Adaptive Re-use of Industrial Heritage in Dutch Post-industrial Urban Area Development

Abstract

Urbanization, modernization, and the growth of the population put severe pressure on the current Dutch building stock. Inner-city developments in Dutch cities are limiteddue to the high density of the urban fabric. Therefore, the focus of urban transformation gradually moved from the inner-city developments to the periphery of the city. These boundary zones are often former industrial sites that are currently derelict and underused, due to the rapid de-industrialization in Europe that took place. These areas offer a unique opportunity to address the demand for housing and the space for new economic sectors. The Dutch urban areas are more than abandoned industrial sites that need to be regenerated. The presence of industrial legacy in the form of industrial heritage is a source of added value for these redevelopments. The reappraisal of industrial heritage is a catalyst effect that ensures further urban revitalization due to its societal, historical, architectural, and technological importance. This type of development is a kickstarter for further redevelopment and upgrading deprived areas.

Furthermore, the reappraisal of industrial heritage by adaptive reuse has a positive effect on the triple bottom line of sustainability. Capturing the value that is linked to the triple bottom line of sustainability is challenging due to the various components that define them. To reach sustainable development on the basis of the triple bottom line of sustainability, linkages and an equilibrium of all components should be reached. The sustainability of adaptive reuse in industrial heritage is an interplay between coping with challenges and emphasizing on benefits. Developments are always reaching for the maximum, and try to achieve sustainable development. Despite the identifiable benefits, the revitalization of Dutch urban areas also faces a myriad of challenges. Challenges and barriers encountered make it futile and hard to obtain. The financing of complex urban development, with the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage, is a major challenge. Due to the challenges and uncertainties this development faces, the cost rises with it. The main challenge is finding implementation methods and feasible and appropriate financial instruments that maximize
the benefits on economic, social, and environmental sustainability of regenerating these areas.

Adaptive reuse of industrial heritage greatly improves social and environmental sustainability. The degree to which this sustainability is improved is dependent on the perceived sustainability benefits on sustainability. This research begins to understand the factors that impact the degree of added value. Understanding these factors, the process of adaptive reuse of industrial heritage can be optimized to ensure more sustainable and successful end-products.

Adaptive reuse of industrial heritage has clear benefits, it is important that industrial heritage is continuously being transformed to preserve the industrial legacy and to cope with the pressure on the current building stock.