Practical notebook no. The architects drew on the strength and inertia of the original structure to create a vast university complex, a research laboratory for teacher-researchers, the Mulhouse archives, the contemporary art centre and educational workshops. This is an exemplary project, which has preserved the industrial heritage by limiting the number of additions and allowing a fluid cohabitation between several entities that operate at different times.
In the past, it was home to heavy industrial activities foundry, locomotive factory from , mechanical engineering, marine turbine factory , then became heavily deindustrialised, leading to the gradual abandonment and deterioration of the buildings or their occupation by low added-value activities.
The new occupier has thus optimised its land holdings to free up space. The site was partly redeveloped by the City in when the Faculty of Economic, Social and Legal Sciences of the University of Haute-Alsace moved into an old hall, which was completely refurbished and became the Fonderie university campus.
However, there was no overall project capable of occupying all the available space, as the political will was to preserve its economic vocation. Its accreditation paved the way for funding from the Region, the State and the European Union. Both have taken advantage of the presence of vast existing industrial buildings that they have renovated to suit their needs. Private projects are underway, with the installation of the engineering company Nodarius employees and that of an industrial design company, completing the ecosystem.
There is also a project to relocate the Technistub fablab, aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. The entire site is now occupied or is the subject of projects currently underway. The renewal of this vast industrial area has accelerated the regeneration of the district, which is part of a wider project known as the New National Urban Renewal Programme NPNRU , due to run until Ultimately, it will integrate various urban functions housing, industrial and training sites , creating more than 1, jobs, including new ones.
