Understanding and developing locality with a non-representational approach: Cases of waterfront spaces along the river Rhine

Abstract

In response to the problem of urban uniformity and loss of identity, in the past, locality research focused mainly on the physical environment and their symbolic values. This study takes the initiative by applying the zero theory from human geography to the planning and design fields. It has investigated promenades and parks along the Rhine in 20 towns or cities using spatial analysis and on-site experiences. Four types of waterfront space have been identified from the case studies, and the pattern of their distribution along the Rhine suggests that this is influenced mainly by the varying characteristics of the river and the historical development of the towns. This result permits planning to refer to spatial layout based on a region's character. The research also reveals the dominance of representational thinking in our current design practice and its negative impact. The application of non-representational approaches reveals the importance of sensory experiences and everyday spaces for better on-site engagement, thus forming the basis for a set of design guidelines for achieving locality in river-related open spaces. The paper demonstrates that the non-representational theory could provide the opportunity to enliven the connection between people and places in locality research.