The issue of integration and reuse of inactive industrial buildings and Old Warehouses, as well as their exploitation, examined the last decades worldwide, based on architectural, planning, economic and social components.
The case of a building with the name «GENERAL WAREHOUSE PATRAS», which covers a whole block in the city center of Patras, GREECE, discussed the issue in its theoretical basis, given examples of successful applications and enhance all components of the conservation of such buildings, as an important factor in improving the urban "ways" and the quality of the urban environment.
In the initial phase of work, given a recording of the thematic subject and analyzes the objectives, in order to clearly define the basis platform for the whole thesis.
The breakdown of the methodological approach follows, given the proceeding way for the working methods and stages of the research, as well as the means and the sources used.
The breakdown of the methodological approach follows, given the proceeding way for the working methods and stages of the research, as well as the means and the sources used.
The approach of the thesis subject, which takes place on three levels, the theoretical background, the selected examples and the case study, developed in three following chapters.
In the theoretical background are described and analyzed key concepts needed to understand and implement the integration and reuse of inactive industrial buildings and Old Warehouses, the techniques for development, the various types of buildings and, the ideas and opportunities for such endeavors. In order to complete the theoretical coverage of the subject, analyzing the status of such buildings compared to the wider area covered and the proposed uses of these, involving the feasibility approach.
In the theoretical background are described and analyzed key concepts needed to understand and implement the integration and reuse of inactive industrial buildings and Old Warehouses, the techniques for development, the various types of buildings and, the ideas and opportunities for such endeavors. In order to complete the theoretical coverage of the subject, analyzing the status of such buildings compared to the wider area covered and the proposed uses of these, involving the feasibility approach.
Selected examples, identified by quantitative and qualitative criteria, are presented for evaluating the nowadays status and future scenarios, giving to the researchers a clear picture for the adaptation of such sites to new uses.
The design of the case study, is coming to complete the approach, with reference both to the wider area of the selected building, and through analysis, evaluation and design for the building of the study. At the end of the chapter, an estimation of the proposal result is given, following by some comments on its’ contribution to the future of the city.
Finalizing, some thoughts, ideas and suggestions are given on how the rehabilitation of such buildings through their new uses, in economic and social life of the cities, can help the historic city centers which are evolving and changing continuously.
S. Michalopoulos
November 2009, Patras, Greece
