POLITECNICO DI MILANO | Architettura, Urbanistica, Ingegneria delle Costruzioni FINAL STUDIO | A.Y. 2019-20 PROFESSORS | Laura Cipriani | Mina Akhavan | Alisia Tognon COLLABORATORS | Matteo Puglisi| Irene Manzini Ceinar | Eleftheria Exarchou | Francesca Suaria GROUP 04 | Marjan Choroumi | Miguel Gomez | Marta Kaminska | Irmina Gerello BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE RIVER - A NEW MEETING POINT
CONTENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE RIVER A NEW MEETING POINT
6 INTRODUCTION
DESIGN BY RESEARCH
68
Criteria
70
Territoral Research Interpretation
72
Considered Areas of Intervention
74
Industrial Zone of Piacenza
76
Site Analysis
80
Vision
86
Strategies of the Project
88
12
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
14
Economic Evolution of the Po Valley
18
Industrial Building Development
20
Land Use of Po Valley
22
Po Valley and Industries
24
Industrial Sites in Po Valley
26
Industrial Sites and Infrastructure
Intervention Plan
90
28
Industrial Sites and Water System
Masterplan
92
32
Contamination in Po Valley
Masterplan Delayering and Devices
94
38
Rivers’ Contamination and Polluted Industrial Sites
Zoom 1. Wetlands Park
102
40
Industrial Districts
Zoom 2. Cement Plant Park
112
44
Industrial Typologies
Zoom 3. Industrial Zone Parks
116
48
Abandoned Buildings in Po Valley
Timeline
120
50
Abandoned Buildings and Infrastructure
52
Abandoned Buildings and Water System
60
Catalogue of Abandoned Buildings
CONCLUSIONS
122
QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES THE CITY OF THE PRODUCTION MEAN? HOW DOES THE CITY OF PRODUCTION EFFECT ON ITS SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT? WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS? HOW CAN WE TREAT AN ACTIVE INDUSTRIAL SITE? HOW CAN AN INDUSTRIAL SITE BE INTEGRATED INTO THE LOCAL CONTEXT? WHAT DESIGN DEVICES CAN BE USED? HOW CAN WE SEE THE FUTURE OF AN ACTIVE INDUSTRIAL SITE?
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION PO VALLEY, THE CITY OF PRODUCTION
PO VALLEY IS THE LARGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT ECONOMIC REGION IN
ITALY
IT IS THE CENTER OF MOST ITALIAN
INDUSTRY PO VALLEY HAS
28% POPULATION SHARE OF
OF WHOLE ITALY IT EXTENDS APPROXIMATELY
650 km
FROM WEST TO EAST WITH AN AREA OF
46 000 km²
0
100 km
200 km
Presented project consists of two major phases: “research by design” and “design by research”. During first part main aspects related to industries located in Po Valley, its’ impact on architecture, society and environment were considered. The focus was zoomed in a problem of industries inside cities, as we have noticed cumulation of issues, especially in these areas. Pollution of water, ground and air is a repetitive problem in many of them with intensified appearance related to particular branches of production. The research part allows the reader to understand how industrial zones, dispersed or linear, impacts living conditions and urban development around them. Relation of city and the river was also a subject of consideration, as it is noticeable that in some cases there is no other connection in between than the one created through industrial zones. Another thought reflected on significant amount of abandoned or under used buildings in the whole Po Valley region, with specific concentration in some of the cities.
500 km Po Valley
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
9
Po Valley, Italy Photo: The European Space Agency, 2019.
10
INTRODUCTION
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
11
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
ECONOMIC EVOLUTION OF THE PO VALLEY Data: ARPA, 2018.
14
Pre Industrial Era
1815-1870
1880
1878-1887
Later 1887
1890-1980
1929
1933
1947-1951
Agrarian Economy
Unification of the Country
Farm Crisis
Protectionist Policies
Industrial Triangle
Central Period of Robust Catch-up
Great Depression
Istituto Per La Ricostruzione Industriale
Marshall Plan Aid
1950-1953
1957
1969-1970
1973
1970
1980
1987
2008
Now
Korean War
European CommWon Market
Hot Autumn
Oil Crisis
Years of Lead
Independence of The Bank of Italy
Il Sorpasoo
Period of Sluggish Growth
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industrial Sector Agriculture Sector Services Sector
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
15
INDUSTRY SECTOR THROUGH THE TIME
Case studies of industries located in the Po Valley Data: Still Alive website. Photos: Marcello Modica.
ERIDANIA, zuccherificio di Sarmato, Emilia Romagna.
CONSORZIO AGRARIO, fabbrica concimi granulati, Piacenza (PC), Emilia Romagna.
Photo: Still Alive website: www.st-al.com/archive.
Photo: Marcello Modica, 2011.
This sugar mill was established in 1899 by a French company called Compagnie Sucrière de Sarmato. Counting on a cultivation area equal more or less to the entire province of Piacenza, the factory had an initial beet processing capacity of 500 t/d. In 1930 the company merged into Eridania, giving birth to the largest national sugar company. The new Eridania controlled 60% of the Italian sugar market. The factory was connected to the railway network and to the company’s central refinery in Genova.
The Consorzio Agrario of Piacenza was founded in 1900 as one of first regional farmers cooperative in Italy. Between 1907 and 1908 a new factory for the manufacturing of phosphatic fertilizers was established nearby the Consorzio’s main storage center at Molino degli Orti, already served by the Milan-Bologna railway line. In 1921 the factory was enlarged and provided with a most modern MillsPackard sulfuric acid plant. The latter, equipped with 8 chambers allowed an increase of 200% of the overall fertilizers production.
16
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
17
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING DEVELOPMENT Data: Regione Lombardia, 2010
1954
1990
2000
2020
It is visible by enhancement of the infrastructure the industrial sites started to increase. Unfortunately, the data for Emilia Romagna was not accessible. However, Lombardia evolution maps illustrates, how industrial sites are become more densified near the Infrastructural conjunctions and especially those near the river.
18
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industries Railway System Highway SS Po River
0
50 Km
100 Km
LANDUSE OF PO VALLEY Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018.
Presented map illustrates of the land use of Po Valley. It is evident from diversity of vegetation how much fertile is this area. Due to that the built environment is dispersed all over the valley.
20
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Water System Vineyard Park Farm Preserved Resource Forest Meadow Grass Urban Fabric
0
25 Km
50 Km
PO VALLEY AND INDUSTRIES Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018.
This map illustrates the relationship between the built environment and the industries. Due to the environmental characteristic of this region the built environment and also to be specific the industrial sites are dispersed and mostly they are densified near the infrastructures and water system.
22
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industry Water System Urban Fabric
0
25 Km
50 Km
INDUSTRIAL SITE IN PO VALLEY Data: Geoportale Emilia Romagna, 2018, ARPA, 2018.
PO VALLEY HAS
37%
SHARE OF
INDUSTRY
OF WHOLE ITALY
PO VALLEY HAS
38%
SHARE OF
GPD
OF WHOLE ITALY
Due to the flat surface and the well connection between cities and the infrastructures, the Po Valley today enjoys a robust diversified economy. This has favoured the development of industrial activities. The main industries in the area are food industries whose presence is justified by the abundance of raw material (milk, meat, cereals, etc.), textile, automotive industries and industries that manufacture furniture and appliances. The presence of various medium-large sectors of production, logistic and industrial points is evident in cities such as Verona, Padua, Brescia, Bergamo, Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Bologna which are immersed in the countryside with surrounding agricultural mechanization. The density of industries is concentrated mainly in the large poles of the former industrial triangle (Turin, Milan and Genoa), which have a more important demographic weight.
Ex centrale elettrica Emilia di Piacenza Photo: Comune di Piacenza, 2010.
24
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
25
INDUSTRIAL SITES AND INFRASTRUCTURE Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. Geoportale Lombardia/Emilia Romagna, 2018.
Presented map illustrates location of industrial sites in relation to the transportation infrastructure and cities. Urban settlements, which are connected by major arteries, attracts clusters of industries. Those junctions of highways and railways concentrates the biggest industrial zones present in the area. Hence industries’ dependence on closeness to urban agglomeration and convenient connections is visible. Spaces in between cities are covered by more rare and dispersed industrial sites.
26
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industrial Sites Po River Infrastructure System (railways, highways, roads)
0
10 km
50 km
INDUSTRIAL SITES AND WATER SYSTEM Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. Geoportale Lombardia/Emilia Romagna, 2018.
Several clusters of industrial sites are positioned alongside Po river and its tributaries. Correlating with previous map we can see that most of them are next to urban settlements or even between the river and a city. Although, there is no visible relation of factories and waterways, location of some industries suggests a requirement of close connection to natural water resources. This situation stands out especially, where manufacture separates town from water system.
28
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industrial Sites Po River and Water System
0
10 km
50 km
Ex centrale elettrica Emilia, Piacenza (PC). Relation between the industrial zone and Po River. Photo: Giovanni Tagini, 2016.
30
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
31
CONTAMINATION IN PO VALLEY Data: “Air Pollution and Emission Reductions over the Po-Valley”. Philippe Thunis, 2009. “Analysis of pollutants exchange between the Po Valley and the surrounding European region” Sandro Finardi, 2013.
PO VALLEY IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST POLLUTED PLACES IN ITALY
2020
BY , HEALTH IMPACT ON POPULATION AND EFFECTS ON ECOSYSTEMS BY OZONE AND EUTROPHICATION ARE INDEED CALCULATED TO BE AMONGST THE HIGHEST IN EUROPE. IN GENERAL, LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTED AIR POLLUTION IN THE PO-VALLEY REPRESENTS ONLY A FRACTION OF 30-40%
The Po Valley is a major populated area including different conurbations, with a population density among the highest in Europe. The pollutants exported from the Po Valley to the surrounding areas have been investigated through the application of a chemical transport model. Emission sensitivity simulations have been performed to identify the Po Valley footprint and to quantify its influence on the atmospheric composition. Simulation results suggest that the Po Valley emissions impact extends up to 500 km, affecting Italy, the northern Mediterranean Sea and the western Balkan peninsula. The outflow directions are determined by meteorological and topographic forcing. The surface area affected is larger during the winter, while the mass injected in the free troposphere is larger during the summer for pollutants with longer lifetime.
Pictured from space, smog hangs over the Po Valley in northern Italy. Photo: NASA/AFP
32
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
33
ENVIRONMENTAL STATISTICS IN PO VALLEY. Data: ARPA Lombardia, 2018. ARPAE Regione Emilia Romagna, 2018. Authors’ work.
SUPERFICIAL WATER (QUALITY)
AIR POLLUTANTS CARBON DIOXIDE
NITROGEN OXIDES
NO X
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SO2
2
CO
23%
12% 15%
19% 18%
16%
62%
54%
56%
Data: Dati Ambientali 2017, Emilia Romagna.
CONTAMINATED SITES PER PROVINCE
93%
28%
CHEMICAL STATE OF THE RIVERS
ECOLOGICAL STATE OF THE RIVERS
93% of river water bodies has a good quality state.
28% of the water bodies has achieved a medium quality state.
53%
NITROGEN IN THE RIVERS
The concentration of nitrogen in water bodies has achieved a good quality state in the foothills areas and critical situations in the lowland areas
UNDERGROUND WATER
Data: Dati Ambientali 2017, Emilia Romagna.
TYPE OF ACTIVITY THAT CAUSED CONTAMINATION T Y P E O F A C T I V I T Y T H AT C A U S E D C O N TA M I N AT I O N
76%
92%
63%
unauthorized disposal - waste abandonment accidental release of substances waste recovery operations
waste storage facilities fuel storage or supply systems
CHEMICAL STATE
authorized landfills
76.3% of groundwater bodies have a good chemical status. Nitrates represent the main critical factor responsible for the deterioration of quality.
illegal or uncontrolled landfills mining or extractive activities active industrial areas
QUANTITATIVE STATE
92.6% of groundwater bodies have a good quantitative status. The main problems concern some alluvial fans from Modena to Rimini.
NITRATES
63% of nitrate concentrations are found in various alluvial fans and mountain water bodies.
abandoned industrial areas sewage waste disposal areas agricultural areas subject to uncontrolled spreading
other unspecified sites other waste management operations 0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
35.0%
40.0%
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
35
NS NTAI U O SM ALP
ADRIATIC SEA
APENNINE MOUNTAINS Alps Mountain, average height up to 3000 m a.s.l.
Apennine Mountain, average height up to 1000 m a.s.l. cold air warm air cold air
Po river
smog
temperature inversion
Po Valley - lack of ventilation and temperature inversion problem. Data: ARPAE, 2018. Authors’ work. Photo: European Space Agency, 2019
36
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
37
RIVERS’ CONTAMINATION AND POLLUTED INDUSTRIAL SITES Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. ARPA Lombardia, 2018. ARPAE Emilia Romagna, 2018.
River contamination is based on the analysis of data collected from ARPA and regional resources. They are average resultant from point measurements on the stations alongside rivers. They cannot be considered as precise, also due to the nature of water flow variability. The whole state of Po is rather average. In some places high density of contaminated sites are close to the worst condition of the water system, but surprisingly water pollution cannot be always connected to location of site contamination. Although, presence of industrial sites and amount of them definitely impact state of the river and tributaries. Some of the tributaries, like Lambro river, are highly polluted due to the cause situated outside of the examined area. 38
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industrial Sites Contaminated Industrial Sites Water State: Good Water State: Sufficient Water State: Bad Water State: Very Bad
0
10 km
50 km
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. ARPA Lombardia, 2018. ARPAE Emilia Romagna, 2018. Authors’ work based on Google Maps.
Based on the research prevailing types of industries were established. The main industrial districts are connected to water system and also cluster around urban settlement. Food processing, automotive, metallurgy and chemical manufacturers seems to be the most dominating ones. What is more, food processing and automotive industries overlap with highest river contamination readings. Some of the chemical and metallurgy processes seem to be also connected to water pollution issue. The same branches of manufacturing collide with ground contamination of the sites. 40
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Food Processing Automotive Textiles, Clothing, Shoemaking Ceramics Chemical
Biomedical Horticultural Wood Leather Production Metal-mechanical Logistics
0
10 km
50 km
F C B A
D E
CATALOGUE OF INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS Built fabric typology. Data: Authors’ work based on Google Earth.
CERAMICCERAMIC (A) (A) Sassuolo (MO) Sassuolo (MO)
TEXTILES&CLOTHING TEXTILES&CLOTHING (B) BIOMEDICAL (B) BIOMEDICAL (C) (C) Carpi (MO)Carpi (MO) Mirandola (MO) Mirandola (MO)
Urban fabricUrban aligned fabric withaligned the river with the Organized river and Organized plannedand manufacplanned manufacPopular solution Popular of development solution of development Secchia and Secchia road providing and roadtoproviding turing to district, turing divided district, fromdivided from of manufacture of manufacture district in zone district in zone Modena. Manufactures Modena. Manufactures and road and housing road areas housing with urban areas barrier with urban barrier placed nearby placed one of nearby mainone roads, of main roads, have priorityhave in the priority waterfront. in the waterfront. of greenery of andgreenery sport functions. and sport functions. on the border onwith the border countryside. with countryside.
42
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
FOOD PROCESSING FOOD PROCESSING (D) (D) AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE (E) (E) LemignanoLemignano (PR) (PR) Maranello (MO) Maranello (MO)
HORTICULTURAL HORTICULTURAL (F) (F) Casalromano Casalromano (MN) (MN)
District developed Districtfrom developed linear from linear Dense, developed Dense,and developed plannedand planned Singular blocks Singular of warehouses blocks of warehouses manufacturing manufacturing area. Broad area. streetsBroad streets sector placedsector nearby placed city centre nearby city centre placed nearby placed mainnearby road. They main are road. They are and production and warehouses production warehouses are and are creatingand urban creating landmarks. urban landmarks. surrounded surrounded by plantations, by plantations, which which shaping flat,shaping unified flat, landscape. unified landscape. shapes are outcoming shapes are from outcoming from previous agricultural previous sites. agricultural sites. BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
43
INDUSTRIAL TYPOLOGIES
Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. Author’s work based on Google Maps.
For better organisation and understanding leading processes, the division of industrial sites was established. Typology is divided into three groups: dispersed single industry, linear industrial clusters, zone industrial clusters. The map presenting industrial sites reveal, that major part of them organise into bigger groups and are covering appointed areas. Those clusters are mainly organised close to the cities and smaller towns, where they form zones. Moreover, alongside major transit roads industrial sites create linear groups. Those two typologies are clearly more connected to built environment and cooperates with transportation system. Against that arrangement is dispersed production, which is mainly located between urban settlements and near less significant roads. 44
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Dispersed Typology Zone Typology Linear Typology Industrial Sites Water System Infrastructure System
0
10 km
50 km
B C A
CATALOGUE OF INDUSTRIAL TYPOLOGIES Zoom into the chosen sites. Data: Author’s work based on Google Earth.
0
5 km
A. A. 0
A. A. Linear Linear development/ development/ Lemignano Lemignano (PR) (PR) LinearA.development/ Lemignano Linear development/ Lemignano(PR) (PR)
5 km
B. B. Zone delvelopment/ Mantova (MN)
Zone delvelopment/ Mantova(MN) (MN) B. ZoneB.development/ Mantova
B. Zone delvelopment/ Mantova (MN)
0
5 km
C.
46
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Dispersed Typology Zone Typology Linear Typology Water System Infrastructure System
C. development/ Pieveottoville (PR) C. Disperse Disperse development/ Pieveottoville(PR) (PR) C. Disperse development/ Pieveottoville C. Disperse development/ Pieveottoville (PR) BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
47
ABANDONED BUILDINGS IN PO VALLEY Data: Regione Lombardia, 2010. Regione Emilia Romagna, 2010.
IN ITALY THERE ARE MORE THAN 9 BILLION SQUARE METERS OF ABANDONED SITES ALMOST
20 000 000 m²
OF DISUSED AREAS ARE IN THE REGION
3 000 000 m²
COULD BE INCLUDED IN URBAN REGENERATION PLANS
Dsused areas represent potentially a territorial, social and economic damage and can constitute a danger for health, for urban and social security and for the environmental and urban context. From the environmental point of view, the abandonment of the original activities is often accompanied by the presence of materials and polluting substances not removed with actual contamination of the groundwater, soil and subsoil, from the urbanistic point of view the failure to recover these areas leads to a growth of the periphery at the expense of the surrounding green areas, exploiting valuable areas that should instead be protected. Since the eighties, the growth of the built-up spaces was accompanied by a gradual abandonment of some parts of the city. The phenomenon of disposal has created a series of fractures and voids in the industrial urban tissue, due to the stoppage or relocation of the productive activities to other locations or changes related to the infrastructural system.
Carbochimica Italiana chemical plant / Fidenza / 1888 - 2004 / 2011 Photo: st-al.com/archive/carbochimica/scheda.html
48
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
49
ABANDONED BUILDINGS AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Data: Regione Lombardia, 2010. Regione Emilia Romagna, 2010.
Around some of the cities there is visible decrease of production and many vacant sites are shown. That suggests some of the urban settlements create better opportunities for industry to develop and remain in the area than others. Among dispersed locations many unoccupied buildings are present, though they are not the majority of them.
50
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industrial Sites Abandoned Buildings Po River Infrastructure System (railways, highways, roads)
0
10 km
50 km
ABANDONED BUILDINGS AND WATER SYSTEM Data: Regione Lombardia, 2010. Regione Emilia Romagna, 2010.
There is no visible relationship between vacant industrial sites and water system. Abandoning production sites is more connected to the needs and opportunities created by urban settlements. Unused sites close to the rivers creates great opportunity for restructuring, refunctioning and increasing attractiveness of water environment.
52
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Industrial Sites Abandoned Buildings Water System
0
10 km
50 km
Cotonificio Rondo, Cilavegna (PV). Abandoned factory since the 1980s Photo: Still Alive
54
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Officine Meccaniche Reggiane, Reggio Emilia Photo Carlo Vannini
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
55
ABANDONED BUILDINGS. STATISTICS Data: Regione Lombardia, 2010. Regione Emilia Romagna, 2010. Authors’ work.
15%
REMAINS TO RURAL BUILDINGS, 9% IS MADE UP BY PUBLIC BUILDINGS (RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC) AND THE 8% FOR OTHER USES (COMMERCIAL, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES)
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
68%
OF THE ABANDONED SITES ARE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
68%
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
LOMBARDIA
Ex fabbrica Necchi di Pavia Photo: www.informazionesenzafiltro.it/
PAVIA
IS THE PROVINCE WITH THE MOST ABANDONED INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS (47 OF 116 IN LOMBARDIA)
LODI
IN THE OPPOSITE WAY, ONLY PRESENTS 11 INDUSTRIAL SITES IN THE REGION
CREMONA
PAVIA
MANTOVA
LODI
60 50 40 30 20 10 0
INDUSTRIAL
PUBLIC
RURAL
OTHER
EMILIA ROMAGNA NUMERICALLY AND BY EXTENSION
MODENA
PLAYS THE LION´S SHARE OF ABANDONED INDUSTRIAL AREAS (91 OF 189 IN EMILIA ROMAGNA)
PARMA
Stabilimento di Spilamberto, Modena explosives factory / Spilamberto / 1901 - 1995 / 2007, 2008 Photo: www.st-al.com/archive/sipe_spilamberto/scheda.html
56
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
IN COMPARISON, SHOWS ONLY 14 BUILDINGS IN DISUSED STATE
PIACENZA 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
INDUSTRIAL
PARMA
PUBLIC
MODENA
REGGIO EMILIA
RURAL
OTHER
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
57
ABANDONED INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS. STATISTICS Data: Schede Aree Dismesse delle Province Pavia, Mantova, Lodi e Cremona, 2010. Authors’ work.
LOCATION
CONDITION STATUS
SURFACE AREA
8% 5%
17%
24%
18% 30% 23%
59%
STATISTICALLY THE MAJORITY OF BUILDINGS PRESENT A
59%
24%
IN THE CITY CENTER AND 17% IN THE EXTRAURBAN AREAS
CONSERVATION STATUS.
BUILDING TYPOLOGY
URBAN FABRIC
URBANISTICALLY MORE THAN 30 BUILDINGS IN THESE PROVINCES ARE ABANDONED DUE TO
EVENTS AND SECONDLY BY THE
RELOCALIZATION
OTHER
NOT DEFINED
BANKRUPTICY
RELOCALIZATION
16%
4%
22%
0
38% 22%
FORM PART OF AN URBAN BLOCK 16% CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE BLOCK
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
20%
49%
ABANDONMENT YEAR
21%
38%
OF THE BUILT VOLUMES ARE SINGLE BLOCKS
Bad 8%
ABANDONMENT REASON
OF THEM DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF POLLUTANTS
8%
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
Good 11%
30%
OF DISUED BUILDINGS HAVE MORE THAN 30 000 SQM, 23% BETWEEN 10 000 AND 20 000, 18% BETWEEN 5 000 AND 10 000, 5% OF BUILDINGS HAVE LESS THAN 5 000 SQM
BANKRUPTCY
58
Medium 44%
MEDIUM AND POOR
16%
OF ABANDONED FACTORIES ARE LOCATED IN THE PERIPHERY
20%
Poor 37%
THROUGH THE YEARS, THERE IS A CONSTANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DISUSED SITES
49%
ARE SITUATED IN A MIXED-USE FABRIC 21% IN AN INDUSTRIAL URBAN AREA, 20% IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES AND 8% IN ISOLATED AREAS
THERE ARE BUILDINGS
OVER 50 YEARS
OF AGE THAT ARE CONSIDERED PART OF THE INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE IN BOTH REGIONS AND IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.
1900-1970
1971-1980
1981-1990
1991-2000
2001-2010
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
59
CATALOGUE OF ABANDONED INDUSTRIES: PIACENZA Data: Regione Emilia Romagna, 2010. Google Earth Pro.
Abandoned Buildings Urban Fabric Po River and Water System
0 60
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
10 km
Ex Acna, Via San Bartolomeo (PC)
Ex manifattura tabacchi, Via Montebello (PC)
L’area ex Pertite Via Emilia Pavese (PC)
Surface: 40.000 sqm Location: City Center Abandonment Year: 1970 Function: Industrial Distance from Po River: 700 m
Surface: 30.000 sqm Location: City Center Abandonment Year: 1999 Function: Industrial Distance from Po River: 2 km
Surface: 270.000 sqm Location: Periphery Abandonment Year: 1940 Function: Industrial/Militar Distance from Po River: 2,5 km
30 km BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
61
CATALOGUE OF ABANDONED INDUSTRIES: CREMONA Data: Regione Lombardia, 2010. Scheda Aree Dismesse Cremona, 2010. Google Earth Pro.
Ex Armaguerra Via Castelleone, Cremona (CR)
Arvedi - Via Acquaviva (Porto canale), Cremona (CR)
SIFI - Via 13 Martiri Gussola (CR)
Scheda di censimento delle aree disme DOCUMENTI FOTOGRAFICI
Scheda di censimento delle aree dismesse del territorio lombardo DOCUMENTI FOTOGRAFICI
Scheda didel censimento aree dism Scheda di censimento delle aree dismesse territorio delle lombardo DOCUMENTI FOTOGRAFICI
DOCUMENTI FOTOGRAFICI
Scheda di censimento delle aree dismesse del territorio lombardo DOCUMENTI FOTOGRAFICI
Surface: 38.000 sqm Location: Periphery Abandonment Year: 1995 Function: Industrial and Artisanal Distance from Po River: 2,5 km
Abandoned Buildings Urban Fabric Po River and Water System
0 62
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
10 km
Surface: 107.000 sqm Location: Periphery Abandonment Year: 2000 Function: Industrial and Artisanal Distance from Po River: 2 km
Surface: 17.000 sqm Location: Periphery Abandonment Year: 1980 Function: Industrial and Artisanal Distance from Po River: 3 km
30 km BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
63
CATALOGUE OF ABANDONED INDUSTRIES: MANTOVA Data: Regione Lombardia, 2010. Scheda Aree Dismesse Mantova, 2010. Google Earth Pro.
Strada Romana Nord San Benedetto Po (MN)
Ditta Bormioli - Via Cavour Revere (MN)
Ex Zuccherificio di Sermide (MN)
Scheda di censimento delle aree dismesse del territorio Scheda di censimento dellelombardo aree dismesse del territorio lombardo DOCUMENTI FOTOGRAFICI
Surface: 19.000 sqm Location: Periphery Abandonment Year: 2004 Function: Industrial and Artisanal Distance from Po River: 1 km
Abandoned Buildings Urban Fabric Po River and Water System
0 64
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
10 km
20 km
DOCUMENTI FOTOGRAFICI
Surface: 17.000 sqm Location: Periphery Abandonment Year: Not defined Function: Industrial and Artisanal Distance from Po River: 200 m
Surface: 150.000 sqm Location: City Center Abandonment Year: 1982 Function: Industrial and Artisanal Distance from Po River: 250 m
40 km BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
65
CATALOGUE OF ABANDONED INDUSTRIES: MODENA Data: Regione Emilia Romagna, 2010. Google Earth Pro.
Abandoned Buildings Urban Fabric Po River and Water System
0 66
RESEARCH BY DESIGN
10 km
20 km
L’ex salumificio SamisBellentani, Massa Finalese (MO)
Ex fonderie di Modena - Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena (MO)
Ex Cartiera di San Cesario, San Cesario sul Panaro (MO)
Surface: 50.000 sqm Location: Periphery Abandonment Year: 1981 Function: Industrial Distance from Po River: 30 km
Surface: 44.000 sqm Location: City Center Abandonment Year: 1980 Function: Industrial Distance from Po River: 60 km
Surface: 50.000 sqm Location: City Center Abandonment Year: 2007 Function: Industrial Distance from Po River: 70 km
50 km BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
CRITERIA Authors’ work.
Po Valley, Italy Photo: The European Space Agency, 2019.
All viewed points in the research by design phase allow us to imagine possible interventions and choose site on which these issues are appearing to a larger degree. A possible option of Piacenza as a place of intervention stood out particularly, due to substantial water contamination appearing just after its industrial zone located at the east border of the city. In comparison with other cities placed along Po, Piacenza seems to have the lowest quality of water. Industrial area, consist of 4 different zones, divides the river and the city. Heavy industries such as cement factory or plastic manufacturers are contaminating air and water in area placed very close to the historical city centre. Industries impacts Piacenza’s entrance roads image in a negative way, which is creating another problem for the city and its successful development. Concentration of abandoned buildings, voids in urban structure led us to final decision about implementing design to regenerate the area. 70
DESIGN BY RESEARCH
PO RIVER
MOST CONTAMINATED FRAGMENT OF THE RIVERBED
CLUSTER OF INDUSTRIAL ZONES DEVELOPMENT OF INTENSE INDUSTRIES
ABANDONED AREAS
UNUSED AND UNDERUSED SPACES
WATER SYSTEM
EXISTANCE OF DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM DISCHARGING WATER INTO THE PO
SEPARATING CITY FROM THE RIVER INDUSTRIES BLOCKING ACCESS TO RIVER
TERRITORIAL RESEARCH - INTERPRETATION. Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. Geoportale Lombardia/Emilia Romagna, 2018. ARPA, 2018.
Industrial sites form clusters around urban settlements. It is noticeable that some of those settlements attracts more production than others. In between town and cities industry is rather disperse. Dense industrial clusters appears in parts of investigated area with higher concentration of urban settlements. River Po and some of its tributaries are polluted. Contamination is not distributed equally, for that reason the highest concentration usually is at the source and in close proximity to it. With the flow of the river pollutants diffuse in water. In some settlements the industrial clusters are in very close vicinity to river Po, sometimes closer than the urban tissue itself. On the map it is visible that part of them can be connected to contamination occurrence. Part of industrial sites were abandoned in the past. Different state of post-industrial buildings gives diverse opportunities of intervention and possible transformation of function.
Industrial Sites Abandoned Industrial Sites Water State: Good Water State: Sufficient Water State: Bad Water State: Very Bad Infrastructure System
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30 km
CONSIDERED AREAS OF INTERVENTION Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. Geoportale Lombardia/Emilia Romagna, 2018. ARPA, 2018.
1. PAVIA
3. CREMONA
2. PIACENZA
4. REGGIO EMILIA
The interpretation of the territorial analysis was narrowed down to four areas along the Po region according to the main criteria observed during research. These areas were considered due to the high levels of water contamination, the high concentration of industries along the river, the presence of abandoned buildings and the separation of urban settlement from river caused by the industries. Following this analysis, we considered Piacenza as the region that involves the major number of environmental and urban issues. In the northeast is located the biggest industrial neighborhood of the city, which is directly connected with the river by underground canals causing water contamination. Furthermore it poses as a border in the relation between river and city.
Industrial Sites Abandoned Industrial Sites Water State: Good Water State: Sufficient Water State: Bad Water State: Very Bad Infrastructure System
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INDUSTRIAL ZONE OF PIACENZA Data: Geoportale Emilia Romagna, 2018, ARPA, 2018.
THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE OF PIACENZA IS LOCATED IN ONE OF THE MOST STRATEGIC POINTS IN ITALY PIACENZA (PC) AREA
118,24 km² 7,80 km² PEOPLE IN PIACENZA 103.942
INDUSTRIAL ZONE AREA
The Industrial zone of Piacenza is the most important crossroads of Italy. It is located in a central position between Milan, Genoa, Verona and Bologna. Just 2 km from the Piacenza Sud motorway exit of the A1 Milan / Naples, it is therefore connected to the A21 Turin-PiacenzaBrescia, with the main Ligurian and Adriatic ports, and the airports of Northern Italy. The railway junction can also be used in the immediate vicinity. The area is located on the edge of the city. It is characterized by a sequence of open spaces, delimited by large infrastructures, lacking a clear formal and symbolic identity, described by “non-places” such as the water purification system based in IREN, with discontinuous private buildings and existing warehouses. The zone was created at different times to adapt to new space requirements. The area is rather problematic both for the high noise levels and for a negative environmental impact. The zone is closely linked to the north train station, where unsafe abandoned places are present.
URBAN BARRIERS
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5 km
Industrial Sites Abandoned Buildings Built Environment Industrial Focus Area Infrastructure System Water State: Good Water State: Sufficient Water State: Bad Water State: Very Bad
Po River Railway Highway
INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS IN PIACENZA
Data: Google Earth, 2020. Google Maps, 2018.
D A A. EMILIA - LEVANTE
B. ZONA INDUSTRIALE DEL CAPITOLO
C. ZONA INDUSTRIALE DI LE MOSE
D. BORGOFORTE
Composed by Ex Centrale Elettrica Emilia as industrial heritage and the Centrale Termoelettrica. Located between the train station and Po river Photo: Google Maps, 2018.
B
Characterized by the presence of the cement production plant and the energy plant as well as some abandoned buildings in the sorroundings . Photo: Google Maps, 2018.
C
Described as an important logistic center for the city. It contains a series of discontinuous warehouses, gas stations and commercial buildings. Photo: Google Maps, 2018.
Industrial complex focused in the storage, selection and treatment of urban waste water as well as administrative and logistics buildings. Photo: Google Maps, 2018.
The northeast industrial zone of Piacenza is composed by four clusters between the city and Po River. Each cluster is defined according to the type of industries, services, infrastrcture and the rapid growth of the urban fabric. Even though is an industrial zone, there are some parts intended for housing, commerce and public spaces like the cemetery.and small sport fields. Photo: Google Earth, 2020.
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
1 km
3 km BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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SITE ANALYSIS
Data: Authors’ work based on Google Maps and Open Street Maps
TRANSPORTATION
In the area there is already existing bike path system, that needs to be enhanced and filled. The bus connection is well-developed. The entrances to the area needs to be improved, as it is difficult to reach the district by foot or bike.
Bus Line Bike Path Current Entrances
URBAN VOIDS AND GREEN AREAS Part of the urban fabric consists of empty plots, that might be transformed into other functions. Permeable spaces are focused mainly around river and highway. They include agricultural fields as well as small woods and lower greenery. On the other hand the industrial area is characterized by hardscape and concrete.
TYPE OF INDUSTRIES
In Piacenza there is a strong presence of industries in the mechanical sector processing machines for removal, automation, equipment and special components, as well as specialized technical services, research, logistics and technological development.
Automotive Energy Logistics Construction
Mechanical Plastics Food Processing Others
ABANDONED BUILDINGS Agriculture Greenary Urban Voids
Although the industrial zone is working properly, there are few spaces that are abandoned or unused and prepared for sale. These abandoned areas are decreasing attractiveness of the land, what is significant, when considering its position close to the city border.
Abandoned Buildings Underused Buildings
SITE ANALYSIS: WATER
Data: Piano Strutturale Comune di Piacenza: Acque.
WATER NETWORK
The entire area is surrounded by superficial and underground canals that are connected with the city and the Po River. The existing water treatment plant is located in the area Wof Borgoforte, which collects all the water coming from the sewer system of the city and the agricultural areas.
Superficial Canals Underground Canals Sewer System Water Treatment Plants
Superficial Canal in Via Finarda that is evacuating into the Po River. Photo: Google Earth, 2018.
POLLUTING INDUSTRIES Along the sewer system some industries are discharging contaminants affecing the water quality of the canals. Automotive, plastics, energy and construction are considered the type of industries with the highest number of water polluting discharges as well as gas stations and car wash places.
Superficial Canals Underground Canals Sewer System Water Drains in Sewer Polluting Industries Water Treatment Plants
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Water Treatment Plant located in the industrial cluster of Borgoforte. Photo: IREN Acqua, 2018.
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
Po River Flooding of 2011 in the border of the industrial zone of Borfgoforte. Photo: Google Earth, 2011.
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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VISION
Data: Geofabrik.de, 2018. ARPA, 2018. Authors’ work.
CURRENT SITUATION
VISION OF THE PROJECT
Industrial zone is perceived as a border between the city and the river as well as one of the main polluting sources of the Po river. There is a lack of urban relations between the building fabric and the river embankment with disrupted paths and neglected image of the place.
The concept of sustainable urban regeneration offers the vision to transform the degraded and abandoned areas of the industrial zone. In order to create a better relationship between Po river and the city it is necessary to improve a better connection between of them and to promote the water treatment.
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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STRATEGIES OF THE PROJECT Authors’ work.
Based on the research phase and site analysis the main strategy for this site could be to enhance the connection of the industrial site to the city center. It is demonstrated that the industrial site is acting as a barrier between city of Piacenza and Po river. To overcome this obstacle, it is necessary to transfer the industrial site to a bridge that could enhance the accessibility for people to reach the riverbank. Moreover, to create a pleasant atmosphere near the riverbank, the quality of the water, needs to be improved. Unfortunately, industrial sectors are discharging their contaminated waste into the river. As a result, purification of the river is our other strategy.
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
A. TRANSFORMATION OF THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE
B. CONNECTION TO THE CITY
C. IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE WATER SYSTEM
Rethink about structure of the industrial zone and how this part could be more integrated to the city. Generally by introducing new functions that could be attractive for the citizens, transforming the abandoned areas and enhancing the quality of the environment it could be seen more as a part of the city.
To overcome the physical barriers and to become more connected to the city. This area is one of the gates to the city through highway, although now it is perceived as an isolated area.
The water should be purified before discharging to the river. It is necessary to implement several stages for water treatment.
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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INTERVENTION PLAN Authors’ work.
VEGETATION
A. Creating the connection between the site and the city to overcome the urban barriers. Also improving the inside connection of the site.
D. Transformation of the unused site and the river bank to create attractors for the citizens and also to increase the quality of space for the workers.
B. Creating some facilities inside the zone and pushing the industries to the new upcoming zones. Some of the industries should be relocated or removed form the area for following reasons: -unused or abandoned industrial sites -high contamination risk and danger to human health.
E. Using the abandoned buildings as an attractor for outsiders and also reusing the buildings that are on sale to include new services for the workers of the industrial site.
INTERVENTIWONS
AREAS OF INTERVENTION
NEW CONNECTIONS
CURRENT SITUATION
C. For improving the quality of the river, we need two different systems.First step is traditional water treatment, that already exists on the site. Second step is implementing wetlands.
F. Palimpsest Using the existing traces of the site for the design and the modification of the site.
MASTER PLAN Industrial zone of Piacenza. Authors’ work.
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
Po river, water system existing open canals existing water treatment tanks existing highways existing railways existing roads built area in the industrial zone Piacenza urban tissue
existing green areas existing slow mobility paths energy plant - unchanged area solar panel elevated on canopy constructed wetlands designed open canals unsed water treatment tank transformed pond
slow mobility designed main axis paths slow mobility designed paths public squares with permeable pavement redesigned postindustrial buildings green roofs designed new vegetation ( trees) designed park area - lawn designed green areas with vegetation
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1000 m
SLOW MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE existing open canals designed open canals slow mobility path-new main axis slow mobility path-new side path slow mobility path-new side path
5 TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDINGS
6
3
built area existing highway existing roads existing railway
2
4
VEGETATION
1
designed new vegetation ( trees) 0
100 m
500 m
DEVICES 1
2
3
DESIGNED AREAS po river, water system existing water treatment tanks transformed pond designed wetlands designed park area - lawn designed green areas with vegetation
WETLANDS - GARDEN
WETLANDS - PURIFICATION
paths over the wetlands, interesting water plants
4
RIVERBANK quarry area adaptation, activity spaces, sport fields
sustainable use of plants, water cleaning system
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6
UNDERGROUND WATER SYSTEM existing hidden canals and sewer
RIVERBANK
new shape of waterfront, increased accessibility
RIVERBANK
bike-friendly infrastructure
RIVERBANK
meadows and spaces dedicated for open-air activities
SLOW MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE existing open canals designed open canals existing slow mobility path slow mobility designed main axis paths slow mobility designed paths
6 TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDINGS built area existing highway existing roads existing railway redesigned postindustrial buildings green roofs solar panel elevated on canopy energy plant - unchanged area
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3
1
4
5 DESIGNED VEGETATION designed new vegetation ( trees)
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500 m
DEVICES 1
2
3
DESIGNED AREAS public squares with permeable pavement designed park area - lawn designed green areas with vegetation
ENERGY PARK
CEMENT FACTORY
Solar panels elevated on structure for temporary function (ex. local market)
4
OPEN CANALS waste water in underground sewers and uncovered canals with clean water
Change function/get rid off leaving footprint of it
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UNDERGROUND WATER SYSTEM existing hidden canals and sewer ground
CULTURAL PARK
Changing function of abandoned buildings into cultural center (theatre, gallery etc.)
CITY – PARK BRIDGE
Pedestrian and bycile path reconnecting Piacenza with bridge over railway
MULTIFUNCTIONAL PARK
Green belt – pedestrian path in entrance zone and area for temporary function
SLOW MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE existing open canals designed open canals existing slow mobility path slow mobility designed main axis paths slow mobility designed paths
1 TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDINGS built area existing highway existing roads existing railway redesigned postindustrial buildings green roofs
5 2
3
4 DESIGNED VEGETATION designed new vegetation ( trees)
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500 m
100 m
DEVICES 1
2
3
DESIGNED AREAS public squares with permeable pavement designed park area - lawn designed green areas with vegetation
NEW SPORT CENTER
Sport facilities in unused industry to enhance attractiveness of the area.
VIA CAORSANA
Increasing quality of the environment for workers and adding new functions.
4
NEW ENTRANCE Industry hidden behind commerce, entering road with greenery and new functions.
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UNDERGROUND WATER SYSTEM existing hidden canals and sewer ground
EXPANDING GREENERY
green roofs and façades on industrial and postindustrial buildings.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Reliable and efficient public transport system to reduce cars use.
SLOW MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE existing open canals
TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDINGS
2
built area existing highway existing roads existing railway green roofs
1
DESIGNED VEGETATION designed new vegetation ( trees)
0
DESIGNED AREAS
DEVICES
500 m
100 m
designed park area - lawn designed green areas with vegetation
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2
GREEN BARRIER
UNDERGROUND WATER SYSTEM
Vegetation growing next to higway, creating green barrier for pollution and noise.
EXPANDING GREENERY
green roofs and façades on industrial and postindustrial buildings.
existing hidden canals and sewer ground
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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WETLANDS PARK. ZOOM 1. Authors’ work.
PLAN 0 102
DESIGN BY RESEARCH
100 m
300 m
WETLANDS PARK. ZOOM 1. Authors’ work.
ATMOSPHERE. This view shows one of the interior pedestrian and bicycle paths of the park.
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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A
A
WETLAND - SECTION A-A
DETAIL 1
DETAIL 2
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50 m
WETLAND SECTION A-A DETAIL 2
WETLAND SECTION A-A DETAIL 1
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50 m
0
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50 m
WETLANDS PARK. ZOOM 1. Authors’ work.
ATMOSPHERE. This view shows one of the interior pedestrian and bicycle paths of the park.
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BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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B
B
WETLAND - SECTION B-B
DETAIL 3
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WETLAND SECTION B-B DETAIL 3
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CEMENT PLANT PARK ZOOM 2. Authors’ work.
ATMOSPHERE
PLAN
0 112
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300 m BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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C C
CEMENT FACTORY PARK - SECTION C-C
DETAIL 4
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50 m
CEMENT FACTORY PARK SECTION C-C DETAIL 4
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50 m BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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INDUSTRY ZONE PARKS. ZOOM 3. Authors’ work.
ATMOSPHERE
PLAN
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DESIGN BY RESEARCH
100 m
500 m BETWEEN THE RIVER AND THE CITY
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D D
INDUSTRY ZONE - SECTION D-D
DETAIL 5
DETAIL 6
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INDUSTRIAL ZONE SECTION D-D DETAIL 6
INDUSTRY ZONE SECTION D-D DETAIL 5
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50 m
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TIMELINE
Proposed actions in time. Authors’ work.
NOW
IN 10 YEARS
IN 25 YEARS
High pollution of the river effectuated by industries is endangering ecosystem. The area can be described as hardscaped, gray environment, that is quite unfriendly to users other than workers of the manufactures. Low degree of permeability and shadowing trees, underused spaces and abandoned buildings are increasing a negative image of the zone, especially regarding that it is a city entrance. The site neeeds strategic thinking and transformation in order to upgrade the ecological state and correct the life quality in the closest areas.
The water pollution is slightly diminuished as in the area there are slowly erasing new wetlands. Some of the roads are transformed into semi-pedestrian spaces and the number of bike lanes is significantly increased. There is a better connection with both city centre and the river Po because of new communication facilities built in necessary spots. Implementation of cultural offer and workplaces is creating a need for new type of development and invites new actors to the area. Opened canals and parks’ landscape arrangement starts to create positive, green image of a site, that is friendly to everybody.
The state of water quality in Po is very good. The area of design is now full of permeable, green areas available to the citizens of Piacenza, as well as there are a lot of sport and fun facilities. The ecosystem starts it’s revival - the park is becoming a place of living of many species of animals and plants. The automotive and cement plants are diminuished and they are changed into parks and cultural services. What is more, logistics that are the strongest sector here, are focused in areas far from the living spots and the river. A new entrance to Piacenza is created as a green, humanfriendly space with some of light industries still working. The opened canals, wetlands and river creates new possibility to spend time at the water.
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CONCLUSION
“HOW CAN WE SEE THE FUTURE OF AN INDUSTRIAL SITE?”
Thank you! Group 4