Preservation is Overtaking Us | Rem Koolhaas

It has been almost two months since the last time I sat properly in front of my computer, drank a cup of coffee and browse the internet. Obligations were overwhelming  and posting seemed more of a luxury.

During that period, we were involved in an urban planning project for the revitalization of the former industrial area in the outskirts of Patras, Greece.
The objectives of the course was to propose an mixed-use plan that would rejuvenate the now-turned-into-a-ghetto area and decentralize the city so as to create a second area of focus and activity.
Though preservation of the former industrial buildings was not included in the objectives, the tutors insisted in it. I was then greatly opposed, believing that their arguments of “the buildings’ importance to the citizens” and “the reminder of an economic prosperity era” were not enough. Unfortunately, the decision was taken and we had to back down and include them in our proposal.

Four months later, I stumbled upon this great article of DPR_BCN Steetley Magnesite At Hartlepool | Industrial Armageddon which featured an excerpt from a speech of Rem Koolhaas. I felt a bit disappointed that I hadn’t read them earlier. They provided all the right arguments that a third year student as myself couldn’t think of and could be the starting point of a very interesting conversation.

This is the excerpt from the speech that DPR_BCN were kind enough to provide in the end of their article.