Figure 4.38 Lamu Old Town waterfront – proposal ideas

Figure 4.38 Lamu Old Town waterfront initial zoning

Source: Atkins analysis The illustrations below capture the essence of the proposals and holistically integrate a combination of solutions into an innovative Corniche Walk.

1. Making space – to address the limited space on the

Corniche Path, a series of either permanent or temporary (pop-up) pods extending from the promenade toward the sea, are aimed at creating additional public realm that could both be used as a sitting area or as an informal pier by day and additional event space by night (ie. temporary al fresco dinning, mini-stages for street artists, etc.).

With such additions, there will be more room on the pathway to accommodate more pedestrian flow and establish areas suitable for temporary stalls and other uses. These simple solutions should allow for ample and flexible use of the space.

2. Protect the town – quay walls are currently being built or restored along the waterfront and increased capacity piers are planned to be introduced. Currently, the quay walls are flush with the paving and are not designed to include parapets. Recent high tide events indicated that the sea level has increased (or might more often increase), current height of quay walls is insufficient to contain the tides. Therefore, a new type of parapet that can double as sitting area and protect the walkway from floods (based on current forecast and projections) is introduced in the most vulnerable areas. The quay wall adopts a convex profile, this it has been demonstrated, it will help manage better both intense and higher waves by absorbing and deflecting the kinetic energy of the waves themselves. Finally, more permeable paving coordinated with sub-surface drainage is introduced on the waterfront, this can accelerate storm water drainage and help mitigate temporary flash floods on the promenade.