To clarify the waterfront concept and to give a brief explanation of waterfront, to define the problems in urban waterfront development, to formulate the planning and design criteria for redevelopment process according to its characteristics, to impress the necessity of urban design in waterfront redevelopment projects, to form a general base for how a waterfront development project has to be done are the basis of the study. The aims listed above is achieved by the subject's consideration in two approaches including the theoretical and the pragmatic approaches. The sensitive and an intensive literature survey, including detailed examination of the experiences of the developed countries and the applications in Turkey, is done for the formation of the theoretical base and the pragmatic approach is reflected as in the form of a case study in izmir. The different approaches to the problems of the waterfronts ant the strategies and policies developed for the revitalization of these areas are determined with a detailed examination of the evolution, characteristics of the waterfronts and the applied projects. The regeneration projects give clues about how a waterfront should be redeveloped. This study proved that the determination of the characteristics of the city, functions and the users, potential and constraints within the project area and an efficient urban design study are the factors required for a successful regeneration of the waterfront areas. Consequently, a comprehensive planning and design approach, provision of public participation in predevelopment stage, good programming, management and efficient implementation decisions will make the abandoned waterfronts liveable, healthy, and enhanced places for the citizens and economically viable for the city itself.