Models for Architecture of Contemporary Medium-Density Mixed-Use Buildings - Case Studies from Gliwice, Poland

Abstract

Mixed-use buildings are objects of more than one use. The structure of a typical mixed-use building allows for access of at least two groups of users: both groups take advantage of the presence of the other one. Advocates of the compact city policy argue that mixed-use buildings are necessary for reaching compactness. The demand for density in developing cities is growing since the prices of land are rising and there are nearly no vacant plots in the centres. Most of the low and medium-density implementations do not use a mix of uses since it complicates the building structure. Although there are no universal measures for low, medium and high density, the author believes that can relate to the location and site characteristics. Asian ultra-high densities are generated by different conditions and local background and cannot be compared to the European examples. Also, the terms low, medium and high density have different meanings and values in small, medium and big cities. This article presents 3 case studies of designs for 2 mixed-use buildings in the medium-size city of Gliwice. The case studies illustrate the local determinants set in the local development plans that limit the development by setting the minimum and maximum values of urban indicators. The authors conclude that, sometimes, planning regulations result in very extreme values of the urban factors that must be met by the new development. However, those are not the only answers sometimes. Planning does not always foresee or meet the needs of the changing urban environment and society. Observation of the executed process of implementation shows that hypothesis may be right.