There are countless factors that may influence the use of the coasts and Hinterland regions: Economic booms and ebbs, the restructuring of political and societal boundaries that sparks new developments, demolition and new usages. Thanks to its location in the northern Mediterranean, the port of Trieste was of central importance in commerce relationships between central Europe and the Middle East, particularly after the Suez Canal was opened. The new frontiers between Italy and Yugoslavia thrust Trieste into a problematic periphery between capitalism and communism. Since Slovenia‘s entry in the EU, Trieste has been forced to compete with the port in neighbouring Koper. The orphaned halls in the old port await reawakening; maritime charm does not automatically prompt the creative industry or socially enthusiastic youth to reanimate post-industrial architecture as it has in Barcelona or Thessaloniki.