Important "Places" on the Map of Krakow – Public Spaces of Nowa Huta

Dôležité "miesta" na mape Krakova - verejné priestory Nowej Huty

Monika Borgiasz-Stepaniuk

In: Geografické informácie (Geographical Information), Ročník (Volume) 22, Číslo (Issue) 2, 2018, p. 7-18, ISSN 1337-9453

DOI: 10.17846/GI.2018.22.2.7-18

Abstract

During the times of the Polish People's Republic, spaces, especially public ones, were marginalized. Concrete areas were used to cover up areas dedicated for people, thus limiting the ground reserved for a public space. Nowadays, public spaces are open, separated and identical with people. Important places for the local community are significant for the city's identity. That is where inhabitants live and meet each other. Public spaces perform different functions and should be for people and with people. The article presents the concept of public space in the city and shows examples of important places in the area of the youngest district of Cracow - Nowa Huta. Cracow, as a city with a collection of historical places, where the identity was created in the distant past, has a district where uniformity and a sense of social belonging rebuilds. There characteristic places take on a new look, whereas people give them a modern look, and therefore become social spaces. Places such as: the Nowohucki Lagoon, the Wanda Mound or the Central Square currently operate as public spaces that have undergone numerous socio-cultural changes. They have become places of real interpersonal contacts.

Keywords: city, public space, places, Krakow

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