Abstract
In 2004, in response to France’s 1960s and 1970s urban regeneration program proposing the demolition and redevelopment of large scale social housing developments, Frédérik Druot, Anne Lacaton, and Jean-Philippe Vassal created their PLUS theory (PLUS—Les grands ensembles de logements–Territoires d’exception). Its main aim was to modernize the existing buildings, and to add extra living space, functional freedom, and comfort. This essay examines the PLUS strategy and two of the architects’ projects: the Bois le Prêtre Tower in Paris and the Grand Parc housing estate in Bordeaux. Its aim is to examine the tools used by the architects and investigate the purposefulness and potential of using their solutions in Polish large-scale prefabricated housing estates. Combining the categories of luxury and saving in redevelopment of housing estates paves the way for a new outlook. Maximizing living space, quality, and freedom of living in housing facilities that are not part of the commercial luxury segment of the housing market may prevent potential gentrification and homogenization of the social structure in individual city districts.
Highlights
It is estimated that about 8 million people in Poland live in prefabricated buildings in large housing estates, i.e., over 20% of the population [1]
In addition to the theoretical work of the architects, two implementations of their postulates were analyzed: the Bois le Prêtre skyscraper in Paris and the Grand Parc building complex in Bordeaux. The juxtaposition of these two projects allows, where necessary, an examination of the possibilities and effects of implementing the ideas of architects on two scales: a single building and a complex of three residential facilities, forming a part of a large housing estate. Such a comparison is essential due to the point interventions strictly corresponding to the needs of residents and the costs of modernization
The analysis of Polish post-war prefabricated buildings confirms the thesis that architecture itself is not the source of problems in large housing estates
Summary
It is estimated that about 8 million people in Poland live in prefabricated buildings in large housing estates, i.e., over 20% of the population [1]. From time to time, sensational articles appear in the press questioning the viability of these structures, there are no technical reasons for their mass demolition. The Institute of Building Technology denies the common opinion that large-panel blocks were erected with an assumption of just a 50-year life cycle. Structures of inhabited buildings meet modern safety requirements and can be used for the decades [3,4]. 40% of these buildings still require thermal modernization. The estimated cost of renovation works by the end of this decade is PLN 25.8 billion. After obtaining a technical report on this subject [5] in 2018, the Ministry of Investment and Development ( the Ministry of Regional Funds and Policies) decided to increase funding for the Thermomodernization and Renovation Fund and support renovations by allocating 16–21%
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