New pattern of industrial identity in the spatial structure of polish cities

Abstract

The process of deindustrialisation has significantly increased the number of areas where existing industrial units had lost their previous role in production and became a document of industrial heritage. This problem is present in Western Europe, in Poland has become clearly visible at the political and economic transformations started in the late twentieth century. Rapid degradation of individual plants and entire industrial districts pose a challenge to the services responsible for protecting cultural heritage. Very important is a comprehensive program of documentation, protection and development of adequate mechanisms for the revitalization of industrial heritage. Post-industrial and degraded areas are considered because of the possibility of re-integration with functional and spatial structure of the city. Beside the problems they cause a number of positive expectations. As a sign of progress they may give a completely different rank and importance of urban areas, refresh the local labour market or stimulate a real estate market. They generally give a positive impact on urban development, and also become a place for realization of new attractive urban architecture solutions. Simultaneously the inclusion of old historical buildings into new organization of space proposed in the projects can not only help in preserving the identity of the place, but it is the best way to protect them showing the heritage of an earlier era in the new vibrant, functional landscape. Poland has already achievements in the urban development of cities, based on historically shaped industry, which is occurring in the landscape, so that it complements "contemporary times". Selected the most valuable objects were harmonized with elements of urban structure. Such examples will be presented in the publication.