Exploring Nature-based Solutions for Urban Waterfront Regeneration: From theory to spatial application | Sara Marzio (PhD Researcher, Instituto Superior Técnico)
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Urban waterfronts, as dynamic interfaces between urban land and water, are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, environmental degradation, and rapid urbanisation. As cities continue to expand along coastlines, rivers, and other waterbodies, these complex areas require more holistic approaches that can respond to overlapping environmental, spatial, and socio-economic pressures. Traditional hard-engineered infrastructure, while often providing short-term protection, can contribute to long-term ecological degradation, habitat loss, and reduced urban resilience. In urban waterfronts, where grey infrastructure and limited space converge, the integration of more sustainable and adaptive solutions remains particularly challenging.
In response, Nature-based Solutions offer a transformative approach to urban waterfront regeneration, using ecological processes to enhance resilience, restore biodiversity, and create multifunctional spaces that benefit both nature and society. However, while NbS have been widely studied in less constrained environments, their application in urbanised waterfronts remains underexplored.
This presentation examines how NbS can be applied to urban waterfront regeneration by moving beyond predefined categories towards strategic orientations observed in real-world case studies. It focuses on three recurring approaches: retrofitting waterfront edges through hybrid green-grey solutions, restoring degraded waterfront environments, and increasing permeability through water-sensitive urban systems. By addressing the gap between theoretical definitions and spatial practices, it highlights the multifunctional role of NbS, while discussing geographical disparities, implementation limits, and the need for more context-sensitive approaches.
Sara Marzio is an architect and an MSCA PhD Candidate at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, within the GreeNexUs project. Her interests lie at the intersection of sustainable urban transformation, climate adaptation and the relationship between cities and nature. Her PhD research focuses on the green regeneration of urbanised waterfronts, exploring how Nature-based Solutions can be applied and examining the challenges of integrating ecological strategies in dense and space-constrained waterfront areas. She also has professional experience in internationally recognised architecture studios, contributing to projects related to sustainable urban transformation.