Page 125 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025
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to destinations

                                                                                tion to this trend of waterfront transfor-
                                                                                mation. Today, the Rhine has become
                                                                                a popular destination for many travel-
                                                                                lers in the cruise market, with numer-
                                                                                ous small-scale luxury river cruise ships
                                                                                attracting a significant share of passen-
                                                                                gers with high expectations and needs.
                                                                                Düsseldorf’s local authorities were the
                                                                                first to take advantage of this popular-
                                                                                ity and focus on projects that would
                                                                                enhance the aesthetics of the urban
                                                                                fabric while also increasing its appeal
                                                                                to visitors.
                                                                                Of course, the example set by Düssel-
                                                                                dorf could not be ignored by neigh-
                                                                                bouring Cologne. The rivalry between
                                                                                the two cities, after all, has always been
                                                                                – and continues to be – ever-present.
                                                                                Cologne’s riverside was well-suited for
                                                                                redevelopment in a way that reflects the
                                                                                city’s historical traditions as well as the
                                                                                welcoming nature of its residents. Now-
                                                                                adays, Cologne is undergoing a trans-
                                                                                formative period, with both public and
                                                                                private initiatives enhancing the acces-
                                                                                sibility and attractiveness of its riverside
                                                                                areas for residents and visitors alike.
                                                                                These projects aim to foster a vibrant
                                                                                urban environment that harmoniously
                                                                                blends historical heritage with modern
                                                                                urban living.

                                                                                Public initiatives: Revitalising
                                                                                the riverside
                                                                                The Rheinauhafen (Rheinau Harbour)
                                                                                in Cologne is a prime example of suc-
                                                                                cessful waterfront redevelopment.
                                                                                Once  a bustling  industrial harbour
                                                                                established in the 1880s, it has been
                                                                                transformed into a vibrant urban dis-
                                                                                trict blending modern architecture,
                                                                                cultural institutions, and sustainable
                                                                                urban living. Spanning 15.4 hectares
                                                                                along the river between the Severins-
                                                                                brücke and the Südbrücke, the area now
                                                                                hosts a mix of residential, commercial,
                                                                                and recreational spaces. At the heart
                                                                                of Rheinauhafen stand the Kranhäuser
                                                                                (Crane Houses), three striking buildings
                                                                                designed to resemble harbour cranes.
                                                                                Completed between 2006 and 2010,
                                                                                these structures are supported by
                                                                                slender glass stair towers and feature
                                                                                cantilevered arms extending over the
                                                                                river. The middle building, Kranhaus1,
                                                                                won the MIPIM Award in Cannes in
                                                                                2009. Today, these buildings house
             Photo credits: Naftika Chronika
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