Adaptive Reuse of Underused Industrial Sites, Case Study: The Superphosphate of Laç

Abstract

Industrial heritage in Albania is a new concept which has started to be promoted only in these last years. After more than two decades of democracy, the country has not yet confronted management of underused industrial sites. This paper makes a general description of industrial sites in the city of Laç, Albania. Historical transformation and changes through time, has ended up with a complicated situation of some deteriorated sites and some others reused for various functions. Following, this case is compared with other successful reuse cases for industrial purposes, in England and Sweden. This study provides an alternative approach of reuse methodology in other EU countries and an example of good practices. Furthermore, Albanian businessman and the government can learn how to deal with similar cases in other cities, where industrial sites are still abandoned and left without investments. At the end, this paper gives contribution in the limited academic studies regarding industrial heritage in country.