Sustainable Development of the Medium-Sized City on the Example of Oswiecim

Abstract

The primary objective of the city is to provide a high quality of life of the residents. It is one of the reasons behind the migration of the residents, causing an outflow of the people or attracting them. Moreover, needs and requirements connected with the inhabited area are undergoing a constant change. All of the decisions taken in the cities and concerning their development are connected with the quality of the living environment and the quality of the urban space. The condition of the urban and natural environment has an important impact on the health and safety of the residents. The promotion of the city’s development with protection of land against the urban sprawl, with respect for the cultural heritage, efficient infrastructure and social balance has become the main task of the medium-sized cities. Spatial structure of Oświęcim was determined by the development of Oświęcim Chemical Company. Multi-family housing units, together with the necessary services were created in the near vicinity of the company. The attention of the local authorities was directed on this part of the city called the estate. At that time, no investments in the historic part of the city were made. Oświęcim is an old town, with the history that dates back 800 years. The Old Town remained underinvested for a long period of time, which is visible to this day. The tragic heritage of Auschwitz – Birkenau, a former Nazi Concentration Camp has significantly shaped the image of the city, and historical legacy of the city remains in its shadow. This uneven development of the urban structure resulted in a number of social, spatial, economic and environmental problems visible today. Using sustainability in order to provide integrated development to urban areas has become one of the most important tasks of the city’s development. “Sustainable development” perceives the city as a complex, connected and dynamic system, with many interacting processes of social, economic and spatial development. Numerous activities undertaken in Oświęcim are aimed at sustainable development of the city. This article presents selected actions which increased the attractiveness of the Old Town and its surroundings. The presented program is a part of the land development strategy called “Oświęcim Space for Meetings” prepared for the area located along the Soła river and the Old Town district, which are to serve the residents and tourists visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau National Museum. The areas selected for the program will undergo revitalization activities that will improve the quality of the urban space. There will be friendly, integrating green public spaces, and the areas will be activated by making them “attractive” also for newcomers – the tourists.