Abstract
Relevance. The coronavirus pandemic has become the most unexpected global phenomenon in 2020, with a number of equally unexpected consequences. The explosive spread of Covid-19 is mostly perceived the negative light, especially in the context of the threat it posed to the health and lives of millions of people. However, it has been noticed that as a result of the pandemic and lockdown, some negative socio-economic processes have been slowed down. Thus, some of the consequences of the pandemic and lockdown can be perceived as new development opportunities. Research objective. This article aims to describe the new phenomena and processes caused by the pandemic in Polish cities which may have a positive impact on urban development. We also intend to indicate potential directions and development opportunities in cities as a result of the pandemic experience. Data and methods. Methodologically, the work combines two main research methods. First, we analysed the research literature and materials of selected Polish and foreign media dealing with the pandemic and its impact on cities, especially in the spatial and social dimensions. Then we considered the available quantitative data describing the current epidemiological situation in Polish regions. Results and conclusions. Research on the development of Covid-19 in Polish cities is difficult because the official data published daily are aggregated only on the regional level. We have found the following consequences of the pandemic that can be considered as positive: relief from overtourism and speculation on the housing rental market, revival of urban nature, revival of the importance of local and regional identity and goods and resurgence of human solidarity and support for entrepreneurs. The development potential of cities in the post-Covid-19 era should be considered in the context of the following dilemmas and concepts: densification vs. disaggregation, concept of a 15-minute city, city as a system and the need for a participatory urban policy.
Highlights
Pandemics have always affected city life andCovid-19 is no exception, its effects ranging from increased surveillance and ‘de-densification’ to new community activism (Shenker, 2020)
We have found the following consequences of the pandemic that can be considered as positive: relief from overtourism and speculation on the housing rental market, revival of urban nature, revival of the importance of local and regional identity and goods and resurgence of human solidarity and support for entrepreneurs
It should be noted that Poland is one of the countries where the incidence of Covid-19 is moderate compared to other countries
Summary
Pandemics have always affected city life andCovid-19 is no exception, its effects ranging from increased surveillance and ‘de-densification’ to new community activism (Shenker, 2020). Pandemics have always affected city life and. The new type of coronavirus, which manifests itself through such symptoms as high fever, cough, breathing difficulty and subsequent pneumonia, has spread rapidly and affected the whole world (Musa, 2020). We usually perceive this type of change as a difficult situation that significantly disrupts the current development path of cities. The phenomenon of a pandemic and the rapidly spreading wave of morbidity and deaths are tragic for the population of cities, regions and countries, it should be noted that this negative demographic and social shock may have some positive effects on cities and their inhabitants. Depending on the size of the city and its geographical location, the pandemic may have been detrimental to some spheres of city life and beneficial to others
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
