ABSTRACT
Informed by an awareness of the cultural significance of industrial built heritage and the power of such iconic landscapes to convey the spirit of their time, many recent urban projects in France have focused on the redevelopment of large-scale post-industrial waterfront sites. This chapter examines an ongoing project in the former port district of Nantes, a city with a long history of shipping and trade. The revitalization plan for this area notably includes revaluing and repurposing industrial buildings and infrastructure from Nantes’ shipbuilding era, thereby recognizing a type of patrimony that goes unseen or unappreciated in most cultures. The project provides insights on the adept planning mechanisms deployed as well as key designers, politicians, and advocates who ensured the continued relevance of the port legacy. Results thus far argue for expanded recognition of the latent potential of industrial ensembles to endow the urban fabric with a profound sense of place.
