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The relationship between human settlements and water has been complex and multidimensional throughout history. However, the urban history of cities is intrinsically related to their interaction with the element of water. The element of water enables spectacles to occur. People gravitate towards the water's edge, socio-cultural life improves, new spaces are discovered, and, in turn, the city is reconciled with the waterfront (natural harbour/river) by invigorating the civic realm via the activation of public space(s). The conference paper focuses on exploring four different international urban master-planning projects (Casablanca in Morocco, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in China, Liverpool in the United Kingdom and Shanghai in China), which utilise the element of water (natural harbour/river) as a means of reinvigorating major district(s) within city centres via the process of reconciliation, and in turn, reinventing the image of the city. The main aim of the research team is to understand the dynamics behind these urban master-plan projects and to highlight the new aspects of the process of reevaluation/re-invention of the city's identity and urban character through reconnecting to the water's edge (natural harbour/river) and regenerating the waterfront. In summary, this paper is an attempt to express the significance of integrating water as a unified natural element and as an essential landscape feature within urban master-planning visions leading to a more sustainable future for our cities globally, as well as to highlight the new urban design aspects of the process of re-evaluation and re-invention of the city's identity and urban character. The main drive of the paper is that emphasising links to the element of water should be considered a key lead urban design factor within the regeneration of cities internationally.

Consulting Engineer, Oscar F a k r and PartnersFor discussion at an Ordinary Meeiing on Tuesday, 5 December, 1961, at 5.30 p m . , and for subsequent wriiten discussion HISTORY THE Cardiff City Council decided in 1954 to erect a covered swimming pool in the central area of the city in order to remedy the deficiency in modern swimming facilities which, at that time, consisted of two open-air pools and a large but outmoded closed pool constructed towards the end of the last century.2. They were handicapped at that time by the rigorous restriction imposed on local government capital expenditure but the decision to hold the 1958 Empire Games at Cardiff emphasized the need for a swimming pool of international dimensions and the policy was adopted of providing one central comprehensive pool, instead of the five district pools which had been provided for in the city's development plan. It was, therefore, decided that the opportunity should be taken to provide modern baths adequate not only to meet the exacting requirements of the games but also to correct the existing deficiency.3. The dual purpose provided a sufficiently cogent case to justify loan sanction from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for the expenditure.4. The contract was let at the end of 1956 and completed (except for the Turkish baths) in time for the games in July 1958. Site5. The building is situated in the centre of the city near the general railway station and central bus station. The site is part of the Wood Street pre-war slum-clearance area and adjoins the River Taff.6. The site, at 27 O.D., is practically level, but subject to a variable watertable from the adjacent tidal river, which has a high-water level only 1 ft below ground level.7. The three-storey building covers an area 230 ft X 172 ft, the pool itself being 165 ft X 60 ft. It is 3 ft deep at the shallow end and 16 ft deep under the diving stage, which comprises two l-m spring-boards, two 3-m spring-boards, 29 321 Downloaded by [ Swinburne University] on [11/09/16].

Many renovations of former industrial sites in China have failed to respond to the different contexts of location within their design.Resulting from an international funded research project, this paper considers Human-Centred Emotional Design and cultural strategy as urban renovation tools that can attract capital, mark the city as a distinctive brand and encourage interaction and sensual engagement from citizens. This paper pinpoints the project's initial discoveries and captures a range of personal narratives reflecting the real experiences of Chinese people. The findings unlock potential opportunities for culturally coherent regeneration strategies.