# Coastal City Renewals Jesselton Docklands Coastal Development Brings Layered Skyline to Sabah By Amy Duong | Published 2025-08-30 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jesselton References: [snohetta](http://snohetta.com/)  The Jesselton Docklands coastal development in Kota Kinabalu draws inspiration from the region’s mountainous horizon to reshape a former port into a dynamic public space. Designed by [Snøhetta](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jesselton-docklands), the 114,000-square-metre site includes residential towers, hotels, and public amenities, all arranged around a marina and long pedestrian corridor. The stepped building forms mirror Mount Kinabalu’s jagged ridgeline. According to the studio, the design aims to create a “skyline reminiscent of a mountain range,” blending built and natural landscapes. The waterfront is designed to be flood-resilient and ecologically responsive, using rain gardens, raised pathways, and native vegetation to support biodiversity. Elements like stilted platforms and elevated green decks pay tribute to [traditional water-village architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-neighborhood). Two sculptural buildings mark the edge of the docklands, framing a route toward the ferry terminal and open public gathering zones. The overall layout encourages movement, shade, and connection with Sabah’s rich natural surroundings. Image Credit: Aesthetica ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 48% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Ecological Urban Design:** Eco-friendly urban planning is redefining coastal developments with flood-resilient features and biodiversity-supporting landscapes. - **Biophilic Architecture:** Fusing nature with urban environments, buildings that mimic local topographies enhance the aesthetic and functional harmony of cities. - **Adaptive Reuse of Ports:** Transforming outdated port areas into vibrant public spaces presents opportunities for sustainable community-oriented urban renewal. ### Who This Affects Most - **Real Estate Development:** Innovative real estate projects integrate natural design elements to create environmentally responsive and sustainable urban living spaces. - **Sustainable Infrastructure:** The emergence of infrastructure projects that prioritize ecological responsiveness indicates a shift towards greener urban landscapes. - **Construction and Architecture:** A focus on architectural designs that incorporate local landscapes can revolutionize traditional construction practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tropical Waterfront Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jesselton-docklands.md) - [Mixed-Use Developments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skamarken.md) - [Waterfront Transformation Public Park](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wilmington-waterfront-promenade.md) - [Textile-Inspired Skyscraper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airside.md) - [Industrial Waterfront Headquarters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nderkleiva.md) - [Boat-Inspired Community Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esbjerg-maritime-center.md) - [Upcoming Architectural Floating Parks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centroparco.md) - [Rock‑Like Coastal Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nature-rocks-visitor-centre.md) - [Lakefront District Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lake-views.md)