Group 1 | G01

Art, Architecture, and Landscape: Three keys to the transformation of ruins.

• How can art, architecture, and landscape design collaboratively reinterpret and revitalize abandoned industrial ruins while preserving their historical memory?

Art, architecture, and landscape design serve as powerful catalysts in reinterpreting abandoned industrial ruins, offering fresh perspectives and sustainable pathways for transformation. Blending innovative creativity with architectural conservation, art, and architectural and landscape initiatives can collaboratively revitalize neglected sites while honouring their rich industrial past.

Keywords: Architecture, Ruins, Preservation, Landscape, Art, Tools.

Group 2 | G02

Re-signification vs. Musealization: What future for industrial ruins?

• How can industrial ruins be reinterpreted by balancing historical memory with new functionalities, considering the constraints of conservative musealization and the potential of post-production strategies?

Industrial ruins challenge us to balance the preservation of historical memory with the need for new, functional spaces beyond traditional musealization. Embracing innovative post-production strategies can transform these sites into dynamic, culturally exciting environments.

Keywords: Post-production, Musealisation, Landscape, Values, Resignification, Memory. 

Group 3 | G03

Obsolescence and Perception: Who decides what is obsolete?

• How can we reconcile obsolescence as both an intrinsic quality and a cultural construct—shaped by economic, political, aesthetic, and social factors—in order to rethink its value for the conservation and reuse of architecture and landscapes?

Architectural obsolescence is not solely inherent but also shaped by economic, political, aesthetic, and social influences that frame its perceived value. Rethinking obsolescence through the lens of conservation and reuse can uncover new cultural and functional opportunities.

Keywords: Balance, Meaning, Obsolescence, Values, Significance.

Group 4 | G04

Ruins as a Product vs. Ruins as a Process

• How can we differentiate between ruins as static products versus dynamic processes—illustrated by contemporary examples—and assess the risks and opportunities of treating them as evolving phenomena?

Understanding ruins as either terminated products or ongoing processes opens different pathways for interpretation and conservation interventions. Contemporary cases of post-industrial ruins, as those exemplified in the UNESCO site of Zollverein (Essen, Germany), reveal the potential of treating ruins as dynamic phenomena, allowing for reuse and evolving meanings over time, demonstrating also the opportunities for deeper cultural engagement and sustainable transformation of post-industrial sites.

Keywords: Time, Challenge, Product, Process, Ruins, Continuity.

Group 5 | G05

The role of Memory and Community in the fate of ruins

• How can local communities, alongside institutions, artists, and citizens, collaboratively transform industrial ruins into sites of cultural heritage and symbols of memory?

Local communities, together with institutions and artists, play a crucial role in transforming industrial ruins into shared symbols of memory and cultural heritage. Collaborative efforts shall be at the basis of post-industrial ruins conservation, allowing them to acquire new meanings through shared narratives and collective engagement. To this end, a co-creation and collaborative approach not only revitalizes historic sites but also fosters inclusive cultures.

Keywords: Co-creation, Local Communities, Memory, Heritage, New Meanings.

_{This project has received funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) - Mission 4 “Education and Research” - Component 2 “From Research to Business” - Investment 1.2 “Funding projects presented by young researchers” and the European Union's Next Generation EU Recovery Plan - Project no. 100027-2022-FP-PNRR-YR_MSCA_0000005"}

_Disclaimer

_{The responsibility for the content published on the Land-In-Pro website lies with the author/s. The Italian Ministry of University and Research and the European Commission are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.}