Abstract

Well designed parks along waterways could promote health and well-being of local inhabitants. The way the human settlements meet water bodies can influence the habits of local population. How people spend their time have significant impact on their health. For example, a team of Japanese scientists has proven that a well designed walk-able green spaces are crucial for the longevity of elderly citizens (Takano T. et al, 2002). Nature has properties that can stimulate mental and physical restoration, and even initiate natural processes of healing (Health Council of the Netherlands,2004; Sternberg, 2010). The water-bodies have innate soothing qualities, while proper park design can stimulate physical activities. Even moderate levels of activity decrease the effects of sedentary lifestyle and mitigate modern health concerns. The idea of biophilic city might be applied to cities along the waterways, as the waterfronts provide the possibility to integrate nature directly into human lives and bind the green infrastructure with streets connective network. (Beatley T. 2011, www.biophilicities.org). Moreover, public green space, including waterfront parks, can be used to address the issues of social inequality. Low income areas are often deprived of high quality green space (CABE, London 2010). The public parks along waterways could bridge the natural environment and the diverse population of town dwellers. The linear parks could extend to connect different neighborhoods, thus enhancing the creation of bridging social capital. The interesting question may be how to transform modern waterfronts into friendly walk-able green public spaces. The quest for therapeutic landscapes is a relatively new landscape design approach that could be applied to urban design. The experience of healing gardens in healthcare settings might provide a helpful tool. Their design was at the beginning a trial and error method, but gradually became more scientifically proven, and nowadays many guidelines are available. Examples of waterfronts and their health promoting effects will be discussed. The interviews and statistic data will be described. The article will provide guidelines and points for further discussion.

Author (1)