Buro Happold is at the forefront of design in the waterfront sector. We have a wealth of experience in coastal, riverside, harbour and marine developments and dockside regeneration schemes. To create engineering solutions specifically tailored to these unique waterside environments we employ a wide range of relevant disciplines such as masterplanning, river and coastal engineering, infrastructure design, wind and wave modelling, flood mitigation and shoreline management.

Waterfront developments present a variety of complex environmental challenges as well as offering attractive commercial opportunities. Carrying out any form of intervention – whether building development or a new coastal defence – has an influence on natural processes and the way that physical forces interact with the shoreline. Our understanding of these processes enables us to deliver solutions that successfully balance ecological with economic and technical considerations.

One of the most challenging aspects is the integration of water with site infrastructure, where sensitive and sustainable masterplanning is fundamental to our approach. Utility supply, storm and foul drainage, pollution dispersal and site access can be key constraints to development in coastal locations, lagoons or river basins. To optimise the potential of a site our water engineers lay down precise parameters for the design team in relation to matters such as water quality, marine biology and hydrodynamics.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is now mandatory for new waterside sites in most countries. This normally consists of two parts: a baseline inspection of the ground conditions and existing defences, and an impact assessment to identify risks (eg. flooding and erosion) as well as opportunities for implementing effective mitigation measures. We work closely with clients, architects and local authorities to assess the feasibility of a scheme and prepare well-considered applications for planning consent.