Changing Worker-scapes in core urban areas. A Masterplan for the former cement factory 'Marchino' in Tuscany

The paper investigates on the sustainable regeneration of the Cement Factory 'Marchino' in Prato by looking on how former industrial buildings can be properly reused within the transformation of the surrounding environment of great value. The Cement Factory was built between 1926 and 1927 and was properly designed and structured on a hill area in a strategic position. In 1944 part of the buildings were destroyed by the German troops. In the post-World War II, the Factory went back into operation but never returned to levels production in the years before the war. In 1958, the Marchino&Co Cements Union asked for permission to stop mining, from that moment onwards the Factory was used only as a deposit. This contribution aims to present a proposed Masterplanning methodology that takes into consideration a sustainable reuse of the former industrial buildings into a Museum, Exhibition Centre, Music School including other facilities and services. An open space design is also proposed that can create enjoyable sustainable places. Finally, many aspects have been considered to drive change and re-create connections with the City improving accessibility and shared core places while upgrading the industrial landscape.