ABSTRACT
Transformations of industrial heritage sites are an essential step in this conception of a present-day city. The case studies of Belford, St. Denis, and Paris illustrate two important aspects; one relates heritage management and sustainable urban development, whereas the other relates to heritage management and mental projection of the European City today. In all cases, architectural interventions are the key to manage and shape these transformations. The essential point is the trade-off between 'already existing' and 'do with' while preserving the historic value of the sites and buildings. This chapter introduces cases from France, showing transformations of industrial heritage sites from an architect's perspective. The central argument is to go beyond preserving specific historical items to transforming both the buildings and the sites. Attention is thereby given to maintaining the industrial character while also creating new visions and spaces for the needs of the present-day city.
