The history of Bahrain is inextricably tied to the exploration and exploitation of the seas. It would seem highly desirable that a revival of the Port can come to symbolize Bahrain’s historic links with the maritime world. A ‘people place’ brings people together. In the history of the built environment, people are brought together not only by common need but also by symbolic landmarks that dominate their physical and cultural world.

The old Port can therefore be re-created to become a focal point for the people of Bahrain- a ‘people place’ such as the squares of Europe: the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Trafalgar Square in London, Piazza San Marco in Venice and so on - the heart of the city. Just as the Financial Harbour City will showcase Bahrain as a financial hub of the Gulf, we propose that Mina Salman be re-developed to create a landmark of symbolic and economic value to Bahrain by an extensive exploitation of the most beautiful resource that we see all around her, the sea.