Abstract
This thesis tackled Trondheim’s problematic relation to its waterfront and included
Nyhavna as an opportunity for improving this relationship in the future. It approached
two existing active waterfronts in Trondheim, Brattøra, and Korsvika and conducted
public life studies using mixed-method research. Using observation, survey, and
interviews, it approached the users of waterfronts and surveyed their activities, feelings,
perception, and behavior in waterfronts. Participants public life provided some insights
that were suggested for implementation for the future of Nyhavna’s public space
waterfront. Furthermore, it concluded that waterfronts are public spaces. In order to make
them more welcoming to different groups of the society, it needs to provide various
opportunities for social life activities besides the presence of open water.