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Development projects along the edge of the Dotonbori River |
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Aiming to develop a new water metropolis
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Image sketch of completed
walkway
(zone from Ebisu Bridge to Tazaemon Bridge
opened in December of 2004) |
The growth of Osaka can be traced to the use of the Dotonbori River and
a host of other waterways flowing throughout the city. Rivers constituted
a crucial element in the lives of the people.
However, recent years have seen a rise in the prominence of motorized
land vehicles as a means of conveyance and a deterioration in water quality.
With the steady pace of reclamation of waterways, opportunities for people
to come in contact with rivers are vanishing.
The Dotonbori River has benefited over time from various purification
measures to such an extent that one can now witness the sight of swimming
fish. However, people are unable to walk in close proximity to this river
given its high embankment walls and can only gaze upon its surface from
atop bridges.
Development projects along the edge of the Dotonbori River aim to rejuvenate
the river and help forge a new water metropolis by developing walkways
of a height that would allow people to come as close to the surface of
the water as possible while improving the water quality according to
a prescribed plan. In this way, it is hoped that the historical bonds
between the people and their rivers can be reestablished. A new walkway
between Ebisu Bridge and Tazaemon Bridge opened in December of 2004. |
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Basic orientation underlying efforts to renew our rivers |
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- Bringing rivers into the urban fold
Creating an east-west pedestrian walkway passing through downtown
Osaka
- Develop rivers as open spaces
Provide recreation and gathering spaces, such as event plazas and
parks, that complement land use along rivers
- Utilize the water
Maintain a fixed water level and activate ship-based transportation
- Improve water quality
Open and close water gates and install purifying plants
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| Current state of Dotonbori River |
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Image sketch of completed walkway
(zone from Ebisu Bridge to Tazaemon Bridge: slated for completion in
the fall of 2004) |
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| Integration with Minatomachi River Place |
Dotonbori River water gate |
Higashiyokobori River water gate |
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