Page 214 - Beyond Decommissioning

Experience and lessons learned 195

Fig. 6.19 .Hangar Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
Photo by M. Laraia.

Within walking distance from the Porta Susa High-Speed Train station, the Pol-
itecnico (the Turin University), the Energy Center, several private research areas,
excellence institutions and the future congress center are now the nucleus of the
new OGRs.
The urban restructuring of this part of the city includes also the creation of two
public squares, functionally connected to the OGRs but accessible to the public for
relax, meeting people and socialization (Fig. 6.20). The Corte Est square has open-
air artwork while the Corte Ovest square has a garden displaying the old water tower
and a stage conceived for open-air events, shows, dining, etc.
From the architectural and construction standpoint the project secures the percep-
tion of large-scale volumes and significant heights. The works also have had minimal
impact on the original structure, they are reversible and recognizable through the use
of new materials, colors and detail.
Another detail of the OGRs (Fig. 6.21) introduces the concept of railway conver-
sion, which is discussed in more detail in Section 6.2.3.

6.2.2.16 Manufacturing buildings reused for biotech, medical and
chemistry facilities, and supportive uses

Redundant facilities of this kind have begun to attract buyers that can profit from exis-
ting infrastructure (e.g., cleanrooms and power). Besides, advanced technology
manufacturing facilities can be bought at a fraction of their initial cost, and biotech