Sylwia Mochocka

The paper addresses the issue of small initiatives undertaken by inhabitants of housing estates to improve the quality of their living environment. The forms of initiatives, initiation and funding were discussed, as well as methods of implementation in cooperation with universities, organizations, commercial entities and self-government units. The effects of both spatial and social measures were analyzed. On the basis of experience in the implementation of the project “Bookshelves” conducted by the Department of Housing Development of the Institute of Urban Design, Cracow University of Technology in cooperation with the self-government of the Revitalization Department of the Cracow City Council discussed possibilities and threats in the implementation of such projects.

Housing estates are an important urban element in many Polish cities. These types of complexes, buildings and spaces do not meet the modern human needs arising from the function of an apartment. The question arises ever so often: should we demolish them and create new ones in their place, or should we renovate them? According to the author of the article, the most appropriate course of action is their renovation. Large-panel housing estates have great opportunities to become a place adapted to the needs of their residents through a series of transformations. In contrast, social and public spaces created through renovation can affect the vitality of the entire city. The author of the article, on the basis of selected large-panel estates in the city of Kielce, will assess the large-panel housing estates as a modern place of residence. She will outline their main strengths and indicate the defects that she thinks should be taken into account during any renovation measures.

The article presents a model of cooperation between the university and the non-government organization, shows the aim, character and rules of this kind of interaction. The article presents efecst of students‘ work led by their teachers. This work is an attempt to show the mutual benefits of synergies and final effects of the university – foundation – self-government – human – business model.

Large-panel complexes in Poland are very popular among buyers. Their value is particularly affected by communication solutions, access to services, location in relation to the city centre, and in particular the presence of large, well-preserved, though often non-cultivated, green areas. These factors turn out to be important for the buyers, even though the condition of the buildings deviates from modern standards.
On the basis of selected examples of large-panel buildings and complexes, the author discussed measures undertaken to renovate them. She then drew conclusions confirming that the renovation conversions supporting sustainable development are a good direction of action and can work in Polish conditions, where there are opinions against the demolition of large-panel buildings.
To formulate the best possible ways to renovate the Polish housing estates, it is necessary to monitor their condition, in detail and on an ongoing basis, as well as the effects of actions taken so far to upgrade them. Additionally, an important aspect is the analysis of conversions that have been implemented abroad in this area. Such analyses may be helpful in making decisions on the possibilities and advisability of introducing changes, observed in neighbouring countries, to Polish housing estates.