About the book
Prefabricated mass housing in cities from formerly socialist countries represents an enormous volume of residential housing today and is therefore an important tool for the future urban development within these cities. But transformation of these districts is needed due to the functional, societal, and technical challenges that they face. How can these – sometimes gigantic – structures from the 1960s and 70s be adapted to today’s needs? How can a sustainable, socially compatible, ecologically responsible, and economically efficient development be ensured?
The new title Mass Housing in the Socialist City – Heritage, Values, and Perspectives summarises the results of a three-year research project focussing on Germany, Russia and Ukraine. Based on selected case studies from these countries, it looks at the large post-war residential buildings in regard to social, political and cultural aspects. In doing so, it highlights the qualities and values as well as the problems and possibilities involved in spatially transforming prefabricated housing-estates. Already realised transformation concepts are evaluated and critically reflected upon in a tri-national comparison, as well as within a more comprehensive context. The specific features and characteristics of the socialist city are evaluated with respect to their potentials and difficulties, and in regard to the requirements placed on future district planning and development.
This title objectively analyses and raises awareness of the challenges that urban development faces when dealing with post-war modernist structures. It serves as a valuable basis for establishing planning strategies when it comes to the development of these estates.
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