Renovation of modernism housing - can we do it better? Rūta Leitanaitė (Lithuania)
Large housing estates built after the World War II have a huge potential to supply a quality living environment and become the main source of affordable housing. However, the prefabricated housing stock built some 50-70 years ago, is worn out, not energy efficient, and no longer attractive to the residents. In addition to the poor physical state, this type of housing does not meet residents’ current needs and life styles. It is often perceived as dull, grey and visually unappealing.
- Innovative legal and financial tools Current renovation faces multiple challenges, that are present at different stages. Hereby we present a list of the main challenges and proposed possible solutions.
Currently, several governmental renovation programs are implemented in different countries. However, these projects usually are limited to insulation and energy efficiency of prefabricated housing. While the responsible institutions complain about the low activity of residents, the main backdrops of the existing renovation scope and result are: (1) loss of architectural identity, (2) absence of added value (spatially - to individual flats or common spaces, culturally – to the communal living, economically – to the monetary value, and technically – to the overall structure), and (3) absence of community enhancement.
Challenge: Negative image of prefabricated housing. Proposal: To shift peoples’ mindset – beautiful is sustainable and functional.
Research
Architecture has tools to implement energy sustainable technologies together with a design of spaces that would make an attractive, comfortable home for its resident. Holistic approach towards renovation means not only energy efficiency and renovation of engineering systems. First and foremost, it stands for:
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- Urban integrity, logic of structure, and functionality of the housing estate - Improvement of private living spaces - Improvement of outdoor and indoor public spaces - Creating urban lifestyle (adding functions) - Consistency of architectural image - Strong communities, equality, and accessibility - Culture of sustainably living together - Sustainability and ecology of construction and exploitation - Technological innovation
Before Renovation Stage
Challenge: Poor quality of public spaces. Proposal: To improve public areas by adding public functions and creating balance between public and private spaces. Challenge: Poor infrastructure of public activities. Proposal: To add public functions (outside and inside on ground level) such as businesses, services, culture, education, leisure and create common premises such as terraces, workshops, etc. Challenge: Absence of research and data on artistic and historical value of buildings; community’s expectations; technical parameters. Proposal: To conduct thorough holistic research before the renovation project. Challenge: Ideological conflict – could living in a housing estate (so called micro-rayon) be attractive? Proposal: To present a renovation vision of attractive environment, as an alternative to the charm of the Old Town and suburbs. Challenge: Flats are not adapted to the contemporary needs. Proposal: To diversify individual flats by improving and expanding their