Problems of the urban structure of small towns in the vicinity of Polish Warsaw and Ukrainian Lviv

Small towns in Poland and Ukraine, often referred to as 'post-socialist,' share similar challenges in preserving their historical urban structures despite experiencing distinct political trajectories. Both regions have faced degradation of historic town centers, but many preserved elements of spatial arrangements offer potential for urban renewal. The study analyzed 9 Polish and 23 Ukrainian towns over the past 30 years, focusing on post-socialist transformations, EU accession impacts in Poland, and Ukraine's independence restoration. It highlights methods to assess what should be protected to maintain cultural identity while addressing spatial chaos and societal attitudes. Key findings emphasize the need for interpretative approaches to urban heritage conservation, leveraging remaining historical relics for sustainable renewal.

Majewska, A., Dyda, O., Denis, M., & Bartoszczuk, W. (2026). Problems of the urban structure of small towns in the vicinity of Polish Warsaw and Ukrainian Lviv. Cities, 168, 106412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106412