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18 Beyond Decommissioning

living beings to adapt themselves to changes in their habitat. Indeed, the term
“adaptive” also introduces the variable of “time,” assigning to the spaces the ability
to deal with subsequent requirements of upgrading, and generating a sequence of dif-
ferent functions of temporary duration. These functions may follow fragmentary
sequences or small upgrades, with different gradients of change or with a renewed
dynamism over time.
Camocini and Nosova (2017)

Industrial buildings are well suited to adaptive reuse due to their typically large,
open spaces, but of course there are opposite examples. Many industrial buildings
are noteworthy for their architecture, as relics from the industrial age, and some of
them may be also associated with celebrities and famous events. Some industrial
buildings were designed by prominent architects. The decline of heavy industry begin-
ning in the early 1900s and continuing thenceforth has left a legacy of unused and
derelict sites in the most industrialized countries.
Adaptive reuse should be the preferred strategy for an industrial facility/site when
no other industrial option is available. And, it should always be given priority over
demolition and new constructions. There are infinite reuse options available for the
industrial buildings including museums, art studios, offices, residential units, schools,
retail, and a combination of these and more, that is, multiple uses. This book will strive
to present as many reuse options as possible based on the experience from both the
nuclear and nonnuclear sector.
If the site under redevelopment has historical value, the new use should take
account of the original functions and of that heritage while also incorporating new
functions.
Adaptive reuse imbues a site with new life, rather than freezes it at a given time. As
a method, it investigates the options ranging between total demolition and intact con-
servation (e.g., as a museum). Adaptive reuse adds a new segment of history to the site
without abrading early segments. In a way, even a museum can be viewed as an adap-
tation of the site, in that it gives a chance to maintain materials, constructions, and
spaces that could otherwise be lost and to render them available to new users as
needed. Adaptive reuse typically focuses on certain components of the site while belit-
tling others.
Adaptive reuse is not necessarily limited to single buildings or small areas, but can
be a part of the redevelopment of a greater area (see Section 3.2). The Ruhr region in
Germany is an internationally recognized model of this form of redevelopment.
The conception of the Emscher Park shows that a brownfield site can be even more
and better than dilapidated ironworks. Originated by a group of citizens concerned
about the demolition of the Duisburg Meiderich Ironworks, and fearful of rumored
construction plans, the conception slowly became reality. Over 10 years, a technology,
nature and leisure park, unique for its multiple uses, was established around the old
ironworks. Strolling, cycling, playing, enjoying beautiful views from high positions
(Fig. 2.2), and taking your time in a restaurant are some opportunities offered to
the visitor by the redeveloped area. History, vision, cleanup criteria, and achievements
are extensively described in US Environmental Protection Agency (2007).