Prospective Comprehension of Abandoned Industrial Sites: Strijp-S | Eindhoven as an Example

Many industrial sites have lost their original function and identity and appear as “urban voids” in the urban landscape.
In this study, the authors focus on the project of urban regeneration of the Strijp-S in Eindhoven, the former Philips’ factory area, which was the most crucial catalyst for the development of the city in the industrial period of the 20th century. The area functioned such a machinery for the development of Eindhoven, however, was not accessible to non-Philips employees. It was a
mysterious area that was forbidden for most residents.
Strijp-S lost its original function when Philip had left the city and the identity of the site was changed from “closed” to “open”. The re-evaluation of the site with its all industrial heritage has gained a new, prospective perspective for the city’s spatial, cultural, and economic development of the city.
In this context, this study tries to reveal the spatial, social-cultural, and economic relationship of the contemporary situation of the site within the urban landscape. Additionally, it aims to show the actor-relationships and planning decisions affecting the regeneration process besides evaluating the final implementation. So, this study also scrutinizes various speculations, designs, and opinions about that abandoned industrial site to draw a framework for a prospective perspective beyond its static, preservable character.
Briefly, this study aims to present a comprehensive vision to re-evaluate the potency of abandoned industrial sites for the future of the city with the understanding of transformative approaches beyond conservative thoughts for their industrial heritage identity.