Re-thinking Steelscapes

Abstract

The steel industry is a crucial economic sector and a major contributor to the climate crisis. In Linz, located in the Austrian province of Upper Austria, the steel factory of Voestalpine plays a key role in the national, regional, and local economy while being the country’s largest single CO₂ emitter. As the company aims to transition to greener production methods by 2050, aligning with the European Green Deal ambitions, this transformation presents future challenges and opportunities for urban and regional development of the Metropolitan Region. Current research on Circular Economy principles in the steel industry often prioritises technological aspects such as material flows while overlooking societal dynamics and their spatial implications. In Austria, urban sprawl and fragmented development have historically been linked to growth-driven planning models, as seen in the Metropolitan Region of Linz. In the region, peri-urban areas serve multiple functions, including housing, agriculture, and industrial production. These territories face significant pressures such as environmental degradation, land scarcity, and traffic congestion. This research addresses the gap in Circularity theories by examining how industrial transformations in the steel sector can act as catalysts for shifts towards a Circular Society. It explores the spatial and programmatic organisation of urban and peri-urban areas, emphasising alternative, interdisciplinary planning strategies that integrate economic, environmental, and social needs. By analysing past urban development patterns and projecting future potentials, the research proposes regenerative spatial strategies and urban design methods that promote sustainability and resilience in the Linz Metropolitan Region. Through a research and design approach, this thesis critically challenges conventional planning paradigms by testing radical alternatives to existing urban and regional development practices. The findings aim to provide professional-level insights and actionable strategies for policymakers, urban planners, and industry stakeholders, fostering a transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive urban future.