PHOTO: HENRIK KAM
Reuse or new beginning
The time of the urban sprawl is not completely over but the interesting construction projects involving residential buildings have long been taking place in the inner cities again. Urban wasteland, deserted port areas, former factories, schools and administration buildings contain great potential for new residential space. But the question as to who will actually move into the old-new dwellings is lost sight of all too easily: Only a healthy mixture of dwelling sizes, age groups and social layers can really contribute to a sustained revival of the cities.
What mechanisms is urban renewal subject to and what forces affect it? Daylight & Architecture went into these questions in Liverpool, Rotterdam and New York. It became apparent that there were parallels to the current situation in the global economy: cities that place value on careful development and on cultural and social diversification are less able to shine with spectacular projects in boom times.
But, in bad times, they are more resistant to crises.
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