Koszmarny sen : centrum poprzemysłowych Katowic w oczach mieszkańców

Abstract

In the article A bad dream. Residents’ perception of postindustrial Katowice centre the author attempts to diagnose a condition of Katowice central area. Referring to the results of research projects (his own or prepared with Krzysztof Bierwiaczonek) he verifies if the thesis of city center decline is adequate. The main research technique was a semi structured interview followed Lynch’s and Nasar’s technique (Knoxville research project). Interview questions concentrated on visual and sensual perception of Katowice central area. During the interview a supporting technique i.e. drawing particular space by respondents was used as a way of obtaining knowledge on the mental view of Katowice inner city. The key conclusion is: inhabitants of Katowice do not accept Katowice central area which fails to come up to their expectations. The centre of Katowice is not a place where inhabitants’ identification with the city or social integration is able to occur. Central area of the city is seen as a huge communication junction not a center in its traditional terms.