Planning through a Prism of Individual Interests: Historical Events Defining the Area of Bratislava’s Former Key Industrial Zone

Abstract

39 Introduction Prešporok (Pressburg in German, Pozsony in Hungarian), as the city of Bratislava was called until 1919,1 used to be one of the most important industrial centres of the Hungarian kingdom of the Austro-Hungarian Empire – a fact that is not immediately apparent because of the small number of industrial structures preserved up to the present. Comparing historical documentation and period images with the current situation naturally brings the attention primarily toward the questionable processes that led to the destruction of buildings that were once a source of pride in the city, as a symbol of its progress. Although the situation is far from ideal, in terms of both industrial and modern heritage, a number of experts have already addressed the issues of insuffi cient protection for more recent and less traditional heritage.2 Though some might argue that little of the industrial heritage is left to protect, there are still some structures deserving attention and proper evaluation, and therefore further research. However, this study focuses on a diff erent issue: the analysis of historical events that led to development of a key industrial zone in the area of the former Mühlau (Nivy), in spite of its relative proximity to the historical centre (Figure 1). The research has been based on the premise that the recent and oft-criticised development in this area can, paradoxically, be seen as parallel to the industrial zone’s previous development. In addition, a deeper understanding of those events might serve not as an apology for current development, but rather a guide of what not to ignore in planning, which could be helpful for future development in the adjacent Winter Harbour area.