Urban Planning, A World Heritage Site ~ March 31, 2014

Sir Titus Salt, a leading industrialist in the Yorkshire, got it right with his 19th century urban planning for his textile factory and employee housing. The photograph shows an example of his neat stone houses for workers. He included wash houses with tap water, bath houses, hospital, school, library, recreation facility, gymnasium, concert hall, billiard room and scientific lavatory. Is there any wonder why UNESCO selected “Saltiare” as a Wold Heritage Site?

Today Saltiare has become a fashionable living distract. The textile mill turned into a huge live arts center featuring Yorkshire ‘s David Hockney amazing art, restaurants, shops, and historic displays. It was keen seeing how an old industrial building could be revitalized into attractive and financially profitable space; thus, spearheading residential development of restoring and preserving old neighborhoods.