Page 189 - Beyond Decommissioning

170 Beyond Decommissioning

is not visible from the ground (depending on the building’s roof type). Some large
complexes can be difficult to adapt since they might have serious structural
problems.
However, mills built in more recent times may have high ceilings and large open
spaces, which favor redevelopment. In fact, there are not many cases where the adap-
tive reuse of an industrial building is discarded; on the contrary there are many design
opportunities associated with such projects. Factories, and especially mill buildings,
are highly adaptable. Their short spans, masonry construction, ornate detailing, and
large windows results in naturally lit interiors with unique characteristics. The crafts-
manship of historic industrial buildings can even be better than modern construction.
Due to the large machinery in old buildings, the floors were designed to withhold
heavy loads. As of late there has been a shift toward loftsor condominium apartments
with high ceilings, tall windows, and visible structural elements such as original wall
and floor surfaces, exposed bricks, beams, etc. which can save costs if these elements
are part of the project esthetics.

Mills converted to museums
Not all historic mills can be readily transformed into museums: this conversion has
been viable only with the most significantly historic structures. One example is
given below.
The Massachuseets Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) is located in a
former factory. It is a large center for contemporary visual art and performing disci-
plines. The buildings were initially constructed in the late 19th century and used for
printing cloth. The owners operated the site until 1942, when closure became inevi-
table due to competition and the economic impacts of the Great Depression. Another
company then purchased the complex to produce electrical items. The company man-
aged also a major R&D program, which was engaged in work for the atomic bomb and
space flights. Eventually the production of cheaper electronic components in Asia and
technological evolution led to the shutdown of the factory in 1985, and to its listing as
a Superfund (NPL) site.
The development of MASS MoCA began soon. In 1986 a Museum of Art near
MASS MoCA was attempting to find spaces suitable for large works of contemporary
art that would not fit in traditional museums. The museum eventually opened in 1999
2
with 19 galleries and 9300 m of exhibition space. It has expanded since, including
Building 7 in 2008 and Building 6 in 2017.
Besides managing art spaces the museum makes commercial spaces available for
rent. It hosts the Bang on a Can Music Festival where international musicians create
new music and deliver concerts in summer. Details on the redevelopment project are
given in Dezeen (2017c).
The Wile Carding Mill was established in 1860 and remained in use until 1968.
Reportedly, it carded a week’s worth of wool in one hour! The mill is one of few
remaining carding mills in Nova Scotia, Canada and the only remnant of
Bridgewater’s 19th century industrial area that included seven water-powered
industries. The Des Brisay Museum, owned by the Town of Bridgewater, is set in
the Woodlands Park. The Heritage Gallery and Exhibit Area cover natural history,