Deciding on the Measures Implementation for Riverfront Flood Resilience: Actor Mapping and Network Analysis
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Editor(s)
Stefan Lazarevski
Elena Andonova
Ivana Angelova
Abstract
Riverfront redevelopments pose significant challenges in achieving effective flood resilience. The success of
riverfront design relies on a strategic combination of measures. Levees, floodwalls, and drainage systems are
known as structural measures and help mitigate immediate flood risks, while non-structural approaches, such as
land-use planning, policy frameworks, and community engagement, focus on offering long-term, adaptive
strategies. Over the past three decades, developments in Hamburg, Germany, have integrated structural and
non-structural measures into their flood management strategies. Even though there are exemplary models of
effective riverfront design in Germany, there is a lack of research regarding the specific design decisions that
contribute to their success. Additionally, the roles and influences of human and non-human actors in shaping
flood-resilient designs are insufficiently researched.
This paper investigates the actors involved in the implementation of either structural or non-structural interven
tions for flood resilience in the riverfront redevelopment in HafenCity in Hamburg. Using actor mapping and
visual network analysis, the research identifies key human and non-human actors involved in the process.
Furthermore, the mapping examined their influence on decision-making in the redevelopment of the riverfront.
Actor mapping and visual network analysis provide valuable insights into the strength and type of relationships
that shape the development and implementation of flood resilience strategies. Data planning documents, project
documentation, and regulatory frameworks was used to construct an actor-network map.
The analysis points out that HafenCity’s flood strategy relies on a three-part core: the City of Hamburg, which sets
the rules; HafenCity Hamburg GmbH enforces the rules in every land sale; and the Warft (elevated ground) model
that translates law into concrete defence works. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for
understanding the interplay of actors that influence the use of structural or non-structural measures for flood
resilience in riverfront redevelopment in HafenCity.
riverfront design relies on a strategic combination of measures. Levees, floodwalls, and drainage systems are
known as structural measures and help mitigate immediate flood risks, while non-structural approaches, such as
land-use planning, policy frameworks, and community engagement, focus on offering long-term, adaptive
strategies. Over the past three decades, developments in Hamburg, Germany, have integrated structural and
non-structural measures into their flood management strategies. Even though there are exemplary models of
effective riverfront design in Germany, there is a lack of research regarding the specific design decisions that
contribute to their success. Additionally, the roles and influences of human and non-human actors in shaping
flood-resilient designs are insufficiently researched.
This paper investigates the actors involved in the implementation of either structural or non-structural interven
tions for flood resilience in the riverfront redevelopment in HafenCity in Hamburg. Using actor mapping and
visual network analysis, the research identifies key human and non-human actors involved in the process.
Furthermore, the mapping examined their influence on decision-making in the redevelopment of the riverfront.
Actor mapping and visual network analysis provide valuable insights into the strength and type of relationships
that shape the development and implementation of flood resilience strategies. Data planning documents, project
documentation, and regulatory frameworks was used to construct an actor-network map.
The analysis points out that HafenCity’s flood strategy relies on a three-part core: the City of Hamburg, which sets
the rules; HafenCity Hamburg GmbH enforces the rules in every land sale; and the Warft (elevated ground) model
that translates law into concrete defence works. This paper provides a comprehensive framework for
understanding the interplay of actors that influence the use of structural or non-structural measures for flood
resilience in riverfront redevelopment in HafenCity.
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