When We Say Post-Industrial – We Mean Ruins

Abstract

This paper examines new-ruins in a post-industrial urban landscape on the example of Łódź, Poland. It analyses which ruins are depicted (industrial vs. domestic) and how they are framed (within the wider urban context or on their own) and interpreted (social and political critiques, local history, and aesthetics). It argues that contrary to the suggestions in the academic literature, these sites are not seen as symbols of failing capitalism but are sites and sources of meditative reflection, akin to the role played by medieval ruins during the nineteenth century. Furthermore, heritage is virtually absent from these discussions because modern ruins are not understood to be part of the industrial heritage by the actors in the post-industrial city.

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