The revitalisation and regeneration of streets is a multi-faceted process aimed at breathing new life into urban areas, enhancing their functionality, attractiveness, and economic viability. This concept has gained significant attention from urban planners, policymakers, and community stakeholders seeking to address issues such as urban decay, blight and declining economic activity in cities. Several approaches and strategies have been employed to revitalise and regenerate streets, drawing from principles of urban design, placemaking, and community development (Lydon & Garcia, 2015). Streets have become important components of cities as they function as more than just connecting corridors; they are vital arteries constantly being reproduced and revitalised through the lived experiences of individuals who cross them on a daily basis. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a discernible global trend wherein urban waterfront redevelopment has garnered significant attention within major metropolitan centres. Once overlooked, these urban waterfront areas have transformed, emerging as pivotal loci for social, recreational, and economic endeavours.
This study explores the revitalisation and regeneration of urban streets, with a focus on Skeppsbron Street, which is an urban waterfront street in Malmö, Sweden. The research in order to evaluate the current conditions of this street and propose strategies to transform it into a vibrant, sustainable, and socially engaging urban space which originates from the two main goals of the research as follows:
1. Investigating and evaluating the significance of focusing on urban streets in the process of revitalising and regenerating urban areas.
2. Identifying and introducing a set of influential factors in design will encourage as many people as possible to participate in and be present in the city's street scene, thereby creating a lively and dynamic society.
By employing qualitative methods, including interviews, direct observations, and literature review, the study investigates the role of urban streets as vital public spaces that foster social interaction and community engagement. Drawing upon established urban theories from scholars such as Jane Jacobs, William H. Whyte, Allan B. Jacobs, Jan Gehl, and Donald Appleyard, the research highlights the importance of public space design in the processes of urban street regeneration and revitalisation.
The case study of Skeppsbron Street reveals that, despite its historical significance and strategic location, the street has not fully realised its potential as a dynamic public space. The analysis identifies key challenges, such as limited pedestrian activity and underutilised spaces, which hinder the street's ability to serve as a lively urban environment. To address these issues, the study proposes a set of regenerative strategies, including the activation of land use along the street edge, the introduction of temporary uses, and the enhancement of seasonal vegetation. These strategies aim to increase the street's attractiveness and functionality, thereby encouraging greater public participation and enhancing the overall urban experience.
By examining the current conditions of Skeppsbron Street and identifying potential regenerative elements, this study aims to provide insights into effective strategies for transforming urban streets into dynamic public spaces. The findings will contribute to the broader discourse on urban street revitalisation, offering practical recommendations for creating more sustainable, liveable, and engaging urban environments.