RIJEKA’S TORPEDO LAUNCH PAD STATION PRESERVATION Ivan Marović University of Rijeka, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Rijeka, Croatia
[email protected] Ivica Završki University of Zagreb, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Zagreb, Croatia
[email protected] Diana Car-Pušić University of Rijeka, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Rijeka, Croatia
[email protected] From the middle of 19th century till the middle of 20th century Rijeka’s industrial developments were known world wide. One such unique and genuine development for sure is a torpedo. Every torpedo had to pass very difficult testing processes therefore it was necessary to build such facility which enabled simulation of all launch positions. Today, Torpedo launch pad station facility has attribute of cultural good although is rather devastated. Consequently, this paper will give an overview of what should have been done and was not, and an overview of what is being done to salvage and preserve such an important and unique monument of technological activities of Rijeka and its citizens that endures time. KEYWORDS: industrial heritage, maintenance management, preservation, reuse. INTRODUCTION City of Rijeka is situated on the shore of Kvarner bay, the northernmost part of Adriatic Sea, where the Mediterranean is closest to the countries of middle Europe. As being in background of Kvarner, Dinaric Alps are at lowest altitude therefore is the easiest crossover from sea side deeper into land towards European countries. Good geographical position of Rijeka provided good communication post, which was first noticed by Romans and Greeks, and can be found in charts of famous chart maker Claudius Ptolemaeus. Industrial developments in Rijeka are strictly connected with developments which followed the Industrial Revolution such as development of steam engine.