Speaker
Description
Amid escalating planetary crises, postgrowth urbanism emerges as a critical paradigm shift, challenging traditional planning models by prioritizing ecological balance, social equity, and community well-being over relentless economic expansion. This paper investigates the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage as a transformative tool for advancing sustainable urban futures. Focusing on regions shaped by extractive industries, such as West Texas and the MENA region, the study examines how these legacy sites can be reimagined to address today’s environmental, social, and cultural challenges.
Drawing on comparative analysis, the research delves into exemplary adaptive reuse initiatives that integrate principles of community participation, climate resilience, and circular economy. Case studies include the repurposing of oilfields into renewable energy hubs and the transformation of former industrial zones into cultural and ecological assets. These projects demonstrate the dual potential of preserving cultural heritage while fostering economic opportunities aligned with postgrowth ideals, such as local entrepreneurship, green industries, and resource regeneration.
However, significant barriers persist, including fragmented policies, financial limitations, and resistance to change. This paper identifies these obstacles and offers actionable strategies, such as leveraging public-private partnerships, integrating flexible financing models, and promoting community-led planning frameworks. These approaches can help bridge the gap between theoretical aspirations and practical implementation, fostering a more inclusive and resilient urban future.
The study contributes to the theoretical discourse on postgrowth urbanism by linking it to actionable design and planning practices. It emphasizes the role of planners as agents of systemic change, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex, interconnected challenges. Adaptive reuse, when applied thoughtfully, emerges as a key strategy for reshaping urban landscapes into inclusive, sustainable, and regenerative spaces.
By rethinking urban development in the context of planetary and societal well-being, this work invites dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and policymakers on leveraging industrial heritage to foster equitable, sustainable cities and regions in an era defined by uncertainty and transformation.
References
Eizenberg, E., & Jabareen, Y. (2017). Social sustainability: A new conceptual framework. Sustainability, 9(1), 68.
Raco, M., & Street, E. (2012). Resilience planning, economic change, and the politics of post-recession development in London and Hong Kong. Urban Studies, 49(5), 1065–1087.
Barthel-Bouchier, D. (2013). Cultural Heritage and the Challenge of Sustainability. Routledge.
| Keywords | Postgrowth urbanism; adaptive reuse; industrial heritage; resilience |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
