Changing Industry; Exploring regenerative urban development beyond the clean slate

Abstract

Industrial ground and harbours have long been prime land in urban transformations, not seldom developed through demolition of the current context. Industrial landscapes from the 1930s-1970s are often seen as lacking architectural qualities, both regarding the street scape and the buildings. However, with the current sustainability paradigm it is relevant to ask how these landscapes can be integrated in urban redevelopment and land transformations. The aim of this thesis is to explore how industrial landscapes can be transformed through regenerative development while keeping current qualities. This to reevaluate and showcase how these places can become spaces for regeneration. Using the main question of “How can regenerative development be utilized to create regenerative areas in young industrial landscapes?”. The sub-questions touch upon the potential for place-based reuse in young industrial landscapes, how regenerative development can be worked with and what strategies are relevant. The thesis builds upon theories of regenerative development, young industrial landscapes and the soft city concept. To explore these questions an alternative development proposal is created for the mixed use industrial area of Lilla Vassbotten in Vänersborg. Working from a research by design methodology, the process of the proposal is based on the theories about regenerative design and strategical framework created by Regenesis group (Mang & Reed, 2012). Through this, site analysis, design and future co-evolution are explored. Conclusions of this thesis point out qualities conductive to reuse of industrial areas and how regenerative development can be integrated into them. The areas are shown to be adaptable, for example through its large spaces and levelled ground. Key points for engaging regeneratively include working site-specific with local narratives and stakeholders, participatory processes and establishing networks. Regenerative development is both a process and an aim, and as such it is never finalized.