Abstract:The paper summarizes actions of undertaken in the city of Graz, the purpose of which is to maintain the housing function of the historic city center. One of the ideas is to improve the quality of public spaces through renovating town squares. Throughout the last twenty years, most of the squares in downtown Graz have been rearranged. The diversity of the projects allows them to respond to different needs of potential residents so that it may compete with other districts in attracting potential residents.
Abstract:This paper sets out to examine the dominant paradigm that continues to influence the contemporary design of housing within the city. The paper argues that this paradigm can fundamentally be viewed as a masculine take on the world. The principle qualities of this existing masculine perspective are explained before outlining the important aspects of the feminine dimension that are needed to redress the balance. The paper goes on to use Dhavari, the slum quarters of Mumbai, as an example of an urban environment that has evolved with a very natural integration of housing, supported by work, commerce and trade. It is this natural integration of the various dimension of urban living that has been broken down in modern urban design. The paper concludes therefore by suggesting that a natural healthy city would be generated by a balanced integration of these masculine and feminine qualities that the paper has discussed.
Abstract:In the twentieth century, the housing environment was transformed ideologically on the basis of three main documents: the La Sarraz Declaration in 1928, the Athens Charter in 1933 and the New Athens Charter in 1998. We should mention another document – the UN Conference Declaration in Stockholm in 1972 when – as Grażyna Schneider-Skalska writes – it was stated that “man is both the creation and the creator of his environment which gives him physical existence and delivers possibilities of intellectual, moral, social and spiritual development”2. Two world wars, the Bolshevik Revolution as well as the great vanguard which revolutionized the aesthetic stylistics in architecture and city planning had a strong impact on the ideological and compositional values of the housing environment in the 20th century. The following reflection results from the author's conviction about the uniqueness of the previous century in the dimension of art and – first and foremost – in the dimension of human life.
Abstract:Postępująca atrofia więzi społecznych powoduje powstawanie zjawiska próżni społecznej (określenie S. Nowaka). Brak działań zmierzających w kierunku rekonstrukcji więzi i wspólnot może prowadzić do rozwoju wspólnot uzurpatorskich i zjawisk uzurpatorskiego zawłaszczenia przestrzeni.
Abstract:This paper brings up elementary problems related to the creation of friendly public spaces in residential complexes as the main places of social integration. Contemporary social transformations are reflected in a new, intensified usage of public spaces which – offering more and more possibilities of satisfying human needs in the field of social contact, knowledge, recreation, stimulation etc. – provoke people and their activities to transfer life from a private space to a public space.
Abstract:The paper summarizes the selected examples of public green spaces in european cities (Barcelona, Munich, Paris) as a positive investments which enrich inhabitants environment. The project of the public garden in Staszów was presented on the background of mentioned examples. The goal of the project was designing attractive recreation area for inhabitants.
Abstract:Public space of a traditional city is of polar nature. Tension of a composition arises between the dominants and greenery edges. Structuralism pays attention to the role of polar space in the creation of genius loci. New urbanism restores the principle of the increase in the town substance, a bit neglected in the era dominated by car. It is a principle of modules – quiet areas located among the green network of regulators and stimulators.
Abstract:The functioning of green systems in public space on the one hand plays a vital part in economic and social life of a country while on the other hand attempts at protecting valuable elements of natural environment in urban areas lead to frequent and numerous conflicts. The construction of developed analytical mechanisms made it possible to determine natural resources precisely and to indicate protective measures; however, there is not enough experience to introduce protection in conformity with local societies. The idea which allows to create uniform protective systems with the use of resource for the needs of residents is called green infrastructure.
Abstract:The paper deals, according to the thesis given, with the four chosen fundamental aspects concerning creation of public space, within an urban housing environment. Samples presented are attractive thus represent universal models, which inspire towards next ideas and solutions. 1. A genesis of creation of a square, as a basic public space in the primary housing environment. 2. Gentrification of a central square in deteriorated country town of tourist potential, in post communist country. 3. The high values of social identification thanks to the strong character of a unique historical square, which is a witness of the past. 4. Conversion of a mono-centric city, into a poly-centric metropolis, a consequence of it is creation of new central squares representing overtime values.
Abstract:Erection and development of Nowe Miasto [New Town] – the biggest district in Poznan, is strictly connected with founders' mythology propagated in the Polish People's Republic. According to ambitious plans, the district public space was to form a three-level system, integrated with the structure of municipal greenery, culminating in the multi-functional centre of the district, coupled with Poznan downtown. Presently, urban fallow lots, prior planned to serve as public space, have now been developed with shopping. After almost 100 years from its erection Nowe Miasto populated with 140 thousand inhabitants, practically is devoid of public space as defined through architectural substance.
