Assessing user preferences on post-industrial redevelopment

TLDR

Interest is growing in redeveloping post‑industrial landscapes and involving the public in urban planning. The study investigated public preferences for post‑industrial land transformation projects. The authors employed a semi‑qualitative approach using questionnaires and interviews, surveying 450 residents about post‑industrial landscapes that incorporate environmental, cultural, and historic assets. Results indicate that residents view brownfield regeneration positively, prioritize multifunctional spaces linked to tourism, mobility, renewable energy, education, economic development, and safety, and that integrating public input with site characteristics can guide regeneration that balances economic, environmental, and cultural functions.

Abstract

There is a growing interest in post-industrial landscape redevelopment and public participation in urban planning process. This study examined the public preference on post-industrial land transformation projects. A semi-qualitative methodology was used throughout the application of a questionnaire and interviews. Data on public perception of post-industrial landscape that incorporates significant environmental, cultural and historic assets were collected from 450 residents. Results illustrate that community attitudes to brownfield regeneration projects are positive. Urban growth should consider the redevelopment of derelict and/or abandoned areas instead of consuming new green areas. The results illustrated that, according to public perception, the most important aspect in the redevelopment of the study area is the creation of multifunctional areas, and that this aspect is statistically related with touristic activities, mobility and accessibility, use of renewable energies, environmental education, economic redevelopment, and safety/security. The researchers suggest that coupling the information gathered throughout the public preference process with the intrinsic characteristics of each landscape is helpful in understanding community expectations in order to inform urban regeneration projects that consider the economic, environmental and cultural functions of sites.