Memory and Transformation: the case of Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

In the last years, the international debate has drawn attention to the complex issues regarding the transformation of the waterfront and the simultaneous preservation of memory and identity of places. The case study on the implementation of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, is presented as an effective response to this problem, achieving a positive impact both economically, functionally and symbolically. The choices of the project have been able to balance the needs of commercial and cultural reasons, pursuing a functional transformation of the areas, but at the same time preserving the historical memory. The article intends to investigate the cultural and architectural project’s topics, in order to identify their strengths with a view to a more conscious preservation of the waterfront harbors.