木瓜影院 Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) is organizing a Technical Deep Dive (TDD) on Waterfront Redevelopment from November 11 to 15, 2024, in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kobe, Japan. Approximately 35 representatives from Bangladesh, Jamaica, Kenya, Paraguay, and Vanuatu, who are engaged in urban development and waterfront redevelopment projects, along with World Bank staff, will participate in this TDD.
Vibrant waterfronts have long been defining features of great cities and urban centers, even as the relationship between their urban centers and their waterfronts have evolved over time. Many urban waterfronts grew out of their role as gateways for trade and transport and were once dominated by manufacturing and maritime activities such as shipyards, warehouses, and heavy industries, serving as essential transportation corridors. Today, many cities are now recognizing the potential to revitalize and reinvent their waterfront assets.
This TDD will leverage Japan's experience with waterfront development, focusing on its history of coexisting with water and promoting development practices that are resistant to water-related disasters. It will review Japan's transformation from focusing on developing industrial waterfronts to more human-centric development driven by innovative projects that aim to revitalize urban spaces. The TDD will also examine urban planning methods that have supported these changes. Kobe and Yokohama, two port cities in Japan, are case studies for this TDD. Both cities have experienced significant transformation in their waterfront spaces, and are planning further developments to enhance livability.
During the site visits, participants will explore the Minato Mirai 21 area and Tsurumi River Basin’s Shin-Yokohama Park in Yokohama City, as well as Kobe City’s waterfront areas near the Meriken Park, the newly developing area around TOTTEI, and Hyogo Canal. The TDD aims to offer strategic insights into successful waterfront development by showcasing Yokohama and Kobe's experience alongside other international examples such as waterfront cases from Toronto, Canada, Kingston, Jamaica, Singapore, and Barranquilla, Colombia.