Improving the quality of life with CPTED methodology: high-rise housing in Widzew, Łódź

Abstract

Purpose The social context in Polish high-rise neighbourhoods varies from one in Western Europe. This typology is not associated with social housing and the ownership of the dwellings mixed. Moreover, nearly half of the population of Poland lives in this type of real estates. Sociological research shows that the subjective quality of life is decent. Nevertheless, the dwellings are still considered a rather poor place to live and there are various aspects that need to be improved. Widzew is a typical example of the 1970s and 80s concrete high-rise housing area. Many similar developments have been built during the communist era in Eastern Europe. There are many degenerated buildings, while new developments intrude the existing environment, obstructing social and urban structure. The purpose of this paper is to analyse this environment and investigate the social problems and the urban context. Design/methodology/approach The authors have conducted sociological surveys and field observations to measure the subjective quality of life. After analysing the data, several problems appeared, such as lack of maintenance, poor quality of public space, the sense of insecurity and lack of social cohesion. The main scientific question is if and how the crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) method can address those issues. This paper wants to address major problems found in the social research by using a combination of CPTED solutions. Findings The necessity to apply the CPTED analysis in the quasi-public space is clearly noticeable. It is this space that is often perceived by the inhabitants as dangerous. It appears that it can be easily assessed via four criteria – visibility, accessibility, territoriality and attractiveness. Originality/value The novel idea was to compare the findings of a sociological survey on quality of life with the results of space analysis based on the CPTED method. This study might bring general recommendations for high-rise neighbourhoods in Eastern Europe.