Urban Design

Urban design is a complicated subject for post-Communist locations. Many were founded in ancient times, meaning that their centers feature tight, winding streets and a density of historical structures that make new developments and reforms difficult. Many were expanded greatly by the communists, with new districts of sprawling and utilitarian block housing, new imposing buildings of experimental architectural design, and, often, massive new public transport systems. Most of the cities considered here have also gone through a renaissance of sorts in the post-Soviet era, discovering ways to make more of their city districts modern, comfortable, and more functional.

History and Art in Warsaw’s Bródno District

Most foreigners in Warsaw tend to the stick to the center of the city and Old Town, with some maybe venturing as far as the Praga district. Being that these areas are mostly discovered and easy to tour — along with being packed with tourists and locals — I decided to start taking trams to […]

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