Creative use of post-industrial space in Lodz - tour guides’ perspectives

Abstract

ABSTRACT City guides play an important role in shaping the experience of space, including the transformation of its image, which is particularly important in post-industrial cities. They look for non-obvious elements of the urban space, creating an original narrative and offering visitors and residents creative initiatives to help them get to know the city and even build a local identity. The aim of the study was to analyse the creative use of post-industrial space by city guides, using the example of Lodz. The authors explored which resources of the city space they find particularly inspiring, and what the conditions, barriers to action and needs of the respondents are. The analysis was conducted on the basis of two focus group interviews (FGI) among selected guides. The research revealed the relevance of the city’s atypical heritage in the development of a creative guiding offer. The non-obvious urban fabric, which has not been subjected to revitalisation and aestheticisation processes, is becoming an inspiration for the creation of unique tourism products, as well as a valuable identity resource for the city.