Regenerating what? The politics and geographies of actually existing regeneration

Urban regeneration through international building exhibitions (IBA) has demonstrated significant potential for innovation and sustainability, as shown by the German model dating back to the early 20th century. The IBA Emscher Park project (1989–99), which revitalized the Ruhr Valley's former industrial heartland, stands out for its diverse, innovative approach that blended architectural design with ecological principles and regional resilience strategies. This study highlights how the IBA model effectively coordinated regeneration across municipalities through political governance structures, guided incrementalism, and sustainability integration. Its legacies and transferable lessons offer valuable insights for contemporary urban renewal efforts worldwide.

(Ed.). (2013). Regenerating what? The politics and geographies of actually existing regeneration. The Routledge Companion to Urban Regeneration, 179–187. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203108581-26