a wish,

eaw

Meanwhile, the hub will allow people to have a glimpse of a quality public space, by the shade and the breeze, where they can relax next to the river.

Different kinds of spectacles can happen during the day. We encourage different performers to take the stage and surprise the participants!

By the end of the day, a band can turn the evening on, and the tent can become a center for activity and involvement with the rest of the city.

To define and develop a shared vision about this question there was contacted the writer and expert in history and literature of Suriname, Cynthia Macleod. Based on the importance of the waterfront and how the city centers urban elements where defined by the Surinam River itself, Cynthia wrote a historic piece that was the guideline to conceptualize structure the living lab in a closer way to the cities history and citizens way of living and understanding the area of intervention.

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ish,

plac

e yo

ke

balloon!

ur ba

lloon!

aw

ish

, pla

ce

place your ballo on!

Make

a

place wish,

you

rb

allo on!

lloon!

your ba

The cards, pictures, videos and audio will serve as valuable qualitative data for the next step of the design.

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Map of activities during the Living Lab event Activity no. 1: Water conversations Activity no. 2: Another point of view Activity no. 3: Bike lane Activity no. 4: Testbed hub

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Activity no. 1 Water conversations

Trigger storytelling as a tactic to collect data Objectives: (I) Highlight the waterfront and its change over time.

(II) Open up a space for dialogue around collective memories upon a place of historical meaning.

(III) Discover common imaginaries for the future development of the site.

Activities and Aim: (I) Highlight the waterfront and its change We used the historical text Cynthia McLeod wrote to point out the main urban elements and meanings that have constructed the collective imaginaries over both River and Waterfront. By sharing the text with the participants, we expect to trigger a discussion upon the past of the city and people’s shared memories.

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Parameters (II) Open up a space for dialogue The boats will serve as catalyzers for the discussion, reinforcing the potential of place-making activities to connect participants with their surroundings. By interacting directly with the river, we hope to construct a dialogue upon its relationship with the city.

(III) Discover common imaginaries We want to use this stories and dialogs as qualitative data to get a sense of the historical meaning of the intervention site.

By recording the conversations we expect to later be able to showcase them on the website, and use them a part of the process of building a strong new identity for the waterfront.

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LOCATION Between Platte Brug and Commewijne, crossing the Suriname River.

TIME The activity took place between 10-17 during the workshop day. Each trip taked approximately 10-15 minutes from Platte Brug to Commenwijne, and 10-15 minutes on the way back.

THE TEAM 4 volunteers for the story telling and recording. 2 Boat taxi owners/drivers.

2 video recording group. 1 Professional photographer and 1 Professional filmer (Shared with the rest of the activities), 3 assistants on land.

EQUIPMENT 2 boats (12-18 people per boat).

Microphones and speakers (2 of each).

Film cameras with recording equipment (2). Audio recorders (2). Graphic pieces Safety gear for each participant.

Activity no. 2 Another point of view

Get perspective upon the present as a tactic for placemaking and data collecting Objectives (I) Create a platform where people can get new perspectives upon the waterfront (II) Contribute to material for the website This exercise is thought as a manner to show the riverfront from another point of view and to provide the opportunity for the participants to percept the riverfront in a different way that can distinguish from the regular daily view. On the old ferry platform of the Commewijne, an important element mentioned in the workshop (I), a series of toys and installations will be placed so that people can watch the city and leave ideas about the present and its future.

Regarding the disconnection issue that concerns the citizens when talking about the waterfront and the river, one of the most recurrent points is what is called “the other side�- the Commewijne side.

The Commewijne side of the River has one of the most privilege views over the river and over the historical center area but it is also perceived 86

Parameters as one of the most forgotten places in the city.

What would happen if the city can be seen from another perspective and through that experience you can trigger new ideas and imaginaries about how you want it to be?

Activity Taking advantage of the view of this spot, one installation will be placed on the site that can make the participant perceive the waterfront from different perspectives and views. In addition, provide devices that can encourage the viewer to leave comments and evaluations upon the views and how they would like to see the future development of the waterfront. (i) The first installation is the “Two- perspective View tower�, which provides the viewer with different framed views with a panorama perspective.

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LOCATION Commewijne port.

TIME The objects required will be placed at Commewijne the same morning as the Workshop. The visits will span from 10-17, giving each participant about 5 minutes to contemplate from the View Tower, and 10 minutes to leave comments and feedback on the activity.

THE TEAM Carpenters that build up the installations.

4 volunteers to clean up de site and prepare it for the activity, as well as collecting data. 1 Professional photographer and 1 Professional filmer EQUIPMENT The View Tower structure. Wooden chalkboard for collecting comments.

Wooden boxes and furniture for sitting.

Graphic pieces (signs, instructions, branding of the participatory website).

Activity no. 3 Bike lane

Testing future possibilities as a tactic to try out a design tool Objectives: (I) Test one of the proposed interventions from Workshop I (II) Evaluate the intervention (III) Get useful inputs on how to develop the future biking networks Activities and aims: Activities and aims: The bike lane will consist of two directions 1/5 kilometer per lane. In total the bike lane will be 3 meters wide. In case people did not come by bike to the workshop, there was the opportunity to borrow bikes for approximately 15 min. In order to prevent that the bike won’t get stolen, the person that lends it has to provide a personal item e.g. a driving license, that will be returned after the ride.

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Since the bike lane is only 500 meters long we encourage people to also bike around in the historical city center. After the tour the participants can stop and return the bikes at “Activity D� where it was be possible to comment and evaluate their bike experience and provide an input upon the bike lane networks for the future.

The evaluation process took approximately 10 min and consist of a map together with colored pens in 4 different colors. Each evaluation will consist of a map with 4 questions in Dutch asking: 1. Draw your route, with the yellow marker.

2. What is your opinion on the temporary bike lane?; 3. Which part of your route (except the temporary bike lane) was the best (blue marker) vs. the worst (red marker)?

4. Where would you like to prioritize a bike lane? (green marker) Markers 4 colors: Green, red, Blue and Yellow.

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Parameters LOCATION Along the Waterkant. In total it will be 500 meters long. From there on, participants are encouraged to ride to anywhere in Paramaribo.

TIME The activity took place between 10-17. The bike ride was not longer than 15 minutes, however, we encourage the possibility to experience the bike ride and therefore it will be possible to borrow the bikes for an hour.

THE TEAM Volunteers that can help arranging the space, and collecting feedback from the users. Bike shops that rent the necessary equipment. 1 Professional photographer.

EQUIPMENT Rented bikes (20). Bike pump (1). White spray paint (15 cans). Evaluation maps (150). Graphic pieces.

Activity no. 4 Testbed hub

Wishing and testing future possibilities as a tactic to collect data and trigger new imaginaries Objectives: (I) Idea collecting for the desig (II) Link participation to website (III) Visualize the placemaking and activities by trying them out The theme for this activity is to gather ideas and opinions for the future of the riverfront and provide a place making activity. It is important within this element to highlight the opportunity for the citizens to be involved and secure the fact that their voices counts.

Activities and aim: (I) Idea collecting: “Make a wish- place a balloon�

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Parameters (II) Link participation to website: The name of the website was printed on all the used tools and people can from this day enter easily the website and make a comment, post a picture, provide a story or an evaluation of the elements and the wishes. This information was provided in the hub.

(III) Visualize the future: This activity provided a central info spot for the workshop. The function as a info-spot is combined with a test lab in terms of a public space (in miniature) joined with activities to make more relaxing activities like enjoying the benches and talk in the shade among in the sitting areas, listen to music and meet other people.

All in order to get a glimpse of a public space that serves the wanted needs of the waterfront.

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LOCATION Next to Platte Brug, an area of 20 m2 is required.

TIME The activity took place between between 10-17. The test bed hub was the center point of the workshop and connected the other activities. It was the place where people will depart and arrive. The visits were approx. 15 min and the activity of placing a balloon around 15 min.

THE TEAM 8 Volunteers that can stand and inform, gather the information through phone cameras, and help with the settings and the activity during the day.

1 Professional photographer.

EQUIPMENT Balloons (1000), cards (1000), graphic pieces, bigger canopy for shade (1), Sound system + generator.

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3.

A set of urban and public space design tools from a participatory process input

Identification and proposal of intervention design tools and guidelines

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3.1. Main concept design and design tools

WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES RESIST

+ +

DELAY

+ +

STORE

+

DRAIN

+

STAGE 1

RESILIENT PUBLIC 94

+

LIVELY PUBLIC SPACES RECONNECT +

USE

PARTICIPATION +

LAND

+ WATER

= AND LIVELY SPACES 95

STAGE 2

RESIST

STORE

DELAY

+

+

+

RETAINING WALL

WATER CANAL

RETENTION PONDS

DEPLOYABLE FLOOD WALL

SEPARATE SEWAGE SYSTEM

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

TERRACED EDGES

GREENER STREETS

RAINWATER TANKS

CONSTRUCTED REEFS

GREEN ROOFS

UNDERGROUND WATER STORAGE

RIPRAP REVETMENT

BIOSWALE

RAINGARDENS

PERMEABLE PAVING

STAGE 1

VACANT LOTS AS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

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RECONNECT

DRAIN

USE

LAND

+

97

WATER

+

CANALS

TERRACED EDGE

PROGRAMATIC DIVERSITY

PUMPING STATIONS

VIEWING PLATFORMS

GATHERING PLACES

SEPARATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS

BOARDWALKS

LIGHTING

PIERS

SEATING AREAS

ACCESS POINTS

SHADOW

WATER ACTIVITES

APPEALING LANDSCAPE

EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

BOARD WALK NEXT TO THE WATER LEVEL

STAGE 2: PARTICIPATION CONNECTIVITY

ECONOMIC ASPECTS

ENVIRONMENT

EASE FOR BIKES

AWARENESS PATH

FINISH STARTED INITIATIVES

EXTEND PEDESTRIANS NETWORK

RESTRICTED TRAFFIC ZONES

STRENGTHENED BRANDING

MULTIFUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS

WEB-PLATFORM & LIVING LABS FOR TRANSPARENCY/ ENGAGEMENT

ROAD MAINTENANCE

UPGRADE TRANSPORTATION NODES

CONCLUSIONS FROM

STAGE 2 INPUT PARTICIPATORY

WASTE CONTROL

The design guidelines are the tools that have influenced and generated the springboard for the edited design work. In addition, it is the design guidelines that provide the possibilities to increase the potential of the Waterfront public space design of Paramaribo as a historical public space, through its citizen’s knowledge. Some of the generated design tools generated, has also been stated earlier such as; the connection to the water, multifunctional water elements etc.

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HERITAGE

PUBLIC SPACE

STRENGTHENED BRANDING

CONNECTION TO THE WATER

COMMUNICATED AWARENESS

CONNECTED GREEN

DIVERSITY WITHIN PUBLIC SPACE

USE THE TOP RANKED ELEMENTS FOR PUBLIC SPACE

SAFETY

This is an overview of all the generated design tools and our interpretation after having analyzed and compiled the raw data that were provided with the participatory instruments. Within the design not all the tools are ready to be used yet, however still important, they are statements to consider when moving on to the detailed design & construction phase.

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EASE FOR BIKES

EXTEND PEDESTRIANS NETWORK

ROAD MAINTENANCE

UPGRADE TRANSPORTATION NODES

Participatory input - Mobility Design tools. In the previous document, Mid-term report (August 2017) Design tools were conducted after the analysis and summary of the total participatory input. The design tools highlights some of the most important statements within five main themes Connectivity, Envrionment, Economic aspects, Heritage & Public Space.

For the approach of the mobility aspects in the public space we propose the following tools based upon the participatory input:

1. Ease for bikes

When making more people using the bikes it is crucial that there should be elements make it easier for that. Support bikes by more stations for renting city bikes, provide biking racks on as many places as possible. Make clear zones where only bikes are allowed.

2. Road maintenance

One part of enjoying the public space is that it should be easy and safe to reach from one spot to another, it is therefore important that the roads are maintained. It is also important to adapt the roads for old and disabled people to make sure that they also can use the public space on the same condition as others.

3. Extend the path pedestriants network

The pedestrian network does not serve the need and result in people taking the car. A well planned network could support the wellbeing for people in Paramaribo.

4. Upgrade public transportation nodes

One conclusion was that the existing transportation nodes was well placed but needed to be upgraded to serve it purpose better.

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AWARENESS PATH

MULTIFUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS

RESTRICTED TRAFFIC ZONES

WASTE CONTROL

Participatory input- Environment For the environmental approach in the public space we propose the following tools based upon the participatory input:

1. Awareness paths

Due to the raised importance of education about the waterfront and its environment together with wanted boardwalks from the participants in the workshop, we see the opportunity to join these to element when designing a continuous boardwalk along the waterfront.

2. Multifunctional elements

The possibility of joining water management with public space was both mentioned in the Masterplan, 2017 by Geografia Urbana and Elequipo Mazzanti, and also from the participants in the workshop, it is seen as a great tool to approach the risks with possibilities for public space.

3. Restricted traffic zones

When encourage other options for transport rather than car it is a great opportunity to organize restricted traffic zones within the waterfront.

4. Waste control

One or two waste bins are not enough, within the design for the waterfront the waste needs to be taken into consideration and dealt with in a very clever way in order to make it work.

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FINISH STARTED INITIATIVES

WEB-PLATFORM & LIVING LABS FOR TRANSPARENCY/ ENGAGEMENT

STRENGTHENED BRANDING

Participatory input- Economic aspects For the approach of the economic aspects in the public space we propose the following tools based upon the participatory input:

1. Finished started initiatives

As stated by the participants within the workshop that there were many initiatives that has started and then been stopped. When starting with the waterfront design it is important to consider the existing plans there are, evaluate them and if needed adapt them.

2. Strengthened branding

The branding of the waterfront and to win back its importance played a great role in the workshop. In order to do so a great design is one thing but it is also a matter of spreading, in this way the website, interactions and sharing is the best way. We believe that the interactive website planned for this project can help a great deal in this matter.

3. Web-platforms and Living Labs for Transparency and Engagement

The adoption of management strategies based on dialogue and participation when programming and designing is decisive for gaining the ‘appropriation’ of spaces on the part of local communities, keeping maintenance costs under control and encouraging forms of co-management (UN-habitat, 2015). It is crucial to be at site and make living labs in order to accomplished a long term well-functioning waterfront.

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STRENGTHENED BRANDING

COMMUNICATED AWARENESS

Participatory input- Heritage For the public space approach within the waterfront we propose the following tools based upon the participatory input:

1. Strengthened branding

The branding is important for the place to be recognized for the value it that it holds and for attracting investors. The website, as stated before, can be a part of this. At the same time, the design also plays a big role by create focus points of what should be highlighted and consider for the fortification of the heritage.

2. Communicated awareness

The tool is an expression for securing the readability within the waterfront. This means that it should be possible for the visitor to understand the context, the heritage and the history when walking around at the waterfront site.

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CONNECTION TO THE WATER

DIVERSITY WITHIN PUBLIC SPACE

CONNECTED GREEN

USE THE TOP RANKED ELEMENTS FOR PUBLIC SPACE

Participatory input - Public Space Top ranked wanted elements:

1. Light 2. Elements/ green for providing shade 3. Range of sitting elements 4. Provide a range of sports activities 5. Various play for different ages 6. Spaces that can serve cultural events and art plattforms

For the public space approach within the waterfront we propose the following tools based upon the participatory input:

1. Connection to the water

It is one of the most mentioned and highlighted layer within this project and ought to be treated accordingly. This tool secures the connections and placemaking both within the river and in the edge between land and water just as the connections from the city down to the waterfront. A possible approach for this connection is for instance a continous boardwalk, which many times was mentioned as a wanted compontent.

2. Diveristy within public spaces

The importance of activities that can support and include the inhabitants and other users of Surinam should be the one of the main goal of the design. It is therefore crucial that the users themselves can be a part of the design and give input in which activities they want to have and where throughout the process.

3. Connected and organised green

Spread the green from Palmentuin and down to the Market Hall.

Provide green connections both for paths and around activity spots.

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3.2. Infrastructure as public space: A retaining wall for water management and social inclusion

RISK REDUCTION

SOCIAL CAPITAL This project is an example on how urban areas developed near water bodies are not only threatened by the increase in the effects of global warming but also by their scarcity of public spaces. This condition is an opportunity for public policy makers, urban planners, designers and developers to create RESILIENT PUBLIC SPACES, which can adapt and mitigate the consequences of climate change, and in turn respond to the growing need to build spaces for people and thus supporting the achievement of social capital.

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The waterfront design project for Paramaribo is presented as a unique opportunity to conceive an urban intervention model where risk mitigation is thought from taking advantage of the synergy that can be obtained by coordinating integrated actions on the territory. The great investment that has to be made in hydraulic infrastructure, the finalization of the implemented retaining wall, whose main objective is to control the climatic vulnerability of the basin, can and should also be seen as an urban structuring element and potential catalyst of new urban forms.

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The previous argument makes indispensable a work of definition of design elements that help the retaining wall to become a means to reconnect the waterfront to the water. This process generates the possibility of thinking about instruments that allow coordinating and coordinating actions on the territory, seeking to propose a comprehensive strategic approach that will guide public space embracement, financing strategies, and urban reactivation activities.

RETAINING WALL

RETAINING WALL + BOARDWALK STEPPED GARDENS

3.2.1. Retaining wall adaptation strategies The need for a retaining wall can be seen as an opportunity to propose an infrastructure of public space, turning a divisive and segregating element into a rich, Waterfront-long boardwalk that reconnects the city with the river.

The boardwalk longitudinaly connects the areas from Fort Zeelandia to the Cental Market, while providing a direct contact bewteen the city and the river.

Infinite strategies are possible to make the most out of the retaining wall, granting a direct relationship with the water and a variety of activities along the river.

RETAINING WALL + SLOPED TOPOGRAPHIES 108

RETAINING WALL + DECKED STAIRS URBAN STAGE

RETAINING WALL + DECKED STAIRS DENSE GARDENS

RETAINING WALL + TERRACES DECKED STAIRS

RETAINING WALL + BALCONIES DECKED STAIRS

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4.

Final Recommendations to the City Center Area general vision

A Comprehensive strategy to revitalize the historic center.

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4.1. Recommendations over the city center area of influence comprehensive strategy to revitalize the historical center.

Design approach for a green and revitalized city center The center is in need of a revitalization plan that attracts new activities to the area. Given the high percentage of empty lots, parking areas and deteriorated buildings within the center, there is a lack of lively everyday activities and public spaces. Yet, this condition is also an opportunity to use fill-in strategies that provides a pedestrian network to articulate public spaces. Green spaces are the public areas which citizens value most, as it was visible during the community workshops undertaken during the design process.

Paramaribo’s historic inner city center reflects the country’s multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.

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The Urban concept, with the green belt and highlighted trigger points, has within this stage (Stage 2) not changed. On the contrary, based on the participatory input the existing urban strategy has been strengthened. However, one input that can be added to the existing urban concept is the importance of arranging Lim a Po straat, which was considered to be in need of organization.

Besides this input, we stick to previous statements: The center is in need of a revitalization plan that attracts new activities to the area. Given the high percentage of empty lots, parking areas and deteriorated buildings within the center, there is a lack of lively everyday activities and public spaces. Yet, this condition is also an opportunity to use fill-in strategies that provides a pedestrian network to articulate public spaces. Green spaces are the public areas which citizens value most, as it was visible during the community workshops undertaken during the design process.

Green areas provide shadow and public places of leisure and recreation for a wide diversity of users and also play a key role in the creation of stormwater management strategies.

The strategy to revitalize the city center is based on the extension and recuperation of green areas along the Sommelsaijksekreek to the east and UNESCO’s delimitation area to the west. These series of green areas form a circuit that work as a transition belt between the city center and the nearest neighborhoods.

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The nodes stated from, stage 1, remains. However, it is possible to also incorporate the design tools generated from the participatory input. Within the urban scale, the design tools that have been added in particular are; the tools “Ease for bikes” and “the web platform”.

These have been added to almost each node. In long term the most democratic and sustainable development is to make use of the tool for web platform were people can write comment about each node and propose their visions in order to secure the public engagement.

Within the nodes closer to the waterfront an emphasis has been put on the tools “Diversity within the public space”; “Use of the top ranked elements”; “Awareness paths” and “Restricted traffic Zones” have been added.

Keizer straat today is an important street and node for the City center and can be improved further through added network for pedestrians and bikes.

The bus station is a natural node and by upgrading the area and adapt the availability it will better serve its functions within the city center.

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4.2. Recommendations over the city center area of influence Rebuilding the collective imaginary of the City Center From the participatory input within the scale of city center there were certain key areas that were mentioned to be taken into consideration. In addition, many of the stated key areas were already covered within the first stage of the design. However, it is important to mention that the recurrent areas that were mostly stated to be important were the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Fort Zeelandia, Palmen tuin and the Independence square.

Followed by the Old Synagogue, the Waterkant and the bus station. At last, the market area, Platte Brug, De Waag and the post office. Streets that were mentioned were the Waterkant, Lim a po straat, Graven straat and the Jodembree street.

JOSEMBREE STRAAT

BUS STATIO

View over the bus station, which many participants described as detoriated, however, a very important area which therefore ought to be prioritized in terms of redevelopment.

Palmen tuin, the park that the participants described as very active.

It is here most of the event takes place and it is a natural meeting spot because of the large space and the amount of shade.

OLD MARKET

NEW MARKET

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OLD SYNAGOGUE

POST OFFICE

THE BASILICA

CENTRUM KERK

LIM A PO STRAAT

S ON

PALMEN TUIN

INDEPENDENCE SQUARE

PLATTE BRUG

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DE WAAG

WATERKANT

FORT ZEELANDIA

4.2.1. The image of Paramaribo During the living lab it was clear that one of the main successes were the set of illustrations about the main landmarks in the city center. In each conversation this point came out, and one of the main conclusions after the living lab was the importance to be able to generate a strong way to highlight the historical importance of the center, the waterfront and its components.

Symbols and signs of the city strengthen this perception of the citizen. Understanding the image of the city and its urban elements, depends on experiencing events and memories of people about the space, expresses the history and significant places of the city for its inhabitants.

A core part of the renovation of the city center has to be the collective generation of an image that has the advantage of being able to express the entire range of the key values and dimensions of the city, while allowing target audiences to build in their own way to relate with.

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Generate identity and archive memory, are essential subjects to maintain the dynamism and vitality of the city. Without these characteristics citizens act as some guests who have no special feeling to city and show no desire to solve its problems.

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5.

Final recommendations to the Waterfront Mater Plan and Urban Design Intervention Re-articulate the city with the Suriname River and structure the implementation plan based on phases 123

5.1. Urban Design Intervention Area The waterfront synthetizes the main strategies at stake in order to bring back activities to the city center: the creation of multifunctional programs and public spaces that attract a diversity of users on an everyday basis.

The waterfront will become Paramaribo’s new and most visible park—one that can be built in different phases, thus allowing for different stakeholders to invest on its development on several stages of the process. Each phase is consolidated by at least one plaza and one node of activity, granting that it can function independently while budget is raised for the construction of the following stages.

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5.2. Urban design elements: A tool kit An important part of this process has been to identify the geographic, demographic, and social characteristics that guide the public space design we are developing. Part of the strategy of intervention has been to layout and propose physical elements that take into account what its aimed to archive in terms of connectivity; economic development, social, and ethnic diversity; and functionality.

The tool kit presented as follows, aims to contributed to the strategy by giving a clear character to each element that compose the public space design, so to be able to give an stronger formal and planning understanding.

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5.3 Waterfront Masterplan The project of Paramaribo´s Waterfront is presented as an opportunity to reconfigure the image and increase the potential of the historical center, from a vision that simultaneously addresses environmental degradation, improves aesthetics and recreational appeal and, more importantly supports social integration.

From this perspective it is important to highlight that although the focus of the intervention is the Waterfront as part of the ring determined as of historical importance, this is an opportunity to restructure the way the urban development of the city has linked both sides of the river. We have included within our recommendations to integrate the most active urban part of the waterfront of the Commewijne district in order to revive the use of the old ferry platform, as an active memory, that reconnects both sides of the river in a public space perspective.

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5.4. Urban design rehabilitation strategies One of the main opportunities in the challenge of adapting to climate change, especially in such frames like local management of sustainable water, is to generate approaches that are capable to articulate technical solutions with ecological elements, design of public space strategies and local socio-economic development.

With this vision we emphasize that through the investment in infrastructure for this project, it is possible to generate the possibility of serving diverse public functions, impacting more population and generating a unique visual on the project of the historical center that manages to attract the attention of the public in general.

Horizontal “knitting�

Reconnect the area between Fort Zeelandia and the Central Market through longitudinal pedestrian paths disposed across the Waterfront: an outermost bike lane grove, an inner pedestrian path network, and a riverside boardwalk knit the whole project.

Urban connections

Extend the streets towards the river to ensure a direct, visual connection between the main urban infrastructure and the water.

The streets go beyond the boardwalk and turn into activity-filled piers further enhancing the connection.

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Activity nodes

Diverse public space

Concentrate the activity on specific nodes, directly related to the plazas that surround them. The modular, open system reaches out and brings people into the project, thus granting a connection to the city and an active use of public space.

Each node is charged with different specific activities, directly related to the plazas that surround them. The variety of activities distributed along the nodes complement the flexible character of the open plazas.

Active water management Integrate both the stormwater management and the public space design. The creation of a vital waterfront demands strategies to re-connect the city with the river by adapting the concrete retaining wall to enhance the quality of public areas.

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5.5. Urban design actions

(i). Safety actions

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Stage 2: Updated concept strategy based on participatory input Based on the participatory input some of the stated highlights were the inputs of: (i) Safety.

diversity within public space

The approach towards this can take several of directions, however, based on the comments concerning safety, the design response is based on clear, wide pedestrian paths that ensure a direct relationship between the new public space and the already stablished activities.

A well-lit network of pedestrian paths, surrounded by varied activities, ensures that the new waterfront is active both day and night.

Careful placement of vegetation, with high-canopy trees, ensures a direct visual relationship between the built environment and the proposed public space. The continuation of streets into plazas and paths grants clear sight lines, and evades dark, lonely niches.

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connection to the water

connected green

(ii). Weather comfort action: Levels of shade depending on the proposed vegetation

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(ii) Shade.

The lack of shade today contributes to a non-use of the public space within the waterfront. A careful selection of the vegetation, using native species, is the basis for a network of half-shaded groves and fully shaded paths that run along the waterfront.

A main, inner network of shaded paths runs across the whole proposal, connecting the existing green structure at Fort Zeelandia with the Market Hall. While covering the main pedestrian path, this dense vegetation also freshens the diverse activities around the different nodes.

An outer, half-shaded grove separates the pedestrian path from the vehicle lane, while creating a new green front towards the city.

The plazas remain open aired, only with palm trees as the iconic elements that set them apart from the rest of the project.

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By keeping a dense canopy layer together with a diverse field layer and rinse the middle layers it creates clear sightlines and supports the contact between riverfront and the waterkant street.

Weeping Willow Salix Babylonica

Wild Almond Tree Barbejum stellatifolium

Rain Tree Samanea Saman

Cassia Leguminosae

Frangipani (White) Plumeria

Black Olive Tree Bucida Buceras

(iii) Iconic Tree-palm Plazas:

Royal Palm Tree Roystonia Regea

Golden Cane Palm Dypsis lutescens

Areca Palm Areca Vestiara

(iv) Floating Gardens:

Papyrus Plant Cyperus papyrus

Umbrella Plant Cyperus alternifolia

Japanese Bamboo Pseudosa japonica

(i) Fully Shaded Paths:

(ii) Half Shaded Groves:

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Along the proposal, there are four main scenarios with specific vegetation characteristics: (i) Fully Shaded Paths: This are the main pedestrian paths along the project, which is why we tall trees at both sides of the path are needed, with wide canopies, that provide shade and protection from the sun. The tall tree trunks will allow the visual connection between the paths and the city, thus making the area more safe.

*For a reference on (i): Paseo del Prado, Madrid.

Also, a low line of bushes/shrubs should go along with the trees, further highlighting the paths and their connections.

(ii) Half Shaded Groves: This is the element that separates the vehicle road from the pedestrian path. Such a barrier is necessary to protect pedestrians and bikers from cars, but also to generate a lineal walk along the Waterkant Road.

*For a referenceon (ii): Avenida da Liberdade, Lisboa.

The vegetation on trees on this groves should be lower than those on the fully shaded paths, as to create a more immediate barreer between cars and pedestrians. It should, though, allow for visual connections between pedestrians and the buildings. (iii) Iconic Tree-palm Plazas: The plazas are designed to be flexible and open-aired. The palm trees, being an iconic element of Paramaribo, should highlight these public spaces and mark them apart from the rest of the design.

For a reference on (iii): Plaza de Zipaquirรก, Colombia.

Tall palm trees similar to those on the Palmentuin will sign out each plaza. (iv) Floating Gardens: The gardens will go along some sections of the boardwalk, and are useful elements to keep track of the rising waters from the river. They should have direct contact with the river.

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For a reference on (iv): Zhangjiagang Town River Reconstruction.

(iii). Integration action: Strengthen the connection between the city and the river

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(iii) Intensify the connection to the river.

The connection to the river was identified as one of the key elements to be integrated to the final design during the workshops. The response strategy is based on making the most out of the protection and water management systems, by turning the retaining wall into a waterfront-long boardwalk, and enhancing the existing connections between the built and the river.

The extension of the streets towards the river ensures a direct, visual connection between the main urban infrastructure and the water. The vegetation reaches out from the intervention area towards the streets, creating green corridors. The streets go beyond the boardwalk and turn into activity-filled piers that float above the water, further enhancing the connection between the city and the river.

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(iv). Flexibility action: plazas and open spaces

Gather for events

Connect & recharge Game & educate

Use the sufficient microclima

Take the stage

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(iv) Flexible plazas and open spaces.

A series of open-aired squares are placed throughout the Waterfont, and serve as extensions from the city to the river.

Shaped as cones, and angled toward different vistas, the piers are to be the main civic spaces in the project.

Each one of them has specific characteristics that constitute a variety of activities across the Waterfront.

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(v). Circulation Network action: inner paths and activity nodes

Thematic gardens

Family and recreation node

Combined sports node

Culture and leisure node

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(v) Activity-charged nodes.

A network of inner paths runs across the whole intervention, connecting the plazas and enhancing the relationship between the city and the river. A central path, shaded by dense vegetation, knits up the different squares, whilst strengthening the longitudinal connections of the Waterfront.

Each node is charged with different specific activities, directly related to the plazas that surround them. The paths collect people from the streets and take them deep into the public space, granting a sense of safety. The variety of activities distributed along the nodes complement the flexible character of the open plazas.

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(vi). Continuity action: Elements of longitudinal connection along the Waterfront

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(vi) Connect the waterfront to its surroundings.

A series of longitudinal elements run across the whole Waterfront, connecting Fort Zeelandia to the Cental Market.

An outermost bike lane and pedestrian grove constitutes the renewed face of the Waterfront. While building a safety barrier from the cars, the new grove prioritizes pedestrian mobility and accessibility over vehicle movement.

As said before, the central path, fully shaded by a dense vegetation, connects the different plazas and evenly distributes the main program along the project.

Finally, the retaining wall, once a separating element from the river, turns into a full-length riverside boardwalk, joined side-byside by activities that ensure the direct connection with the river.

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(vii). Mobility Action

Vehicle lane

Pedestrian Bike lane grove

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(vii) Mobility.

The new Waterfront prioritizes pedestrian public space over vehicle paths, which is why the Waterkant Road, previously five lanes wide, is transformed into a three lane, two-way street. Most of the space is given to a new pedestrian grove that, joined with a bike lane, allows people to safely move down the Waterfront.

The old boat terminal, at Platte Brug, is now turned into the main scenario of the intervention, thus displacing the transportation hub right next to the Central Market, where the old ferry port used to function. The reactivation of abandoned or stranded docks also revitalizes the use of the Waterfront, and strengthens the connection with the Commewijne Port.

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(viii). Modular structures action

- Vendors separated from urban activities.

- Stalls have a fixed and centralized localization in the Waterkant.

- Vendor stalls are distributed throughout the Waterkant Park, responding to urban activities all along the area.

-As a modular structure the stalls provide a flexible strategy that allows the redistribution and the extension of commercial services as needed.

- The canpopy allows the creation of temporal commercial fairs (food and craft festivals i.e), protecting activities from water and sun.

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(viii) Modular structures and commerce network The area of the Waterkant Park currently holds around 11 commercial stalls. The design proposes to include these enterprises within the project.

Shade is provided on strategic points by a set of modular canopies, which can house different events, from spectacles to cafĂŠs ans restaurants.

The canopies function as an unfinished, open system -based on a simple, geometrical pattern- one that can be built progressivley and support changes in use over time.

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Example of modular canopies, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Nuage promenade (2017), Miami.

5.6. Identification of Urban vocations and areas of activity

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Central market Possibilities: Strengthen the connection to the water. Improve the Public space. Attract local people/tourists, also the trade and the use as a link to the commercial city center.

Challenges: The market hall is in need of a restoration, problems with waste, crowd and traffic.

Platte brug Possibilities: The space as a meeting place, the concentration of public transportation and the boat traffic to Meerzorg.

Challenges: Polluted, crowded, lack of shade and an area with heavy traffic congestions.

De Waag Possibilities: The Historical building and its heritage.

Challenges: Connection to the river and the rest of the waterfront area.

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Waterkant/ Retaining Wall Possibilities: Space for activities, the existing wall and the effort already made for public space and active presence of tourists.

Functions like Marine trap are regarded as high quality in the area.

Challenges: The limited view of the waterfront building because of the food hubs and in some spaces the high wall. People stated that they felt unsafe here due to the use as a meeting spot for homeless people and people with drug addictions.

Also, it is not allowed to build any heavy construction or park cars/trucks within 7-10 meters from the retaining wall. There is a drainage system in the construction underneath which is not strong enough to hold any heavy construction.

Fort Zeelandia Possibilities: Described as high historical value, cultural heritage, high tourist activity, historical walks, occasional sporting events, lot of greenery, shade, recreational use, yearly swimming events.

Challenges: The limited access for the public use.

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E T A UPD

Area 1: Platte Brug “Platte Brug”, we propose elements that can provide: (I) reconnection with both the water and the public spaces structure of the city, (II) recreational activities spot, (III) holder of big cultural or social gatherings and (IV) model of organization of alternative transportation (ex: water taxis and bikes) (V) Water management structures such as a wall incorporated with public space, retention ponds and bio swales. In terms of layers we see that the first layer that can be incorporated is to provide a biking land along the whole Waterkant within the waterfront.

Based on that we propose the following elements: • Recreation and playgrounds areas in both, land and over the

water (ex: a pier, urban beach) • Architectural canopies to provide comfortable hubs/places for

diverse proposes (market, cultural events, fairs) • Increasing the number of trees with wide canopies that can

provide shade and frame the river.

• A wall that can incorporate water resistance and public space • Retention ponds and Bio swales Layers: • Biking lane

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Area 2: Fort Zeelandia “Fort Zeelandia”, we propose (I) reconnect it with the rest of the waterfront (II) additional public activities.

Based on that elements that we propose: • Eliminate the divisor fence • A biking lane along the waterkant that can enter to the Fort zeelandia • Activities programed by the district

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Area 3: Waterkant Waterkant, area in front of the retaining wall, we propose elements that can provide with (I) green and confortable climatic public space (II) recreational and sports playgrounds (III) reconnection with the water and within the city´s public space (IV) better crafter-selling spaces. (V) Water management elements that can manage heavy rainfalls.

Based on that, elements that we propose: • Sports field of different kinds and sizes • Green spaces in form of trees, shrubs, flowers and grass lawns

that can be used for sports or picnics.

• Elevated viewpoint • Modular and mobile commercial elements • Bio Swales and Retention ponds

Area 4: De Waag De Waag, “The historical and commercial node”, we propose design elements (I) activation as a diverse and active commercial space that supports the maintenance of the historical buildings; (II) and for the reconfiguration of the first floor as an open connecting point for the public space of the waterfront; (III) Water management in terms of a

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wall that can be combined with public space functions and serve the function of a continuous boardwalk • •

• • •

Modular and mobile commercial elements Structural and design improvements to the historical buildings Urban furniture Green spaces in form of trees, shrubs, flowers and grass lawns A wall that can serve the public space

Area 5: Central Market “Market Area”, we propose design elements (I) for the renovation and preservation of the market buildings, (II) for the improvement of the commercial Activity, logistics and costumer experience (III) for the reconnection with the waterfront and reactivation as a metropolitan public space (IV) Water management in terms of a wall that can be combined with public space functions and serve the function of a continuous boardwalk an outdoor serving.

Based on that elements that we propose: • Structural and design improvements to the historical buildings • Green spaces in form of trees, shrubs, flowers and grass lawns • Canopies for outside selling and food events

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• Pier for fishers logistics and water selling boats • a wall that can be combined with public space functions and serve the

function of a continuous boardwalk an outdoor serving

5.7. Urban vocations and areas of activity The general concept that we developed arises from the will to generate a great variety of spaces and moments of activity within the Waterfront. As the most important public space within the historical center, the general conditions we have proposed are based on: i) ease and fast access, promoting the articulation with the urban fabric and the river, ii) intensity of activity regardless of the size of the sub-spaces in the design and iii) materialities that mainly promote outdoor comfort and cultural or recreational purposes.

This acts become equally vital to achieve the diversity promotion.

For this we have identified areas with different urban vocations, which consolidate a character of their own home section of 160

the project and can be maintained according to the needs and possibilities that each section and program in a more articulated way with public and private entities that allow the constant use by citizens.

1. Central Market - WATER TRANSPORTATION AND MARKET HUB 2. Platteburg – WATERKANT EVENT PARK 3. De Waag – FOOD COURT HUB 4. Waterkant – SPORTS AND LEISURE HUB 5. Fort Zeelandia – CULTURE AND HERITAGE HUB 6. Commewijne Port – WATER TRNSPORTATION AND 161

View over Area 5: Central Market 1. Central market: This is one of the main active areas over the waterfront and yet, one of the most deteriorated and with lack of public space.The market reflects the multicultural character of Surinam through the diversity of its food and goods and it has the potential to attract both residents and visitors with restaurants, fairs, cooking schools, among other activities.

The renovation of the market can involve the creation of cultural and educational activities within the area and the creation of a plaza to offer new public spaces. This upgrading can be done while safeguarding the traditional market, expanding its uses in a more organized manner.

Direction based upon participatory input: • Strengthen the public space around the market hall • Plan for an attractive more commercial space for inhabitants and tourists • Strengthen harbour functions and the access by boats/ferries • Restore the Market hall

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View over Area 1: Platte Brug 2. Platte Brug: This area, today highly deteriorated, is located in the intersection of Heiligenweg, around the center’s main bus stop terminal and the waterfront section where the ferry used to stop.

The renovation of the area around Platte brug involves the re-organization of the bus stop and, over the waterfront, the extension of the embankment to hold public amenities. The area between De Waag and the Central Market does not have a retaining wall at the moment. Since it has earlier been planned to continue with the wall the proposal in Phase 1 is based on a proposal that builts on possible ways to incorporate a proposed wall in the best way possible in order to also serve public space functions.

Direction based upon participatory input: • Strenthen the areas potential for meeting space • Provide shade • Prioritize the pedestrians connectivity • Intensify the connectivity to water

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View over Area 4: De Waag 3. De Waag: The old departure area holds historic landmarks. Currently, the access to the waterfront is restricted although a few restaurants activate the area.

The concept aims to open up the area towards the water just as create a continuous boardwalk that stretches in front of the Waag and connects the Waag to the rest of its Waterfront and makes it as the middle point plaza with outdoor serving, cafés and play.

Direction based upon participatory input: • Connect De Waag with the water • Strengthen the relationship with the surrounding areas of the waterfront

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View over Area 3: Waterkant 4. Waterkant: The embankment between De Waag and Fort Zeelandia was recently upgraded with sheet piling and concrete, along with the construction of the retaining wall. Whereas this is one of the best well kept areas of the waterfront there is no relation between the city and the river and is underused.

Direction based upon participatory input: • Provide good and view between the water and the Waterkant • Added space for activities and sitting elements • Complementary trees and shrubs

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View at Area 2: Fort Zeelandia 5. Fort Zeelandia: The colonial fort is one of the city’s main cultural landmarks and is one of the best well-kept areas.

In the past years, a retaining wall to protect the city from floods was built between De Waag and Fort Zeelandia, allowing the emergence of new public areas that have the potential to become dynamic hubs of activity.

Direction based upon participatory input: • Provide a good and open connection between the area of Fort Zeelandia and the Market Hall • Strengthen the area as a public space • Improve and restore the historical buildings inside of the area

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View over Area 6Commewijne Port 6. Commewijne Port: Before the bridge was constructed, the ferry ports were one of Paramaribo’s trademarks, and one of its main activity centers. Once the bridge was opened, the Commewijne district was quickly left behind as the gate to the city was displaced further down the Suriname river.

The workshop proved a success over reactivating the old ferry port at Commewijne, by activating an abandoned structure and generating a new perspective over the Waterfont at the same time.

Direction based upon participatory input: • Reactivating the old ferry port with new, varied activities • Providing a new port specially for the fishermen • Build a landmark, such as the viewtower, to highlight the Commewijne district • Regenerate the area through a water management strategy

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AREA 5 Central Market: Water transportation and market hub

AREA 1 Patte Brug: Event Hub

AREA4 De Waag: Food court h

AREA 6 Commewijne Port: Water transportation and fishermen’s hub

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: hub

AREA 3 Waterkant: Sports and leisure hub

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PHASE 2 Fort Zeelandia: Heritage hub

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6.

Final recommendations to the Phase I: Waterkant Events Park Prioritization of specific initial projects within the Waterfront Area, and final technical inputs for the final executive design and construction

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4.1.

Intervention area

6.1. Public space Intervention area The waterfront will become Paramaribo’s new and most visible park—one that can be built in different phases through the systematic strategy, the design is an open system made out of pieces that can be implemented individually and grow in time.

The prioritizations for the phases are very important in this project and have been discussed since the first Master plan “Comprehensive design strategies for a sustainable and lively waterfront” from February 2017. There the potential was seen in starting with the Waterkant area base on the argument that i) It is the area that holds the nalized portion of the retaining wall infrastructure; and ii) There is the institutional presence of the waterfront board to take care of the intervention.

After taking into account the participatory process the conclusion was that the highest opportunity for the public

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embracement and for having metropolitan impact will be the Platteburg Area as it is perceived as dangerous, dirty and with a lack of use. It will generate a high sense of change on the waterfront, unlikely with the Waterkant area, which is perceived as already intervened and in active use.

We recommend focus the efforts and investment in the selected area, however to ensure the success of the phase 1, it should include the implementation of the retaining wall, which gestation is already in process on the city.

This phases order will guaranty that i) that the usable area of the waterfront will raise to the 55,11% , ii) the recognition by the citizens of its impact will be bigger and iii) that it will generate an anticipated new image that will be later consolidated by the fastest and cheaper implementation of phase 2.

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Stormwater collector

Pedestrian grove

Riverside boardwalk

Shaded paths

Water transportation piers

Bike lane

Riverside runway

Urban beach / River Access

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Children playground

Rest areas

CafĂŠ-Bar area

Floating gardens

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6.2. Public space design tools applied One of the main opportunities in the challenge of adapting to climate change, especially in such frames like local management of sustainable water, is to generate approaches that are capable to articulate technical solutions with ecological elements, design of public space strategies and local socio-economic development.

The project of Paramaribo´s Waterfront is presented as an opportunity to reconfigure the image and increase the potential of the historical center, from a vision that simultaneously addresses environmental degradation, improves aesthetics and recreational appeal and, more importantly supports social integration.

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6.3. Waterkant 4.2.

Design tools Events applied Park: A linear strategy along the riverfront

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3

4

12

9

1 RECONNECT

USE

LAND

+ WATER

1

2

8

3

9

4

10

5

11

6

12

7

13

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8

11

13

12

3

Waterkant Park includes an integrated stormwater management and public space design. The creation of a vital waterfront demands strategies to re-connect the city with the river by adapting the concrete retaining wall to enhance the quality of public areas as well as design strategies that manage stormwater runoff.

These strategies include, for example, the creation of riverside runways, structures that make the most of the river and allow for people to take a dive on the water without a risk of drowning, and having a direct relationship with the water.

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Section A

Section B Section B

1. Sports/playfield combined with retention pond

2. Shaded paths with clear sights

3.Shaded benches along edges

4. Green and flowering plant covers

5. Multi-stemmed trees with wide canopies 180

6. Leveled & continous boardwalk 181

7.Open flexible plaza

8. Wooden deck in different levels

9. Multifunctional Canopy

10. Spots for comfort & sunbathe

6.4. Public space design composition elements

1 The Waterfront grove constitutes a new face

towards the city, connecting Fort Zeelandia and the Central Market through a protected, shaded pedestrian path. A bioswale serves acts as a barrier between the cars and pedestrians, while also filtering water to the storm water channel collector.

2 A riverside boardwalk is proposed as an

adaptation strategy of the retaining concrete wall, thus turning the water management system into a public space network. Joining the boardwalk, a new pedestrian path infrastructure and a series of open plazas connect each phase of the project.

3 The waterfront stormwater channel collector

filters, delays and drains the urban runoff from waterkant street and the waterkant park. The channel takes the water to the transportation hub, where a water pump will flow water into the river.

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4 A diverse, activity rich program is laid along

Waterkant, ensuring security and diversity within the users. Leisure and rest areas join the active program, while making the most of the proposed vegetation and its shade.

5 A constructed topography re-connects in a

sensitive way the river and the embankment, providing public space with a direct relation with the river. Green sloped areas will redirect water into the internal storm water collector and the retention ponds.

6 A system of modular, flexible and open

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canopies will provide shade for different activities, and will house spectacles, commerce and play while consolidating distinguishable, iconic elements within the Waterfront.

4.4. Sustainable Water management strategy 6.5.

Water Management Strategy 4.4.

Water management strategy

RESIST

STORE

DELAY

+

+

DRAIN

+

The proposal’s main strategy is to create sloped topographies that elevate public space over the retaining wall. The public space of the waterfront takes place both on the street level (Level 0.0m) and over the retaining wall (Level +1.80m), creating a direct relation with the river while protecting the border from floods and erosion. At both levels the design locates a diversity of public amenities focused on sports and leisure. The stairs that connect both areas become an amphitheater for events such as basketball or soccer games, small concerts or movie nights.

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1

2

3

4

5

6

At street level (Level 0.0m), different activities are “carved� into the ground and act as retention ponds or drainage systems: a children’s playground, a natural pool, and green-paved playing areas. These areas slow and retain stormwater and are connected to a naturalized water channel that takes the stormwater up to the urban channel collector located on the sidewalk. The experience of the visitor will change depending on the weather and over each season. The water channel and the retention ponds will hold peak rain during heavy storms.

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Waterkant Park on a dry day

Waterkant Park on a rainy day 186

Bioswale: Plantsfilter out debris and pollutants while enhancing the streetscape

Inundation tolerant plants

Stormwater channel collector

Cast iron drainage grate

Stormwater from roadway flows into the planter and into the stormwater channel collector.

Water infiltrates through soil

Stone or other media to provide extra stormwater storage.

Stormwater from the sidewalk flows into the stormwater channel collector

Stormwater management strategies: Waterkant Park during a rainy day.

The water circulation system prevents stagnant water while creating larger surface areas to store water in extreme flood conditions. Lawn and planted areas capture stormwater, the skatepark areas as well as the basketball courts will store the peak rainfall while the internal channel collector will direct water runoff into the stormwater channel collector. Permeable paterials will increase the soil infiltration capacity to reduce peak runoff and promote water recharge.

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6.6. Awareness and educative strategies to reconnect the city with the river Another objective of the project is to explore how architectural design can raise awareness of climate change and ownership of the public space.

The impact of an infrastructure project on the generation of social, economic and ecological sustainability does not only lie in a physical transformation, it is also a matter of public awareness. Up next we propose (3) three strategies that seek to

One way to reinforce citizens’ relation with Suriname River is the visualization of the river’s changing water levels. The visualization of the river cycles is not only pedagogical but is also a tool for city officials to keep track of the river’s dynamics.

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generate awareness, dialogue and empowerment on (3) topics (climate change, participation and empowerment of citizens, and the collective image of the historical center and the waterfront) that have become relevant during the exploration process in Paramaribo.

It is recommended that the final executive project explore these ideas and develop them in a solid manner as an essential part of the design of the public space to be implemented.

WATER HEIGHT CHANGES OVER ONE MONTH

WATER HEIGHT METERS 3 2,5 2

1,5 1

0,5 0 DAYS -0,5 09/21/2016

09/16/2016 - FULL MOON

09/09/2016 - FIRST QUATER

09/01/2016 - NEW MOON

08/25/2016 - THIRD QUARTER

08/22/2016

WATER HEIGHT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH TIDE AND THE SUCCEEDING LOW TIDE OVER ONE MONTH WATER HEIGHT DIFFERENCE METERS 3 2,5 2

1,5 1

0,5 DAYS 0 09/21/2016 - 2.52 m

09/19/2016 - 2.74 m

09/16/2016 - 2.53 m

09/10/2016 - 1.03 m

09/09/2016 - 1.19 m

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09/01/2016 - 2.23 m

09/01/2016 - 2.14 m

08/26/2016 - 1.26 m

08/25/2016 - 1.76 m

08/22/2016 - 2.33 m

1

Source: The Consultant, based on data from MLTDE.

6.7. Living Paramaribo Website Thinking the increased possibilities of access to internet, computers and even more mobile devices, the creation of an online platform is an opportunity for the actors involved in a design process to express points of view, consider the opinions of others, identify innovative ideas and / or establish new approaches to processes and relationships that impact their context.

This is the proposal for 
a website that works as a strategy to include the inhabitants in Paramaribo in the project of the renovation of the waterfront and the historical center. The idea is to build a virtual place that gives the opportunity to the citizens to participate in the initiative from the beginning until it is in active use. The site is planed to also work as an active citizeninstitutional connection, so opinions and initiatives can be hear, and why not, implemented.

The website was thought as a research/communication tool.

With a simple programming process, all the stories located on the internet (news, blogs, pictures, general information, etc) regarding specific subjects involving the waterfront, can be gathered in our site, giving the opportunity to the user to get more involved in the history, current situation and plans over the waterfront.

Conceptually the website will be divided into Past - Present and Future, and it will work as an archive where people can comment, post new content to promote the city, the waterfront and the project.

General information This is a Website conceptualized and designed by horizontal

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and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which aims to digitalize the experience of the Paramaribo Waterfront Renovation Project, from the perspective of giving recognition, new values and a new collective imaginary to the historical center and to the Surinam River it self.

A. REACH Mobile first design and development website Suriman River Project responsive to three sizes (desktop, tablet and smartphone).

Web focused on the final user, as it is the aim to encourage the community to be a participant in the project and know the progress that occur in it. For this site the use of IFFT has been stipulated to embed content from any desired web pages such as newspapers, blogs, libraries, etc.

Up next we describe the content axes or main sections: i) Splash Screen ii) Home (Discussion map section) iii) Inner page of discussion map section iv) About v) Category landing vi) Post Inner page vii) initiatives viii) landing comments ix) landing comments x) footer xi) menu.

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Requirements: • Support several languages: English and Dutch.

• The CMS must be in Wordpress.

• All sections must be manageable.

• Have good SEO practices, SEO strategy is excluded • Platform to embed content: IFTT https://ifttt.com/ Other considerations: • Attached mobile design • The web pages from which information will be embedded have not been defined • The words or phrases that should be included in the IFTT to embed the information have not been defined.

• The videos will be embedded with YouTube and Vimeo.

• The audio will be embedded from SoundCloud.

Supported browsers: Desktop: • Chrome: Versiones 44, 45 y 46 • Safari: Versiones 4, 5 y 5.1 • Firefox: Versiones 39, 40 y 41 • IE: Versiones 10 y 11 Mobile devices: • IOS: Versiones 7+ • Android: Versiones 4.3+

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> i). Splash Screen It will be the first screen that the user will see when entering the site and must scroll until the CTA button to access the home page. It will be composed of a paragraph of text and a CTA, both editable.

The splash screen will be animated.

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ii). Home (Discussion map section) In this section the user will find a burguer menu in the upper right part of the screen. Also the user will find a map with clickable pins from which you can access the landing of each place. The user will also have 3 CTA buttons to access the landings of past, present and future that will be explained later.

Title texts and CTA buttons will be editable.

The pins can be located from the CMS. The map will not be embedded in Google Maps.

In the lower part the user can scroll to see the comments that other users have left. These comments will happen one by one automatically, the last ones published will be seen first. This field will always be fixed and when the user clicks on the comment he will go to the landing of the comment site and will be able to see the whole discussion.

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iii). Inner page of discussion map The user can access this section once he clicks on one of the places located on the map of the home. Thought to see only one place at a time. The texts and images will be editable.

The user will always see the burguer menu and the three CTA buttons past, present and future, as well as the comments field. .

In the top banner you will always have an image or video, to then see the title (name of the place) and its description.

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iv). Category landing section Landing for past, present and future sections. Once the user clicks the CTA past, present or future buttons, he will access the past, present or future landing according to what he has selected.

One inside the CTA buttons will be fixed at the top of the screen, and the user will see the title of the section and a descriptive text.

Then you can see the post published in the section.

All the contents will be editable.

The user will see the last information that appears in the tabs past, present and future of each place, but in this case it will not be discriminated by place, but the last loaded content will be displayed. The content will be text, video, photo and audio.

The user will access Embedded Information from social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, SoundCloud, Vimeo, etc), IFTT, and information loaded from the CMS. 200

https://www.nytimes.com/

https://www.iadb.org/en 201

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https://www.welt.de/

v). Post inner page Once the user clicks on any of the posts in the past, present or future sections, he will enter the post inner page, where he will see the three buttons CTA past, present and future fixed at the top of the screen, the burguer menu and the comments field at the bottom of the screen. The user can scroll to see the comments that other users have left.

Each post will have a title, a subtitle and a text body, in addition to the option to upload video and images for each of them. The images, videos and texts will be editable.

In the lower part of the landing the user will find a CTA that allows him to see and comment. The text of this button will be editable. The user can share the comments on social networks.

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vi). Initiatives In this section the user will see the title of the section, a descriptive paragraph and a CTA button “Make your own� that takes the user to the Facebook fan page where users share their initiatives. The initiatives that the user sees in this landing are embedded from Facebook. The title, descriptive paragraph and name of the CTA button are editable. The user can share this landing on social networks.

In the lower part of the landing the user will find a CTA that allows him to see and comment. The text of this button will be editable. The user can share the comments on social networks.

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twitter

youtube

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facebook

vii). About In this section the user will see the description of the project. The texts will be editable and you can create as many text, video and photo modules as you wish.

In the lower part when scrolling, the user will find a contact form, in which the user must enter their personal data and the question or message that they want to send to the people in charge of the project.

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viii). Landing make a comment In this landing the user leave your comments. The title and description text will be editable.

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ix). Footer The user will see the logos of collaborating institutions.

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1730

PRESIDENTIEEL PALEIS

1821

GROTE BRAND

1822

DE WAAG

1841

MINISTERIE

1842

NEVEH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE

1901

SINT PETRUS EN

1954

DE NATIONALE ASSEMB