case study #2 TYPOLOGY: DISCONNECTED SUBURB CURRENT ISSUES Isolation The geographical setting and the region’s heavy road network isolates sub districts from each other and interrupts communication with the city centre though only 15 km away. Hence, the area remains disconnected from cultural facilities as well from infrastructure and has to survive with limited resources. Social Discrimination Though good initiatives are taking place, there is in general low access to the new technology amongst the population, which in turn results in a lack of communication tools to highlight cultural and communal activities and of places for social exchange. Moreover, law enforcement and social security systems are largely ineffective. Thus, it remains one of the city’s poorest areas and has a reputation for low-level crime, such as vehicle theft and damage.
© Clear Village 2010
HISTORY This suburb comprices an area of former hamlets that grew rapidly and messily into a full-blown suburb during the city’s immigration booms. It has an overpopulated, multicultural scene and is located on a south-facing slope providing a panoramic view of the city. The tight-knit community, which has a “rebellious” history, remains a potent force, seen at its most active during the festival season, with a blend of mainly Eastern European and South American inhabitants. To support one of the poverty-stricken areas of slapdash apartment blocks, a regeneration of sorts has begun in recent years. Retail facilities have been built, dilapidated housing has been removed and public spaces created in their place. Although there are efforts towards transition, they are jeopardised by the issues from which city suburbs suffer when poverty stricken and in need of new ideas.
Misperception There is next to no dialogue about and public access to information on local organisations, administration, businesses and social services. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness about the district’s associated richness, its history and outstanding capacity to introduce its citizens and organisations to the information society. Regeneration Despite the redevelopment work, many of the buildings in are still large blocks of hurriedly built apartments. These are minimal in size and scarce in natural light, but it remains an affordable district whilst the neighboring areas are slowly smartening up, largely due to the civic spirit of their citizens. Pollution The combination of this suburban area being located in a hilly area and the prescense of highways cutting straight through the district makes it very exposed to air pollution.