Urban Waterfronts in Europe and Beyond
Culture and Art for the Future of Cities by the Water

Contribute a chapter to an international book, published in print and as a Kindle e-book.

River//Cities invites  proposals from researchers, artists, cultural practitioners, urban planners, policymakers, cultural workers and community organisations for chapters in a forthcoming edited book exploring how urban waterfronts are changing and how culture, art, local communities and urban planning can help shape their future.

The book will be published in English by the Austrian publishing house Rote Nelke, both as a printed book and as a Kindle e-book available on Amazon.

Selected contributions will be brought together as chapters in one edited volume, connecting experiences and perspectives from Europe and beyond.

The focus of the book

The book examines urban spaces along rivers, lakes and coastlines, including waterfront neighbourhoods, former industrial areas and ports. It asks how these places can support cultural life, social justice, ecological wellbeing and meaningful public participation.

Every chapter should make a clear connection to urban waterfronts or the relationship between water and urban life.

Within this shared focus, authors are welcome to choose their own topics, titles and approaches. Contributions may draw on research, professional practice, artistic work, community initiatives or personal experiences.

Possible chapter themes

• Art, cultural activities and creative uses of waterfront spaces.
• The transformation of ports, industrial waterfronts and their cultural heritage.
• Public access to water, community participation and the right to the city.
• Housing on waterfronts, including social housing, affordable housing and inclusive neighbourhood development.
• Everyday life, mobility, wellbeing and happiness in urban places by the water.
• Cultural planning and cooperation between residents, artists, public authorities and other local actors.
• Climate adaptation, aquatic ecosystems and ideas for more sustainable waterfronts.

Chapter format and length

Chapters may take the form of essays, case studies, critical reflections, edited conversations, artistic contributions or research adapted for a wider readership.

Longer chapters may comprise approximately 3,000–4,500 words. Shorter articles, case studies and reflections are equally welcome.

All chapters should be written in English and be accessible to readers across different disciplines and professional backgrounds. Images, maps and other visual material are welcome where they support the contribution.

Payment, fees and complimentary copies

Contributions are unpaid. No honorarium or financial remuneration will be provided.

There are no submission or publication fees.

Each contributing author will receive one complimentary printed copy of the book.

Book presentations

The book will be presented at online and in-person events. All contributing authors will be warmly invited to participate, discuss their chapters and exchange ideas with fellow contributors and audiences.

How to express your interest

Please express your interest by 1 December 2026.

To express your interest, please send a proposed title, a short outline of approximately 200–300 words and a brief biography.

Please also indicate whether you would like to include images or other visual material.

Further deadlines, including the deadline for completed chapters, will be discussed and agreed jointly with the contributors.

Contact: office@rote-nelke.at

Edited by Bernd Herger, Bernhard Müller, Iwona Preis, Elisavet Papageorgiou and Liz Gardiner, together with the wider River//Cities network.