Abstract Large-panel housing estates seem to be of particular importance in the debate on the evolution of the modernist heritage. The technocratic approach has left a deep mark on this kind of settlements. With time their environmental conditions degrade, and consequently they require regular corrective actions undertaken in thorough revitalisation processes. However, in many original design concepts of such housing estates, some core elements of sustainable development can be noticed. These elements recognised as a potential could play an important role in the contemporary process of metamorphosis of housing estates. This paper explores a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of housing environment by focusing on the systematisation of spatial aspects of revitalisation in order to achieve optimal use of public spaces within large-panel housing settings. An in-depth analysis of successful revitalisations of large-panel housing estates in Germany provided a foundation for proposing a methodology of a systematic socio-spatial approach to public spaces. Its possible applicability is particularly important in Polish housing estates and their metamorphosis towards developing the continuity of public space in the city, which is currently under threat.
Szczerek et al. (Thu,) studied this question.