Construction of a flood barrier and promenade on the Elbe River in Hamburg has been completed.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), the 625m long walk is located above the Niederhafen barrier, and is a popular tourist attraction offering views of the Elbe and the port.
A three-storey restaurant and two food kiosks are built into the flood protection structure. The top floor of the restaurant cantilevers over its adjacent staircase and gives diners panoramic views of the Elbe.
The 10m-wide promenade will offer space for "pedestrians, joggers, street performers, food stalls and cafes", as well as shops and public utilities.
The flood barrier is about 8.9m above sea level, and is designed to protect the city from storm surges and extreme high tides. In 2006, an inspection found that the existing barrier was structurally damaged, after which ZHA was selected to design a replacement.
Images courtesy of ZHA/Piet Niemann
