This book looks at the complexity of the topic of industrial site planning. Levels and actors are understood and discussed in terms of their mutual interaction. There is no stable “end state” in any industrial sector. At best, these are states of balance in motion. The aim is therefore, to show paths and phases of development that help to overcome stagnation thresholds and to explore the triggering moments for (new) dynamics. Technological justifications (such as AI, Industry 4.0, decarbonization) are only one dimension. Industrial policy, cooperation models – inter-communal for example in the case between market participants and producers, as well as integrative planning activities, both have socio-economic and ecological dimensions.

Based on various regional examples from central Germany (and certain international comparisons) this volume helps illustrate industrial location developments in the context of ongoing regional structural changes. The author's (architect andmember of relevant specialist organizations, MBA in Switzerland and the USA) involvement with a wide variety of projects (monuments, university and industrial buildings, residential construction, etc.) over almost 40 years is based on design and construction practice. Furthermore, 7 technical experts have reflected on the diverse dimension of the subject presented in this volume. Additionally, deindustrialization scenarios are contrasted with the necessity and path to neo-industrialization.