10 Qualities of a Great Waterfront:

1. Surrounding Buildings Enhance Public Space

Any building on a waterfront should boost activity in public spaces around it. Ideally, there should be a mix of uses, with seamless interaction between indoors and outdoors.

High-rise towers that lack any public uses on the ground floor are noticeably out of place along rivers, lakes and ocean fronts. They usually create a wall that physically and psychologically divides the waterfront from surrounding neighborhoods.

Buildings on the harbor in Auckland, New Zealand encouraged public activity

2. Limits are Placed on Residential Development

Great waterfronts are not dominated by residential development. Why? Because the best waterfronts are full of people day and night. They are the sites of festivals, markets, fireworks displays, concerts, spontaneous celebrations and other high-energy gatherings. A high concentration of residential development undermines the diversity of waterfront use by creating pressure to prevent nighttime activity from flourishing.

On Porto, Portugal's waterfront, residential development coexists with active public life below.

3. Activities go on Round-the-Clock and Throughout the Year

Waterfronts that thrive year-round will reap substantial community and economic benefits. Rain or cold is no reason for a waterfront to sit empty. Creative programming takes rainy and winter weather into account, and smart use of amenities offers us protection from inclement weather. Likewise, people enjoy being by the water at night if appropriate lighting and special events make them feel welcome and safe.

Even on a blustery day, the seafront in Brighton, England still draws a crowd because of its flexible design and destinations that are open all year round.

Waterfire, a pyrotechnic public art project, brings crowds to downtown Providence's downtown riverfront during the evening hours.

4. Flexible Design Fosters Adaptability

Successful waterfronts must adapt to many changes that bring different users at different times. Programming and management help in serving diverse audiences, but flexibility must also be built into the design of the place. Instead of a permanent stage, for example, which is well-used in the summer but not the winter, a retractable or temporary stage could be used. Likewise, it is important to have on-site storage for movable chairs, tables, umbrellas, and games so they can be used at a moment's notice.

Despite minimal funding, Long Island City’s Water Taxi Beach provides a compelling example of the potential for NYC’s waterfront by successfully incorporating diverse uses.

Book and art stalls

5. Creative Amenities Boost Everyone’s Enjoyment

Truly great waterfronts provide amenities that increase people’s comfort and enjoyment. A bench or waste receptacle in just the right location makes a surprising difference in how people choose to use a place. Lighting strengthens a square's identity and can draw attention to specific activities, pathways or entrances. Public art is a great magnet for children of all ages to come together. Whether temporary or permanent, amenities help establish a convivial setting for social interaction.

Paris's Plage's benches comfortably accommodate groups of various sizes.

Attractions on Granville Island connect people to the water in a place where there are no beaches.

6. Access Made Easy by Boat, Bike and Foot

Waterfronts flourish when they can be reached by means other than private vehicles. In Sydney, Stockholm, Venice, Helsinki, and Hong Kong, people head to the waterfront via boat as much as by land. You can dramatically enhance the character and experience of a waterfront when it is easily reached in ways other than driving. Access by foot and bike are a crucial element of the transportation mix, which is why many of the most popular waterfronts are crowned by pedestrian promenades and bike lanes. People feel more at ease when not overwhelmed by traffic and unsightly parking lots. Where streets are absolutely necessary for commercial deliveries, or access to retail or marine uses, they should be designed to minimize their impact on pedestrian safety and enjoyment, and always be closed for events and festivals.

Water-transit provides a prominent connection at Dubai Creek in Dubai.

In Porto, Portugal’s Ribiera district streets are scaled for pedestrians, and motor vehicles allowed only as guests.

The harbor in Stavanger, Norway is dramatically enhanced by water-borne transit.

7. Local Identity is Showcased

The greatest waterfront destinations are found in cities that fully orient themselves to the water itself. Venice and Stockholm are defined by their waterfronts, and residents and visitors alike naturally gravitate there. Making the most of local identity, history and culture stimulates widespread interest in the waterfront and creates a unique sense of place. Frequent opportunities to appreciate local art, music and theatre helps draw a community together around the waterfront.

Brooklyn's Coney Island has developed its own unique image over the years.

Brooklyn Bridge Park uses fun public art to teach people what's special about the place.

8. The Water Itself Draws Attention

The water itself is the greatest asset of any waterfront, and should become the centerpiece for programming and activities. This can include traditional marine uses such as a ferry terminal or fishing port, which helps preserve a place’s identity. Additional activities may include water-taxis, boat tours, restaurants or bars on anchored boats, fishing, rock skipping, floating pools, kayaking and swimming. Many of these activities not only attract users to waterfront but also generate interest among onlookers. Embracing the natural uses of a waterfront leads to thematic programming such as boat festivals, fish markets, bait and tackle shops, and performances on floating stages.

Waterfront fish markets contribute to the identity of Oslo’s Aker Brygge Waterfront.

Water polo has emerged as an intriguing attraction at New York's Frying Pan Bar and Restaurant on the Hudson River.

9. Iconic Buildings Serve a Variety of Functions

Iconic, attention-grabbing buildings that reflect a human scale and do not detract from the surrounding context can be a boon to the waterfront, so long as they serve a variety of functions. On a recent weekend morning in Stockholm, the busiest building along the waterfront was, surprisingly, the City Hall. Surrounded by a plaza, park, and courtyards, this landmark shares its slice of the waterfront with a pier where boats embark on waterfront tours. Clearly, this City Hall (where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each December) is more than a one-dimensional icon, it is a good neighbor exhibiting a strong sense of place. Today's iconic buildings should strive to achieve the same flexibility and public-spirited presence.

Stockholm's City Hall is more than just the 'seat' of local government...

10. Good Management Maintains Community Vision

Management is essential in ensuring that a successful waterfront stays that way. Cities could adopt the model of the Business Improvement Districts (BID) that have been successful in restoring and maintaining the vitality of many downtowns and commercial districts. A "WID" could forge partnerships between city agencies, property owners, waterfront businesses and community organizations in the surrounding district, so that waterfront programming--such as temporary exhibits of local artists or music performances-- gives the place a unique character. Such an organization would be very helpful in sustaining a diverse variety of activities and events throughout the year and implementing programs that can be used to generate revenue that benefits the waterfront as a whole.