Converting historic textile-industry complexes in European cities: A typology of urban spatial structures of textile-industry complexes, and best conservation and enhancement practices for their conversion

Converting historic industrial complexes is a new and important task in many European cities. Architectural and planning practices show that historic industrial complexes are composed of urban spatial structures that might be conserved and enhanced during conversion to new uses. For research, the question arises, of what constitutes best practice for conservation and enhancement when converting historic industrial complexes. Best practice will be discussed and identified on basis of five criteria coming from debates in architecture and conservation. The research project has two aims: 1. To identify the historic urban spatial structures of textile-industry complexes. Accordingly, a typology will be developed, with contribution to historic urban design research. 2. To identify best practice in converting historic industrial complexes. The following questions will be answered: How are the conservation and enhancement of historic urban spatial structures handled in practice? Design and planning practices will be comparatively analysed and best-practice will be identified (contribution to discourse on architecture). The project will analyse 25 representative case studies from European cities. The focus lies on case studies of conversion of former spinning and weaving mills of eight textile cities. Some further case studies function as reference group. The cases will be systematically captured through data sheets/ catalogues and comparative analysis. Additionally, the findings will be discussed in terms of their relevance for monument protection and urban development.