From industrial neighbourhood to modern urban centre: Transformation in physical and functional environment of central Smíchov
Abstract
Regeneration of inner city, functional and physical transformation.
The paper takes the example of central Smíchov in Prague to study transformation of the traditional industrial inner city neighbourhood into a modern urban centre. From the theoretical point of view we interpret the ongoing changes as a combination of the general deindustrialization trend and the locally specific post-socialist political and economic transition. Recently, central Smíchov experienced a dramatic physical and functional regeneration. However, some areas stand aside this dynamic development. Dilapidated physical environment and concentration of poor residents and low-profit functions characterize the zones along transport-intensive communications. To achieve a balanced development of central Smíchov, it is important to maintain the existing functional diversity and to preserve particular identity of this place derived from its industrial history.