Glass Structures in Post-Industrial Buildings and the Role of the Industrial Heritage in Shaping Creative Urban Spaces

Abstract

This paper presents the topic of postindustrial structures as crucial elements shaping the image of contemporary cities and it demonstrates their value against the background of the evolution of the concept of the industrial culture heritage. Irrespective of their scale and initial intended use, postindustrial structures constitute an important trace of the tradition and culture of a given place. They are often crucial elements of the cultural landscape and landmarks for subsequent generations of local communities. More and more frequently, cities notice their potential, based on which they can build their own attractive image. Contemporary technology and technique offer numerous possibilities of making use of this heritage in order to create urban space of a new quality and exhibit surprising aesthetic values. One of such possibilities is a creative application of glass -a material which offers nearly limitless possibilities of creating an architectural form. Based on in situ studies and literature research, the paper presents examples illustrating how thanks to the application of advanced glass structures buildings which have already lost their original functions get re-discovered for the cultural landscape of the city and co-create its new quality.

BACKHOME: Transformation of Old Shop Houses into a Contemporary Backpackers' Hostel with Better Indoor Environmental Quality

“…Source: illustration by the Author on the basis of www.google.com/maps/place/Back+Home+Kuala+Lumpur+Hostel/ This innovative design intervention at BACKHOME is parellel to what Sulimowska-Ociepka [2] conceptualises about cultural heritage which encompasses the creative use of historical buildings for contemporary purposes and not merely about protecting or preserving the old fabrics and activities. A city can enrich it's image and cultural landscape by this evolution of historical construction which can also be more socially engaging.…”

Building Performance Evaluation for Adaptive Reuse: A Multi-Criteria Approach

“…Moreover, adaptive reuse also plays an important role in the manners of inspiration for future sustainable tourism and building practices [4] in both local and global contexts. Generally, adaptive reuse is based on the implementation of innovative technological solutions which allow historical structures to be adapted to the modern requirements in terms of performance and aesthetics [5] However, examinations regarding the quality and spatial sufficiency are required for the adaptive reuse process of such structures. Evaluating the performance of adapted buildings would offer prospective insight to the coming transformation design studies and betterment of existing buildings.…”