Jute mills as restorative landscapes: perceptions of environmental aesthetics in living industrial heritage

This study explores the potential of industrial heritage sites to contribute to a restorative landscape by analysing the perceptions of the industrial workers towards the environmental aesthetics components. The conglomeration of operational and abandoned jute mills forms a distinctive continuous industrial landscape along both banks of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. Apart from creating a historic industrial landscape, the elements within each of the heritage jute mills contain aesthetically significant built and natural elements. Urban regeneration proposals for these sites are receiving attention from the stakeholders, where the concept of restorative landscapes may be incorporated. The study employs an empirical approach, to assess the aesthetic preferences and perceived environmental quality of jute mill environments, by the first-hand users of the site. Data was collected from 273 workers of six heritage jute mills in West Bengal, India. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted on the seven identified components of environmental aesthetics. The results indicate the potential and challenges of industrial heritage sites in proposing restorative landscapes. The findings highlight the contribution of these industrial heritage sites to the regional landscape, demonstrating the potential to enhance not only local worker well-being but also the overall urban environment. By integrating workers’ views, this study contributes to a more inclusive approach to industrial heritage management, offering a framework for applying restorative landscape theory to large-scale industrial sites.