Waterfront Transit-Oriented Development: A Comprehensive Review of Urban Revitalization

Abstract

Waterfront Transit Oriented Development (WTOD) is a pioneering urban development strategy that harnesses the allure and utility of water banks to foster vibrant, mixed-use communities. At its core, WTOD embodies a place-making philosophy, leveraging the natural attraction of waterfronts to stimulate social and economic activities. As urban populations continue to grow, the need to develop sustainable, livable cities becomes ever more pressing. WTOD offers a promising avenue to address this need. However, a comprehensive understanding of its multifaceted impact, challenges, and best practices is essential. This necessitates a thorough review of WTOD concepts from various angles - economic, environmental, social, and cultural. Globally, cities are leveraging their waterfronts for economic rejuvenation and social enrichment, while in India, initiatives like inland water transit projects illustrate WTOD's potential for urban renewal. The research navigates through the historical, practical, and design aspects of WTOD, unraveling its potential as a transformative tool for urban revitalization and sustainable development. Through a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative historical analysis with case study evaluations, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of WTOD. It offers insights into the transformative power of integrating waterfront development with transit-oriented design, presenting WTOD as a viable strategy for sustainable urban growth, increased density, and enhanced community well-being. The findings and discussions presented in this paper contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on urban development, place-making, and environmental sustainability.