Pramonės paveldo konversijos poindustriniame Ruhro regione

Abstract

Transformation of former industrial territories takes place all over the European countries and even more widely. Most of the difficulties appear in big cities. A lack of free territory and ambitious prices of realty force towards demolition of industrial buildings and construction of new ones. The scheme is relevant in our cities – there are many privatised industrial complexes, which already serve as dwelling blocks, administrative or commercial centres. The nearest future will probably bring no changes in political attitudes towards the problem. The only way to preserve some valuable industrial buildings is notifying them as heritage values. Recently, a group of architects from Vilnius Municipality and private architectural studios has visited the Northern Rhine-Westphalia lands in the Ruhr Region (Germany). The author of the article tells his impressions on the German methods applied to solve the problem. He notes that the region makes all efforts in order to find the most favourable compromises. All possible ways are used: demolition, restoration, reconstruction, etc. The sustainable development of post-industrial territories in the Ruhr Region results in multifunctional complexes, parks or modern industries. It is a great benefit to the region and an attraction site for tourists.