To achieve the vision of a world-class waterfront in Belfast through strong community, heritage and natural assets, and economic growth, a set of parameters for design development along the waterfront promenade is needed. To support the promenade and the Maritime Mile to develop as a destination in its own right, design decisions must underpin that the public realm is:
An urban waterfront promenade is more than just the area of public realm. Often narrow, it is shaped by it neighbours: the buildings and the water that border and support it. The Belfast promenade will connect many neighbourhoods, presenting varied challenges and requiring diverse solutions. As such, we consider three areas of design intervention with equal importance:
The experience along the waterfront promenade should be coherent but varied. Consistency in pedestrian and cycle paths, signage and wayfinding, and furniture signals a public space is for everyone. Site specific artefacts, storytelling, heritage, art, and shelters can help create bespoke destinations and a sense of place. It is crucial that flood mitigation and environmental resilience are integrated into the design of the public realm.
Whether in the tidal estuary or up-river from the weir, the River Lagan is a magnificent asset and presents many opportunities. Access to water-based transport for commuting, tourism and recreation greatly expands the public realm. The water’s edge must provide the infrastructure to support a wide range of activities along a shoreline engineered to provide crucial ecosystem services.
Buildings play a crucial role in defining the waterfront promenade, and therefore must be activated, proportional and welcoming. Structures affect both the human experience of a place and the immediate microclimate. Wind and deep shadows should be mitigated and building shoulders can be used to create the illusion of a lower roofline such that the promenade is both physically and subconsciously welcoming.
The Golden Ratio serves as a guide to create proportional spaces. As a rule of thumb, the taller the building is, the wider the public space is so that people feel comfortable and safe in the public realm. While the impression of expansive space is a benefit of waterfront views, the water can feel like a physical barrier at ground level, so proportions must be well balanced.
The experience along the waterfront promenade should be coherent but varied. Consistency in pedestrian and cycle paths, signage and wayfinding, and furniture signals a public space is for everyone. Site specific artefacts, storytelling, heritage, art, and shelters can help create bespoke destinations and a sense of place. It is crucial that flood mitigation and environmental resilience are integrated into the design of the public realm.
Interventions in the public realm, water’s edge and buildings must be considered with equal importance.
Environmental engineered shorelines embrace ecosystem services and create access to the water fostering a sense of connection and responsibility.
A split-level promenade creates shared space for active travel while integrating seating and flood defence.
A sustainable drainage system with connected soil creates a resilient network of street trees and native planting that filters stormwater, increases habitat, and creates a welcoming environment.
Varied building heights with setbacks create a more comfortable public realm where ground level businesses can spill out and animate the public realm.