Beyond Buildings

Abstract

In recent decades, heritage preservation has expanded its scope beyond traditional monumental buildings to include industrial and maritime sites. This research explores the overlooked category of non-building structures, structures without walls and roofs, not built to protect people, animals or things, but for functional reasons, such as cranes or chimneys. Which despite lacking walls or roofs, are integral to maritime landscapes and cultural identity. These structures, referred to as maritime or industrial “leftovers," often lose their original function due to industrial decline, rendering them vulnerable to neglect or demolition.

Through literature review, value assessment, and case study analysis focused, this study investigates how these structures can be identified, valued, and transformed for contemporary use. Using Alois Riegl’s heritage value framework, combined with Steward Brands sheering layers a guideline on how to value these non- building structures is created. Examples such as the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam and dock cranes in Den Helder illustrate how adaptive reuse can preserve identity while providing new urban relevance.
The study concludes that non-building structures possess significant heritage potential and, if thoughtfully integrated into urban redevelopment, can serve as tangible links to maritime history. It proposes design strategies that balance conservation with innovation, ensuring these structures remain meaningful within their changing contexts.

This is implied in a design. The design focusses on the transformation of a former cranetrack in Dordrecht. Where a function and a viewing platform are added.