A reinterpretation of urban industrial space

Abstract

Many American cities have hundreds of acres of former industrial land lying abandoned as a result of plant closings and mergers as U.S. industry attempts to compete in a more global market. Since these sites are often located in the heart of urban areas, along rivers, and near transportation routes, they are ideal for renovation into modem industrial uses, urban open space, and/or community focus points.Working to transform these sites into more useful urban spaces is a complex issue. The first component that must be studied is the proper balance of these many uses within the context of the particular city. This will help determine what the proper interpretation is for this site. Any investigation of the topic would also need to consider the environmental damage that has historically been done to the site through poor practices and explore how these problems might be mitigated.The place this project will investigate is the former U.S. Steel Ohio Works in Youngstown, Ohio. This site is a classic example of these types of places: a heavy industry site, real or perceived environmental damage, a close proximity to urban homes and the downtown area, river frontage, connections to neighborhoods, etc. In addition, this community would be aided by having a planned, historical, teaching open space for residents to take pride in.The major point of study in this project is how this landscape can reflect the historic industrial landscape of the City of Youngstown while providing the city's modern inhabitants with amenities, open space, and learning opportunities.