Transformation directions of brownfields : the case of the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolis

Brownfields are remnants of the functional and spatial transformations of urban areas in Poland. They are particularly abundant in old industrial districts, based on coal mining and metallurgy. The aim of this study is to identify the transformation directions and functional changes of brownfields in the former Upper Silesian Industrial Region in southern Poland, which has evolved into the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolis (GZM) through the process of socio-economic transformation. The study makes use of the x2 test of independence and Cramer’s V as a post-test, and the method of in-depth interviews. The results indicate that the most popular new functions of post-industrial sites are production and services. When we consider large brownfields such as, in particular, disused mine dumps, dumping sites, settling ponds and workings, the most popular new form of land use is green spaces. Moreover, the study shows that the size of brownfields impacts their new forms of land use

Towards the Methodology for the Reuse of Industrial Heritage in China

The theme of this dissertation is to reflect on the reuse methodology for the industrial heritage, through the analysis of different reuse ways used in the Chinese cities. A comparative perspective with typical methodologies and strategies used in Europe is barely sketched in order to illuminate the specificities of the Chinese situation. The discussion on the industrial heritage mainly focuses on the immovable tangible industrial heritage in modern and contemporary time (after 1860), including the industrial buildings and industrial sites. They are called Industrial Architecture Heritage, according to definition provided by the Architectural Society of China established in the Industrial Architecture Heritage Academic Committee (IAHAC), which is the first academic organization for industrial heritage preservation in China. The other types of industrial heritage, such as the industrial equipment, production technology and enterprise culture, are also significant and should not be ignored in the reuse. Based on the main question--what is the methodology for the reuse of industrial heritage in China--there are some sub-questions: What are the main characteristics of the industrial heritage in China? How can the industrial heritage be recognized and protected in China? What is the regulation for the industrial heritage in China? What are the operation mechanisms of current reuse approaches for the industrial heritage in China? What are the problems of the conventional reuse methodology in China? What can we learn from the management and reuse methodology in Europe? Where is the balance between preservation and transformation of industrial heritage in China? How is it possible to deal with the conflict between economic goals and the value enhancement of industrial heritage? The whole dissertation is divided into six chapters: (1) Identifying the Industrial Heritage in China: Dilemma and Opportunities; (2) Exploring the Reuse Ways of Industrial Heritage in China; (3) Industrial Heritage in the Context of Europe: Conceptual and Methodological Issues; (4) Methodology for the Reuse of Industrial Building --Case Study: 1933 Old Millfun, Shanghai; (5) Methodology for the Regeneration of Historic Area with Industrial Heritage--Case study: Tianzifang , Shanghai; (6) Distinguishing the Methodology for the Reuse of Industrial Heritage in China. Their first part has a brief review of the question of industrial heritage between demolition, protection and reuse under the background of distinctive situation in China. The Chinese definition of industrial heritage is discussed with the industrialization process and its particularity different from the western counterpart. Since the management and regulations of industrial heritage are under the cultural heritage protection system, therefore, it is inevitable to have a discuss on the cultural heritage in terms of conceptual dimension and the legal management system in order to explain the difficulty in the protection of industrial heritage. The second chapter focuses on the different reuse ways of industrial heritage in several Chinese cities. The main reason for such a regional perspective is that the practice of industrial heritage reuse has been largely a result of their unique industry development history accompanied by the uneven policies in protection and reuse. As a result, a total of five cities are selected in this part: two municipalities directly under the Central Government—Beijing and Shanghai, which are the biggest metropolis in China; another two cities in the eastern coastal region—Tianjin and Nanjing; and one city in the north-east region—Harbin, a typical city in China’s traditional industrial base. They all industrial cities and facing the problem of abandoned industrial buildings and facilities after the de-industrialization. By reading the different reuse ways and protection policies and implementation in these cities located in different regions, the big picture of industrial heritage reuse in China would be showed together. The main aim of the third chapter is to read the evolution of industrial heritage’s conceptual and methodology dimensions in the Europe context. The concepts of “industrial archeology”, “industrial heritage” and “industrial landscape” are discussed respectively. It could say that industrial heritage always plays a central role when the European countries are dealing with these industrial remains throughout the social and economic programs. Therefore, the innovation of methodologies and the diversification of strategies, including the “patrimonialization”, industrial heritage tourism, Ecomuseum and trans-border collaboration, are studied in order to give some useful experience for the conservation and reuse of industrial heritage in China In the fourth and fifth chapters, with the two case studies of 1933 old Millfun and Tianzifang area, the specific reuse methodology of industrial heritage is present in both architecture and urban level. In the first case, through the restoration and renovation from 2006 to 2008, the original abattoir is reused as spaces for creative industry, such as conference, exhibition, banquet and office. This study, including the historical research on the realization of architecture and the reuse methodology research, shows how the protected industrial heritage can be rehabilitated with the new uses. The aim of historical research is to reveal the original designs and construction process of architecture, such as the original function, original architectural space, original material and original technology, basing on architectural archives from Shanghai Municipal Archives. Meanwhile, through reading the drawings, interviewing the architects who design it and site investigation, the strategy and methodology used for 1933 old millfun are studied in details. In the second case of Tianzifang, the mixed industrial and residential area was transformed into art community and commercial space. The aim of this research is to explore that how did a decline historical block mingled with industrial and residential functions gradually become such a popular and vibrant place with community-initiated rehabilitation in the context of huge transform over the past twenty years. Through the literature review and fieldwork, the historical geography of this area and the transformation of this area are revealed. Then the particularities of Tianzifang’s dramatic regeneration process are identified in the aim of contributing industrial heritage in the rehabilitation of historic districts. The sixth chapter is trying to summarize the characters of the typical reuse modes, such as government-leading reuse, enterprise-leading, developer-leading and government-assisting reuse, “bottom-up” reuse, pointing out their operation mechanism and the existing problems. Finally, this study suggest the methodology for the reuse of industrial heritage by offering the protocols in investigation, assessment, feasibility study and design principles for reuse

Le patrimoine industriel d’Itabira : histoire, souvenirs et perspectives d’avenir

The city of Itabira, located in the southeastern region of Brazil, has one of the largest and most important mining areas in the country, dating from the mid-20th century and which remain active today, exerting a great impact in the region and in the country. In addition to economic development, the mining industry brought major changes to the territory and significantly affected the landscape, the city and the lives of the inhabitants, leaving a strong industrial legacy that includes mines, ore processing plants, tailings dams and other industrial structures, that make the city a great symbol of the mining history in Brazil and an exceptional testimony to the social and economic changes caused by the extractive industry. Currently, the city faces serious environmental and social issues caused by mineral exploration and, towards the possibility of depleting mining resources, this study proposes, through strategies, proposals and guidelines, the valorization of its industrial heritage as an economic alternative for the future, thus reducing the impact of the end of iron ore exploration, overcoming the dependence of the mining sector and allowing to maintain and promote its industrial culture; RÉSUMÉ: La ville d'Itabira, située dans la région sud-est du Brésil, possède l'une des zones minières les plus grandes et les plus importantes du pays, datant du milieu du XXe siècle et qui reste active aujourd'hui, exerçant un grand impact dans la région et dans le pays. Outre le développement économique, l'industrie minière a apporté des changements majeurs au territoire et a considérablement affecté le paysage, la ville et la vie des habitants, laissant un héritage industriel fort qui comprend des mines, des usines de traitement du minerai, des digues de résidus et d'autres structures industrielles, qui font de la ville un grand symbole de l'histoire minière au Brésil et un témoignage exceptionnel des changements sociaux et économiques provoqués par l'industrie extractive. Actuellement, la ville est confrontée à de graves problèmes environnementaux et sociaux causés par l'exploration minière et, face à la possibilité d'épuiser les ressources minières, cette étude propose, à travers des stratégies, des propositions et des lignes directrices, la valorisation de son patrimoine industriel comme alternative économique pour l'avenir, ainsi réduire l'impact de la fin de l'exploration du minerai de fer, surmonter la dépendance du secteur minier et permettre de maintenir et de promouvoir sa culture industrielle

Revitalisation of spoil tips and socio-economic polarisation – a case study of Ruhr area (Germany)

The paper discusses issues about the revitalisation of spoil tips, socio-economic polarisation and social exclusion in the field of municipal recreational activities based on an example of the largest post-industrial region in Europe – the Ruhr area in Germany. Revitalisation of brownfield areas very often leads to the creation of leisure facilities of various types (with a range of entrance fees) and because of this it may mitigate, or exacerbate, the severity of these negative phenomena. In the Ruhr area there are 104 spoil tips of different origins (mine tips, slag heaps, rubbish dumps), sizes and shapes (from conical heaps, through table mountains shaped tips and intentionally shaped for landscape tips, to major tips) and state of preservation. The research has shown that it is possible to use the majority of these spoil tips in the Ruhr area (87 of them) as leisure facilities as they have been changed into green areas, parks, playgrounds, locations for sports activities and tourist attractions after their restoration. Furthermore, they are mostly accessible free of charge and may serve a wide range of people – from locals to visitors, from children to senior citizens etc., regardless of their income. As such they may mitigate the socio-economic polarisation tendencies in the region

Place branding and industrial heritage: spatial Strategies and Interventions in the Rurh area

The shaping of a strong, recognizable and thus attractive identity of a place is closely linked to the process of effective planning, both in strategic and in physical level. Heritage is a common marketing tool that relied on the exploitation and presentation of, among others, urban forms related to the past. The re-packaging and re-use of historical structures and brownfields, remains of previous urban development models often provide the field for a landscape renewal underscored a link with the past. The Ruhr Valley has long been linked to the industrial history of Europe due to the concentration of mining and steel industry. Since the 1970s, these activities have been declining causing severe social and economic problems. Today the region is undergoing a restructuring process. This work will focus on: (a) some of the strategies and actions implemented to identify a new identity of the area with an emphasis on the development of the Emscher Landshaftspark; and (b) the way in which the old abandoned industrial facilities were used in the context of configuring this new identity. The Emscher Landscape Park, developed in the 90s, offers an exceptional landscape of industrial culture and leisure activities. The related projects have improved the quality of life in the area while providing a network of attractions linked to the industrial heritage of the region. The revitalization or repurposing of the former industrial brownfields, is a major tool in this process for enhancement of the cities' but also the whole region's image. Following the presentation of the planning goals and principles for shaping the park, a series of examples of brownfields interventions will be presented (eg Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, Gasometer, Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord etc) in order to identify a typology. The conclusions will include a summary and assessment of the goals and choices made and, finally, the characteristics of the new identity that is being sought to promote the area

Urban Regeneration of Underused Industrial Sites in Albania

Industrial heritage can be considered as a significant asset of modern civilization, mostly epitomizing living patrimony of industrialization process. However, it nowadays represents under-valuated heritage, as a consequence of massive closure of industrial sites due to political and economical changes through years. This thesis focuses on the study and recognition of underused Albanian industrial sites, mostly constructed during the communist period, and proposes possible regeneration model based on international examples. The majority of Albanian degraded sites, due to change of regime and mass closure or harassment of industrial sites, are being seen as high priority objective from central government and municipalities. At the verge of approval of General National Plan of the Republic of Albania and most of Local General Plans for country’s municipalities, it has become a primary requirement the redevelopment of these “silent” assets, which now have the opportunity to become promotors of cities development. The study follows with descriptive analysis of international positive cases, reflecting how these internventions can be appropriately applied for Albanian cases. Consistent reuse methodologies were proposed based on three pillars: economic and urban, environmental and heritage. Lastly, this thesis presents general conclusion for practical application of the above mentioned methodologies, as a positive approac

Sustainable reclamation of industrial areas in urban landscapes

During the second half of the twentieth century a widespread crisis of numerous industrial sectors contributed to the appearance of derelict industrial areas. In this perspective the recycling of derelict industrial areas is indispensable for sustainable city development in the optic of recovery and conservation of our industrial heritage. The transformation of derelict industrial sites into public spaces represents a significant enhancement to the quality of life and land use, and at the same time marks a new commitment to the transformation of once-industrial sites to new cultural and environmental uses. This requires a new planning approach based on knowledge, new technologies and collaborative design. The present study evaluates three design strategies that might be used to reclaim derelict sites in urban areas transforming them for the society and the environment. Each is strategy related to different landscape characters: the heritage, the environmental and the socio-cultural character. The objective of the present work was to analyse those design strategies used in the reclamation of derelict industrial areas using three representative different case studies: Duisburg Nord, Fresh Kills and Downsview Park. In those projects it was found that the design strategies adopted minimize the environmental impact assuring a harmonious reclamation of the natural and built environments. Landscape architects such as Peter Latz, James Corner and Bruce Mau, have shown how to create culturally stimulating landscapes with a large variety of uses and activities arising out of the derelict remains of past industry

New Industrial Urbanism

Since the Industrial Revolution, cities and industry have grown together; towns and metropolitan regions have evolved around factories and expanding industries. New Industrial Urbanism explores the evolving and future relationships between cities and places of production, focusing on the spatial implications and physical design of integrating contemporary manufacturing into the city. The book examines recent developments that have led to dramatic shifts in the manufacturing sector – from large-scale mass production methods to small-scale distributed systems; from polluting and consumptive production methods to a cleaner and more sustainable process; from broad demand for unskilled labor to a growing need for a more educated and specialized workforce – to show how cities see new investment and increased employment opportunities. Looking ahead to the quest to make cities more competitive and resilient, New Industrial Urbanism provides lessons from cases around the world and suggests adopting New Industrial Urbanism as an action framework that reconnects what has been separated: people, places, and production. Moving the conversation beyond the reflexively-negative characterizations of industry, more than two centuries after the start of the Industrial Revolution, this book calls to re-consider the ways in which industry creates places, sustains jobs, and supports environmental sustainability in our cities. This book is available as Open Acess through https://www.taylorfrancis.com/