Structural and Spatial Characteristics of Panel Housing Estates in Brno

Abstract

Approximately a quarter of the Czech population lives in panel housing estates. Despite such a large residential structure, some data are difficult to trace. The article focuses mainly on panel housing estates in Brno. It aims to make the available data (Czech Statistical Office, cadastre, vector data, etc.) more transparent, even in graphical maps. The panel housing estates Kohoutovice, Lesná, Starý and Nový Lískovec, Vinohrady, and Komárov are described. The selection was based on the maximum possible variety of urban structures and constellations. The main topic of the text is the structural systems of Brno's panel housing estates (Series G, T0xB, VVÚ-ETA, B70, OP, etc.), and their impact on the form of public space is examined. Among other things, the ratio of built-up and unbuilt-up areas, the percentage of transport, greenery, and the representation of public amenities within a particular panel housing estate were investigated. It also describes the possibilities of adaptation of a specific structural system and the extent of current reconstructions in a given panel housing estate. On the scale of an apartment (layout changes), an apartment building (extensions, additions), and the whole housing estate (adaptation to increased traffic load, etc.). The most widely observed reconstruction element is the addition of higher floors, mainly in Brno-Kohoutovice. The ownership structure is also described as houses and public spaces, where the owner can be either a private owner (residents of the house, co-owners, or investors) or public ownership (the city or municipality). Among the analyzed housing estates, it is possible to observe the representation of land owned by the city of Brno. A trend abroad and slowly in the Czech Republic is the comprehensive revitalization of panel housing estates in terms of buildings and public space. Data can indicate the potential development of panel housing estates and the future usability of individual structural systems.