In 1990, Landscape–Roidis Studio was commissioned by the Municipality of Rethymno, Crete, to develop the comprehensive landscape design for the city’s seafront promenade. Extending approximately five kilometres along the coastline and spanning an average width of 45 metres, the proposal envisioned the transformation of the waterfront into a vibrant public realm that would strengthen the relationship between the city and the sea.

The design combined infrastructure, recreation, and landscape into a unified coastal experience. A new paving system established continuity along the promenade, while a sequence of public amenities, including seating areas, water features, athletic facilities, and landscaped gathering spaces, enriched the functionality of the waterfront. These interventions were carefully distributed along the route, creating a diverse series of destinations that encourage walking, social interaction, recreation, and relaxation.

Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing the identity of the promenade as a contemporary Mediterranean public space. The landscape strategy introduced extensive tree planting to provide shade and improve thermal comfort, creating a more hospitable environment throughout the year. Water elements were incorporated as focal points within the composition, adding visual interest and reinforcing the connection to the coastal setting.

The planting design played a central role in defining the character of the project. A carefully selected palette of summer-flowering shrubs introduced seasonal colour and texture along the waterfront, creating a dynamic landscape that evolves throughout the year. Combined with tree-lined avenues and generous green spaces, the planting strategy established a distinctive visual identity while contributing to environmental quality and user comfort.

The proposal sought to transform the seafront into more than a circulation corridor, reimagining it as an active public landscape and a defining element of the city’s identity. Through the integration of landscape, recreation, and urban infrastructure, the project created a framework for a resilient and attractive waterfront that celebrates the unique relationship between Rethymno and the Cretan coastline.