Juxtaposition of realities in transformation areas

Abstract

The shortage of housing stock and the deindustrialization of cities have rendered many areas prone to severe transformations. Many sites across the
country have been characterized as transformation areas. In an effort to battle the housing crisis, urban redevelopment processes have been initiated or are under examination for a plethora of industrial sites. Former port piers start to transform into residential and mixed-use areas. Many of the locations though,
house active manufacturing facilities that are forced to be relocated without appropriate planning. Is there a way to diversify our cities while permitting
new forms of co-existence between new and existing functions? What are the transformations of the urban fabric that could facilitate this?
Usually, those areas are dealt with a tabula rasa mentality, not respecting the communities and the productive landscapes that are embedded within. This often results to fancy but uniform, new residential areas that fail to meet the identity of the place that was already there. The active displacement of
the communities leads to phenomena of gentrification and raises questions about diversity and social inclusivity. At the same time, the lack of a cohesive
approach results in a fragmentary urban fabric. Spatial discontinuities come along with concerns about the liveability and resiliency of the desired urban
growth.
Through research by design, the thesis will try to provide a new perspective for the future, where working and living environments could harmoniously co-exist. Interventions and proposals suggested will be built upon the basis of co-creation with existing communities. An interscalar approach will be sought, ranging from the city scale to the neighborhood level and the public space within.