The Art of Maritime Place-Making
A leisure concept shaped by water, landscape, and meaning
Just outside Gisenyi, on the northern peninsula of Lake Kivu in Rwanda, a concept was developed for a Maritime Experience Park in combination with a Family Village. This proposal connects water recreation, nature experiences, and family-oriented stays with the cultural and ecological context of the region.
Move, experience, connect
The concept offers space for small-scale water sports, scenic walking trails, natural wellness facilities, recreational harbors, and pools. The Family Village is designed as a temporary retreat where families can relax, explore, and reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with the surrounding landscape. A place that invites slowing down, wonder, and togetherness.
A place shaped with coherence and care
This concept emerged from an integrated approach to spatial development, with ecological balance, social cohesion, and spatial quality at its core. The design is sensitively aligned with the natural structure of the landscape, developed with an eye for context, resilience, and identity.
Our challenge – Recreation on water, with respect for the lake
The key challenge in this concept lies in carefully balancing maritime recreation with the ecologically complex reality of Lake Kivu. The lake has unique natural characteristics that invite special forms of water-based experiences—while at the same time imposing boundaries on what is feasible and responsible.
How do you design facilities that make the lake accessible to visitors without disrupting the delicate balance of currents, biodiversity, and water quality? That question was central in shaping a leisure concept that honours the lake—by engaging with it, not overrunning it.
Part of a broader vision
This concept was developed as part of a national tourism infrastructure master plan for Rwanda, authored by GreenDreamCompany. An international consortium was brought together to explore the concept in more depth. Although the project will not be implemented at this particular location, the concept remains transferable to other areas where water, landscape, and community spirit converge.
Project information
- Client: Erasmus Investment International SA
- Architects: LEVS Architecten & MTD Landscape Architects
- Site type: Greenfield
- Location: Gisenyi Port, Lake Kivu, Rwanda
- Size: 12.5 hectares
- GreenDreamCompany contributions:
- Site exploration
- Quick scan
- Leisure & Tourism stakeholder field trip
- Concept development
- Strategic project guidance
- Author of the national tourism infrastructure master plan
