Industrial heritage renewal-social motives and effects

Abstract

Urban construction projects always have a political, economic or social meaning. The last one leaves the deepest marks in the city tissue-people's immediate surroundings. This text is primarily trying to answer the following question: how can urban renewal solve social problems in a community? The research focuses on connections and interdependence between activities of urban renewal and advanced safety in the social environment. Using the theoretical-methodological approach of urban anthropology and two comparative case studies, this paper analyses the potential of deserted and devastated industrial complexes which can work in favour of the inclusion of marginalized actors into the community life. If these are mostly civil actors (citizens, various social groups, not only those with authority and power), town space is then differently determined. The goal of the research is to point to some good examples and prove that the industrial heritage renewal is compatible with the principles of economic and social sustainable development; the new substance and purpose of facilities follow the needs of actors and their right to the city.