The abandonment of old industrial buildings, now scattered throughout the urban fabric of cities, is a phenomenon we notice all around us. It is evident that these structures possess the potential for transformation to serve the needs of modern cities, provided that the most suitable new use is selected. Their repurposing is a demanding and highly interesting endeavor and poses a unique and multi-layered design challenge.
My interest in industrial buildings and their repurposing drove me to engage in both my research and thesis work, the latter being based on the findings of the former. The complex of the "Old Electric Plant of Karditsa" stands as an exceptional example of industrial heritage and cultural identity for the city. The architectural and historical significance of the complex, its position within the contemporary urban fabric, and the public's desire for its reintegration, make the issue of its repurposing a significant topic.
Within the scope of this thesis, the repurposing and reintegration of the Old Electric Plant complex as a Cultural Center is proposed. The removal of the neighboring existing building allows for the incorporation of additional functions into the proposed architectural program. The program aims to create more public facilities and ultimately a new space in a mutually beneficial relationship of assimilation with the modern city. The final design at both architectural and developmental levels will have positive impacts on the utilization and protection of the industrial complex as well as on the developmental prospects of the city.