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Huangpu River Waterfront Strategy

Strategizing a continuous waterfront to bring public space to millions

Sector

Civic & Public

Region

Asia Pacific

Timespan

2014–2022

Formerly a bland concrete division between the Huangpu river and it’s shores, the waterfront is transformed into a useable, green and active space. Credit: Gehl

Arguably one of Gehl’s most impactful projects, the Huangpu River Waterfront Strategy put in motion a series of public space improvements efforts, unlocking quality riverside public space and amenities that are now accessible to millions of Shanghai’s residents.

Invitations for active and healthy living are found throughout waterfront public spaces. As a dense and highly populated city, Shanghai’s public spaces have to accommodate a multitude of functionalities and provide flexibility in its use, day and night. Credit: Gehl
The continuous waterfront strategy promotes a diverse range of public space activities over a number of kilometers. This creates an exciting and shifting user experience and opportunities for different people and groups to ‘belong’ at any one time. Credit: Gehl

Towards a people-orientated riverfront

Shanghai is the world’s third largest city with a population of 28 million (2024), and famed for landmark sights such as the Bund, Lujiazui and Expo Park. Despite the meticulous design, scale and prominence of such location, viewed through a ‘people-first’ lens there was an apparent lack of connectivity, posing challenges for individuals looking to walk or cycle, and contributing to a fragmented experience of the city’s waterfront. 

In partnership with a number of Shanghai authorities and long term partner CSTC, Gehl responded to this challenge with the ‘Towards a people- oriented waterfront’ strategy. The document framed four key strategies; one continuous river, connect to the city, diverse spaces and active edges to help guide the planning, design and redevelopment of waterfront spaces.

Engaging 10 of Shanghai’s 17 districts, the strategy has led to over 45 km of public space transformation including waterfront promenades, 10 meter wide public spaces from the water’s edge, high quality paving, coordinated wayfinding and signage, and integration with the riverfront’s public transit network.

In 2021 work along the Huangpu river was found to have provided improved public space to over 4.8 million people within 15 minute walk!    

Awards: The strategy has been adopted into the UN Habitat “Shanghai Manual 2020”, Kristian Villadsen awarded Magnoli Award, highest award for foreign experts and he is the only Danish member of the Expert Committee on the Development of the Waterside Area of Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek.

One of the successes of the strategy is that 92% of all flood barriers have been successfully integrated in public space design, reducing physical barriers between inhabitants and the waterfront. Between 2004 and 2020 there was an 82ha increase in greenery along the waterfront. Credit: Gehl
Rasmus Duong-Grunnet, Project Director Malin Nilsson, Project Manager Martin Nelson, Technical Designer
The river lies right on the city’s doorstep and offers a relaxing respite from the urban hustle and bustle, yet it is often difficult for all users to access. Credit: Gehl

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Credit: LHM/MOR, DobnerAngermann

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Broadway at Times Square in 2009, after Gehl worked with the City of New York and the Department of Transport on a major urban realm and bicycle strategy. Credit: Department of Transport (DOT)

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  • Social Spatial Research
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Credit: Bengt Nyman

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  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
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Credit: Gehl

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‘People-first’ includes you

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