Technology: Flood Protection in Miltenberg
Flood protection in towns and cities has become a topical issue, following the many disasters of recent years. Measures of this kind are expensive, however, and they should ideally be seen as an opportunity to open a town to its riverscape and develop new leisure areas. The old town centre of Miltenberg on the River Main is a case in point. Built on a narrow valley terrace, the town follows the curve of the river, and the proximity to the water has always posed a threat. A special report drawn up in this context illustrates how the needs of flood protection often conflict with basic urban planning goals. What emerged was the importance of developing and upgrading the areas along the river for use as a recreational zone. The promenade, completed in 2003, forms the first main section of the redesign of the river embankment, which will ultimately extend over a length of 1.5 km. The promenade provides an attractive cycle and pedestrian route along the Main, linking the old town centre with the municipal baths and a parking block to the north. By restructuring the parking along the embankment, it was possible to implement a new concept laid out on two levels: an upper, paved terrace with a view to the river is linked by stairs and ramps to a lower open area.
