IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

Contemporary cities face the growing challenge of spatial stratification, which directly affects residents’ quality of life. This article examines inequalities in access to public spaces, focusing on housing estates from the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) era—urban environments originally designed to ensure egalitarian access to services and green areas, but which today often experience degradation, privatization, or social exclusion. The study aims to identify the barriers and mechanisms that lead to the stratification of accessibility, and to assess the extent to which these spaces currently meet the criteria of a “livable city.” A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining case study analysis, field observation, and photographic documentation. Particular attention was given to identifying physical, functional, and perceptual barriers within shared public spaces of selected estates. The findings indicate the presence of spatial, social, and planning-related obstacles that limit access to common areas, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and residents of lower socio-economic status. The article concludes with a set of urban and architectural recommendations aimed at enhancing the accessible and functional character of public spaces in PRL-era housing estates.