Le Havre and Akçakoca: waterfront transformation lessons

Recently, I have been involved in a project focused on the revitalization of Le Havre’s Brise Vent, which has prompted me to reflect on the broader transformation of Le Havre and draw comparisons with my hometown Akçakoca. This series of writings seeks to uncover the unending change or resistance of the two waterfronts, that will be followed by other cities, and their history of change, while also exploring the lessons that can be learned from transformation under scopes varying from the influence of industrialization to preserving natural heritage.

The significance of waterfronts

It is known that waterfronts are one of the most important amongst the urban landscapes, serving as a significant crossroad of history, commerce, and culture, as well as where cities interacted both with the sea and the world beyond. Over time, however, vast industrialization changed many waterfronts by turning them into shipping and industrial production hubs, followed by falling into decay due to global economic shifts and industrial decline, leaving them underutilized in parallel to a call reasoned by environmental concerns about the impact of the industrialised ports on waterfronts.

Cities around the world including Le Havre have responded by transforming these neglected or soon to be deserted spaces into vibrant, multifunctional areas that blend commerce, culture and recreation. Thus, these series of writings will focus on two waterfront settlements, Le Havre in France and Akçakoca in Turkey, that vary vastly in scale, scope and essence while one being a major industrial and trading hub for France, as the other trying to preserve its historical and natural aspects despite being surrounded by industrial settlements and possible future industrial conurbations.

Le Havre, a major port city in France, has embarked on an ambitious transformation, preserving its industrial heritage while reinventing itself for the future. Meanwhile, Akçakoca, a smaller coastal town in Turkey, faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability as it works to attract tourism and support its local economy. By exploring the history and revitalization efforts of both locations, along with insights from other coastal cities on the following writings, we will examine the common challenges they face and consider how lessons from Le Havre’s transformation might be applied to Akçakoca's distinct context.

Le Havre in the pages of history

Le Havre has been the synonym of maritime trade and industrial strength for France. Founded in 1515 by King Francis I, the city was initially established as a military outpost yet grew into one of France’s crucial trading points by the 19th century. The port’s strategic location allowed the city to become a hub for global trade routes, reconnecting France to the outer world and colonies and facilitating the export of goods like timber, minerals, and textiles.

However, the city’s progress came to a halt as it suffered mass destruction during World War II. The city was heavily bombed by the Allies, which left the city in ruins. The destruction was so vast on scale that the city had to be entirely rebuilt, except a few remain of architectural importance. The immediate need for reconstruction offered a unique opportunity to rethink urban planning and design while still carrying the traces of the past.

The aftermath rebuilding of rebuilding was entrusted to Auguste Perret, a pioneer of modernism at the time, who used reinforced concrete in repeating series and patterns to create a distinctive urban fabric. Perret’s vision of Le Havre as a modernist city, characterized by clean lines and functional buildings, earned the city UNESCO world heritage status in 2005, highlighting the importance of architectural heritage.

Despite this recognition, the city's port experienced a significant downturn in the latter half of the 20th century due to the decline of heavy industry and the rise of container shipping. As the surroundings are in the verge of falling into despair, the city is facing its imperative revitalization while preserving its industrial and architectural heritage.

A vision for future Le Havre

Le Havre’s waterfront was conceived as a part of a broader strategy to transform the city’s industrial zones into vibrant public spaces to attract both international and national tourism and commerce, while maintaining its historical and cultural identity. The core of this transformation is built on three interrelated pillars as heritage preservation, sustainable urban development, and public engagement.

The preservation of Le Havre’s architectural and industrial heritage has been a central theme of the waterfront revitalization. The city’s UNESCO World Heritage status, which recognizes Auguste Perret’s post-war reconstruction, requires careful consideration of how new developments interact with the historical urban landscape. One of the most prominent examples of adaptive reuse in Le Havre’s waterfront revitalization is the transformation of Les Docks Vauban, a series of 19th-century warehouses that have been repurposed into a mixed-use development featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces. This project not only preserves the industrial character of the docks but also injects new life into the area by creating a vibrant commercial district.

Another significant heritage project is the redevelopment of Quai Southampton, which has become a public space that celebrates Le Havre’s maritime history. The transformation of this quay into a pedestrian-friendly plaza, complete with art installations and public seating, demonstrates how industrial areas can be re-imagined as cultural and recreational spaces.

Sustainability, on the other hand, is a cornerstone of waterfront redesign and redevelopment in Le Havre. As climate change and rising sea levels threaten coastal cities, the city has initiated environmentally friendly urban design to safeguard its future. The Port 2000 project, which began in the early 2000s, is a remarkable example of this approach. The project includes measures to protect the natural environment, such as incorporating green infrastructure through the restoration of wetlands and the construction of natural flood barriers, eco-friendly stormwater management systems, while expanding the port’s capacity for global trade to sustain economic growth within the scope of sustainable development in parallel to addressing environmental concerns. These efforts aim to mitigate the environmental impact of port activities while preserving biodiversity along the coastline.

In addition to ecological measures, Le Havre’s revitalization emphasizes green energy and sustainable transportation. The waterfront redevelopment includes solar energy installations, energy-efficient buildings, and improved public transportation options, such as tram lines and bicycle paths, which reduce reliance on cars. The city’s goal is to create a waterfront that not only serves as an economic hub but also contributes to the fight against climate change.

Le Havre’s waterfront revitalization has been shaped by a participatory approach that involves the local community in decision-making processes. Public consultations, design competitions, and exhibitions have allowed residents to provide input on how the waterfront should be transformed. This public engagement has ensured that new developments, such as the Les Bains des Docks swimming complex, reflect the needs and desires of Le Havre’s residents.

Economic revitalization is another key objective of the waterfront transformation. Le Havre’s port remains one of the largest in Europe, and the Port 2000 expansion has enhanced its capacity for container shipping, positioning the city as a critical node in global trade. In parallel, the development of cruise ship terminals and tourist-friendly spaces along the waterfront has boosted the city’s tourism industry. This combination of commercial and cultural development has created a dynamic waterfront that supports economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Can Le Havre be a role model of balanced development?

Le Havre’s waterfront revitalization provides a compelling example of balancing heritage preservation, sustainability, and responding to modern urban needs such as economic growth. Through adaptive reuse such as by repurposing historical industrial structures, sustainable design, and public engagement, Le Havre has successfully transformed its industrial waterfront into a multifunctional urban space that celebrates its past while preparing for the future.

Le Havre’s approach to this development that emphasizes both environmental concerns and economic growth, provides valuable lessons for other cities facing similar challenges. As we shift our focus to Akçakoca, we will see how a smaller, more rural and less industrialized coastal town in Turkey facing similar challenges and how the town responded so far, albeit on a different scale and with a greater emphasis on environmental conservation.