At the Niederhafen port area on the banks of the Elbe River, the British firm Zaha Hadid Architects has upgraded and reinforced the flood protection system of the northern German city of Hamburg. Resulting from a 2006 competition, the operation reconstructs the existing barrier, increasing its height. The linear structure is 8.6 meters above sea level in its eastern section and 8.9 in its western section. Stretching on top of the floor protection barrier, the riverside promenade links up adjacent neighborhoods, and with a mínimum width of 10 meters offers generous public spaces, providing bike lanes and wide ramps. The oscillating walkway is carved with stairs that become small amphitheaters. The pedestrian areas are clad in a dark, anthracite-colored granite that contrasts with the light gray granite of the stairs.