This study is intended as a contribution to the understanding of the influence structural changes has on urban transformation in housing domain, by focusing on mechanisms behind the upgrading as accidental model for regeneration of the collective housing. In particular, the aim is to do so in relation to a comparison between different operational scales on which process is carried out. The process is investigated at the city,neighborhood and street/square scale.
With the use of qualitative methods, such as interviews, in depth analysis of policies and regulations and observations, differences in manifestation of the regeneration on different scales are discovered. It is suggested that undefined strategy, indifferent attitude of local authorities, inconsistent legislative environment, disconnection between the operational scales and presence of the market as essential driving force of the process, results in asymmetric outcomes of upgrading, both in physical and social terms.
But on the other hand, in respect to wider political and economical environment in which regeneration happened, it is acknowledged that considerable housing stock is renovated and living standards are improved. The most critical issue in the process is proved to be the uneven awareness of the importance of the regeneration among the actors at different scales and consequently their performance in respect to it. Furthermore,influence of upgrading on the community life and social relation in the regenerated neighborhoods are totally neglected, which has for its consequences decreased use of common space between the buildings and erosion of existed communities.
It is proved also that fully market driven regeneration has rather regressive consequences on urban transformation in context of N is but in same time gives valuable lessons for improvement of the future upgrading as regeneration model for collective housing. Based on these lessons,adaptive policy changes are suggested and platform for further studies in system or process oriented urban regeneration and design is established. Thesis is organized as follows: first methodological approach is explained, second it situate problem in wider regional and local context in respect to urban transformation and housing trends, third thesis discuss analysis of operational scales and conclude with final cross-scale discussion and potentials for further research.
Source: KTH
Author: Vranic, Petar