Perception of neighborhood space by the residents of the Radogoszcz-Wschód housing estate in Łódź

Abstract

The following article presents the perception of neighborhood spaces by the residents of the Radogoszcz-Wschód housing estate in Łódź. Based on the literature, the definitions, features and functions of these kind of spaces were discussed. The author present in general a description of the study area, also inlcuding its location and current land use. Social research conducted among the residents helped to indentify the most frequented places, which play a key role in the issue of social integration. From these analyses, it is possible to determine which functions and elements of the development occuring in the neighborhood spaces positively affect the establishment od contacts and relationships among the local community.

Based on the above studies, it can be concluded that neighborhood space is subjective in nature. It all depends on the preferences of a particular group of people as to how they spend their time, which is confirmed by the results of the research presented in the following article. Thanks to them, it can be concluded that neighborhood space occurs in both public and private, semi-public or semi-private spaces. Among all the indicated neighborhood spaces, special attention should be paid to green and recreational areas, as well as facilities with a service function, as these were the most frequently indicated places where residents of the neighborhood establish a relationship with their neighbors. The author of the article also draws attention to the multifunctionality of the above green spaces, which affects the diversity of users in these spaces The results shown in the following article may prove useful in guiding the development of housing estates, both those already in existence (especially those that have been neglected) and those that will be built in the future.