From Socialist Estate to City Neighbourhood: A Critical Look at Eastern European Housing Estates

Abstract

This thesis presents a critical examination of Eastern European housing estates, examining their unique condition and growing concerns, in order to propose a new model for their regeneration so that they can become vital neighbourhoods within the city. In order to redefine the image of these estates from their negative Soviet memory, the street becomes a vital element for re-adaptation. The street can provide a new public space that is truly democratic, used by all habitants, while at the same time setting up a structure for controlled property development. Focusing on the socialist period estate of Wierzbno in Warsaw, a new urban design is proposed which integrates the estate into the surrounding city, while providing a unique character that differentiates from other city neighbourhoods, creating a memorable and diverse district.