How non-planning determinants aff ect the shape of public spaces: case studies of two former province capitals, Plock and Radom

Aim of project

The subject of the research is public space in Polish township districts (former province capitals). The dissertation focuses on two Polish cities, Plock and Radom, located in the Masovia province. Particular interests are how transformations of public spaces in these cities embody social, administrative and
sociological references. The studies concentrate on downtown areas, where most public spaces are located.

The administrative reform introduced in Poland in 1999 changed competencies in central, regional and local administrations. These administrative reforms resulted in the division of Poland into 16 regions instead of 49. Also, 33 cities were downgraded in their administrative status to the township district level from their previous level of province capitals. These alternations have caused changes also in the spatial dimension of urban structures.

The concept of the research is based on the assumption that the future development of Polish cities can be as eff ectively conducted as in other cities. The research includes descriptions of some European cities and also American cities (with particular focus on their numerous revitalization programs).

The basic aim of the research

• To define the rules of local administration at the township district level in relation to public spaces;
• To identify local governance regulations and planning legislation and their infl uences on planning processes and decision-making in township districts;
• The characteristic features of the cities are used to create a synthetic model of functional and structural transformations of public spaces, including social and economic aspects;
• To create a detailed database that illustrates the shape of public space in Plock and Radom before the introduction of the administrative reform and after (present condition);
• To indicate the development directions of these cities;
• To evaluate the conditions and advisability of changes inplanned legislation;
• To encourage and promote municipal and academic cooperation through:

– database enrichment and dissemination to municipality and governance units involved in urban planning,
– identifying the crucial players in private-public partnerships,
– learning how to eff ectively encourage public participation in shaping public spaces (a fundamental role of
democracy),
– identifying objectives and providing guidelines useful to municipalities.

Expected results
Doctoral thesis