IN-PERSON London. Section A

Abstract

Urban waterfront redevelopment is a global phenomenon, with thousands of projects being carried out in large cities, medium-sized towns, and even small communities worldwide. This presents an opportunity for cities to reconnect with their unique historical and cultural image by bringing them back to the river and rediscovering waterfront regeneration. However, this process has never been easy due to the complexity of the local culture, history, and market-led development. It also creates an inherent conflict, as notions of social justice are emphasized by who has a voice in the process, who benefits, and who loses from revitalization. The level of public involvement in the planning process is influenced by the planning culture and decision-making context. However, in the context of competing market forces and commercial interests dominating cities’ planning agendas, planning for public space in urban waterfronts tends to prioritize economic gain over supporting residents’ social needs. These newly developed areas tend to satisfy the middle-class, new communities living along the waterfront, and tourists. Unfortunately, public participation is often excluded, primarily determined by the nature of the planning being undertaken and the decision-making context in which it is embedded. This research aims to examine the impact of planning on waterfront regeneration and the role of participation in influencing the public space planning outcome in relation to culture and historical identities. Specifically, the study will focus on the characteristics of the planning process of the waterfront in Da Nang, Vietnam, where a top-down planning system is run by a communist government that controls planning approval. Although the community has never been excluded from development, their participation is still marginalized. To address this issue, the research will examine the complex set of visions and values of stakeholder preferences in the development of the waterfront.