Sustainable development of the housing estates through the example of Radogoszcz-East in Łódź

Abstract

In case of progressive degradation of the natural environment, more emphasis is put on the actions which would minimize the humanity’s negative influence on the environment. An attempt to answer ecological issues is the concept of sustainable development which assumes permanent development of humanity but not at the expense of the natural environment. Nowadays environmentally friendly solutions are frequently used in modern residential buildings. However major challenge is to adapt existing buildings to contemporary requirements. Especially demanding problems are large housing estates built in socialism which dominated the structure of Polish cities before the propagation of sustainable development principles. Research problem of this article is a question: can blocks of flats develop in a sustainable way? In order to answer this question a research based on a methodology by Beata Komar1 through the example of Radogoszcz-East – housing complex located in Łódź was conducted. The object of this study was appraisal of particular aspects of sustainable development (ecological, economic, social and cultural) with reference to block of flats. Additional materials to this analysis were questionnaires for inhabitants about the quality of life in this area.