Urban riverfronts are significant ecological and social assets, yet a vast majority of them in India faces degradation due to unplanned development, encroachment, and inadequate flood management. This study addresses the gap between flood management practices and inclusive public space design along urban riverfronts by focusing on community-oriented design strategies. The main goal is to identify design frameworks that enhances flood resilience and quality of life of the urban population, using the Puzhakkal River in Thrissur as a reference case. The methodology involves a comprehensive secondary study of existing riverfront development case studies of similar contexts, such as the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad and the Yangpu Riverfront Greenway in Shanghai. A site study of the Puzhakkal Riverfront was conducted, including interviews to gather public experiences and concerns about floods and community engagement. The site study confirms that the riverfront is a critical zone where unregulated urban sprawl from Ayyanthole directly compromises the flood-mitigation capacity of the Puzhakkal Padam (Kole Wetland), leading to ecological degradation and an unaddressed community demand for safe, resilient, and multi-functional public recreational space. The findings of the study are a set of design recommendations that can transform urban riverfronts into active public spaces that are not only flood-resistant but also socially vibrant. The framework includes concepts such as GBI integrated promenade system, bioswale integrated filtration system, adaptable public spaces, and landscapes designed to manage floods, and promote community engagement. By utilizing these concepts, similar cities and riverfronts can revitalize neglected riverfronts and create accessible spaces that bring people together while protecting against floods. Further research could focus on more detailed engineering studies to refine these concepts.
S et al. (Thu,) studied this question.