Repurposing and the Impact of New Facilities on the Potential Presentation of Industrial Heritage

Abstract

Industrial heritage combines historical, architectural and cultural values of the context in which it is located. In order for the spatial and architectural potential of these buildings to be used even after the loss of their initial purpose, the previous plants become the hub of new activity through repurposing and adjustment. This study is focused on the interpolation of hotel and business/trade activities within the previous industrial complex Belgrade “Steam Mill” where the practical issues related to the implementation of this entire process have been presented by means of a detailed analysis (case study). Repurposing of the old plant has been accepted as an evolutionary model of integrative protection. This paper names the shifts in the social and economic context of ex-Yugoslavia and adoption of new economic and cultural patterns as one of the causes for the abandonment of the Mill and its fall into disrepair. Accordingly, the contribution of this paper is based on an overview of a potential identification of a specific model for future actions in similar situations and in relation to the industrial heritage of the Republic of Serbia. The critical analysis of the results of Steam Mill repurposing presented in this paper implies the reviewing of both positive and negative aspects of the said process with the aim of understanding the significance of appropriate planning and use of future facilities in relation to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage values of general interest.