Identyfikacja i ocena stanu zachowania osiedli i kolonii robotniczych w Rudzie Śląskiej

Abstract

Workers’ patronage estates are an integral part of the landscape of Upper Silesia and Zagłębie Dąbrowskie. They are particularly present in the area of Ruda Śląska, where over 30 settlements of this type have been preserved. They have also become determiners of the Silesian identity. Following the experience of the industrial cities of western Europe, Upper Silesia supports efforts for the preservation of estates and architectonically specific post-industrial objects of the region as valuable components of cultural heritage. The main aim of this paper is to identify preserved workers’ estates and settlements in the urban structure of Ruda Śląska and to assess their condition. Field research allowed information to be collected which was necessary in assessing the condition of these objects. The assessment was carried out based on the following evaluation criteria: building material, number of preserved buildings, spatially integrated accompanying facilities, spatial arrangement, public transport connection with the remaining part of the city, and general condition. Analyses of topographic maps and reviews of historic maps made it possible to trace transformations of spatial arrangements of the discussed objects and their surroundings. The obtained results suggest that workers’ estates and settlements in Ruda Śląska are in good condition. Based on this conclusion, it is possible to plan a development strategy for Ruda Śląska with regards to the potential for tourism of the estates under discussion.