Abstract:

In recent decades, a progressive process of "revitalisation" of urban public space has been observed in many Polish cities. The reclamation, renovation and renewal of the urban fabric, mainly thanks to acquired EU funds, raises many doubts in the opinion of both city dwellers and public space researchers. The main objections concern the seemingly aesthetic creation and modern space, which, as it turns out, often fails to meet the expectations of its users in terms of social utility. According to almost all quoted definitions of the term revitalisation is a process which, as a result of renovation, reclamation or repair, is supposed to restore the social functionality of places or, simply speaking, to revitalise certain public spaces of a city. However, many space researchers, architects, urban activists and ordinary citizens are doubtful about the way in which projects concerning the redecoration of spaces in some Polish cities are carried out. Projects which often have nothing to do with making revitalised areas into liveable spaces. The projects often have nothing to do with making the revitalised areas life-friendly spaces. The description of the ways in which urban "revitalisation" can be implemented is supported by the example of post-industrial cities in Silesia.