The sustainable development of harbor cities was investigated during an International Workshop of design professionals organized by a French non-for profit organization. The focus was on examining the synergies of Dunkirk, a strategically positioned Harbor-City in terms of: international business relationships, cultural exchanges, migratory phenomena, synergy with the hinterland (territory of mining passageways located in the metropolis of Lille), maritime imaginary etc.
Dunkirk is one of the crossroads of Europe, a meeting point of Latin and north European cultures. Its position, northernmost in France, makes it the gate to Northern Europe with proximity to one of the busiest shipping straits in the world. Historical conquests show the strategic role of the city for the region.
The proposal provided recommendations for achieving sustainability goals and balanced development of the city. Aspects of study included economic recommendations, mobility proposals, and the investigation of impacts on harbor evolution in its region.
The introduction to this workshop provided a lot of scientific data, revealing a complicated relationship between the city and the port. In order to gain more understanding of local issues, we decided to utilized a “bottom-up” method by getting input from inhabitants of the agglomeration through a series of interviews, performed separately from the workshop organization. The questions asked were about the relationship between working and living areas, the role of Dunkirk as the center of the Agglomeration (that provides specialized commerce, services and cultural activities); descriptions of the positive and negative urban aspects of the municipalities; expectations on new projects; etc. We also emphasized reactions and comments about the sense of identity within the Agglomeration, and the points with which people have an emotional connection. These interviews gave us a clearer picture of community issues and identity, which were not completely understood during the series of introductory and scientific presentations.
The final proposal approach was based on the following
- Accentuate the history and tradition, to capitalize on the potential of:
- the Dunkirk city center and other historic cities within the Agglomeration (CUD);
- the existing port infrastructure;
- traditional events, such as Dunkirk’s carnival…
- Reinforce the good aspects of the port and minimize the environmental and social impacts of such activity
- Develop economic strategies and potential beyond the sea and the port that would add value to the region and bring together the north (urban) and south (agricultural) parts of the Agglomeration: (eco) tourism, (organic) agriculture, (‘nautical’ and rural) sports, arts and culture, entertainment, education…
- Address issues of sustainability and climate change. Provide models for sustainable development in terms of morphology, water preservation, storm water drainage, research and production of renewable energy, etc ,
- Improve the Agglomeration’s multimodal transportation system, in order to respond to the contemporary needs and to support the current and future investments
- City Branding: To develop the image of the Agglomeration through an integrated sequence of projects and policy changes that clearly communicate concepts of “Dunkirk as a gateway to Europe”, “Northern France as a desirable destination for live-work-play and vacation”, “Port as a sustainable activity, something to be proud of”…
The final presentations were made to International “jury” members and local government officials.
