MARCHESE, M. Socjo-deweloperka: Odboj prostřednictvím společenské inkluze [online]. Brno: Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta architektury. 2024.
Matteo Marchese’s thesis demonstrates a high level of knowledge in complex issues related to the deregulartion of urban planning, zoning legislation, and housing policies in Poland, with a strong focus on challenges of Warsaw, and its fast developing district of Wola. The theme of the thesis is an attempt to integrate the affordable, accessible and high quality housing policy with the local planning regulations and documents in Poland. The title “Socjo-deweloperka” refers to the commonly used term “Pato-deweloperka”, describing pathologic practices of the real estate market in Poland. The author decided to reverse the situation by improving the accessibility, clarity, and inclusivity of zoning plans to better regulate the actual architectural and social effects they bring. He proposed a new method of the Local Development Plan creation by the planners and in the second part, he demonstrated the potential architectural design, based on such regulations. The author’s interesting experiment is an example of a “negative scenario” — a speculative design of an urban block, based on the current, existing regulatory plan, demonstrating the threats and weak points of the current legislation. This part however, could be more elaborated. The research theme aligns closely with the current issues in urban development in Poland and the author has approached it with a thorough and critical mindset. The student demonstrated strong analytical skills and dedicated a significant amount of time to familiarizing themselves with the sources and context. We had engaging and insightful discussions that contributed to their development. The theoretical part of the thesis presents an in-depth analysis of the current state of housing and planning regulations in Poland, alongside a comparative study of planning and housing cases in Central European cities, including Warsaw, Wrocław, and Vienna. Through fieldwork, interviews and literature studies, the student has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the local context. The research establishes a solid foundation for the potential, new solutions. It is, however, unfortunate that the student did not dedicate enough time to properly place the annotations to the sources and references in the work, which would have allowed the reader to fully benefit from the academic value of the thesis. As the supervisor, I am aware that the student made use of a wide range of literature, but this can only be noticed from the bibliography. Also, gathered and prepared photography and illustrations could be better described. This is definitely, important part of the work to be improved by the time of the defence and presentation, as well as the style, spelling and formatting-related edition of the text. The substantive knowledge in the master's thesis should be presented in an academic, scholarly manner, ensuring that it can be understood and utilized by others. The advice to the student for the future would be to annotate the sources and edit the text, in parallel with research and design work, instead of leaving it for the very last moment before the submission. The proposed strategic design concept introduces a new formula of zoning plans by integrating a unified, intuitive and visually attractive language, including the use of pictograms, hatches and 3D representation, based on the spatial and data analysis and recommendations, more defined and understandable than in the current form of the planning documents in Poland which are more airtight for an average user. Student also indicates lack and thus necessity of the regulations for ia.: type of housing (diversification of typologies and sizes of the apartments - however some of the proposed model typologies would require improvement) and form of tenancy (social, affordable housing, cooperatives etc), types of greenery relevant for the climate and region or character of the services in the ground floor (affordable, profitable for the social life). Such proposals raise relevant and important topics which indeed have been overlooked in the Polish planning system. While each following step of the new regulatory framework proposed by the author is mostly understandable and reasonable, the overall process still requires some clarification, hopefully during the thesis presentation. The regulation which is most questionable or at least, raising questions and requiring elaboration by the author is the recommendation for mass diversification — it’s difficult for the reader (maybe also for the author?) to distinguish the boundary between regulation and the actual design decision. Despite the attempt to find a visually appealing and legible language for the complex subject matter of planning documents, the final result is far from legible, the varied patterns do not always make the regulations easy to read, and the repeated colors and lines are often not distinguishable. The regulations proposed by the author mainly concern the planning matter and the draft plan itself. Overlooked by the author is the issue of the proper conduct of the planning process, which is necessary to ensure the appropriate social values of the project. The author did not indicate how public involvement, participation of residents or space users in planning decisions would look like. The architectural design based on the author’s regulations is a successful implementation of the new planning rule. The scale and the character of architecture corresponds well with Warsaw’s context besides the supervisors’ initial concern that the excessive diversification of the frontages and volumes could contribute to the spatial chaos of the area. The chosen aesthetics interprets the context of the postmodern architecture from the period of early capitalism, with a fresh perspective and refined touch. The author has decided to make use of the patterns, icons and hatches, prepared for the purpose of the new zoning document, also in the actual physical interior and exterior design of the buildings and spaces. Such uncanny decision testifies the creativity and unconventionality of the student’s design process. Such treatment contributes to the creation of the customized and unique spaces as well as improves the understanding of the urban planning by the residents. Such a cohesive connection of the educational and visual values, bridging the gap between the legislation and user-friendly design are worthy of appreciation. The pictogramic tiles could be used as physical tools during participatory planning processes in public spaces. In conclusion, the student’s thesis holds significant academic and social potential with a fresh perspective on the topic of zoning plans in Poland in the context of housing. The author is an engaged and open-minded, curious student, going beyond the box with his ideas and questions which resulted in an interesting work. However, due to the author’s struggles to synthesize and finalize the different elements and stages of the project, the design process was not an exemplary one and required some patience from the supervisors. Although, it is worth mentioning that the student’s strong ability to engage critically in the architectural discourse, sensitivity and interdisciplinary approach can be found outstanding and thanks to that, the cooperation, despite some issues with time management, went well. I also appreciate that the student, most of the times, communicated certain obstacles he's been facing in the period of master thesis in a transparent manner — it allowed the supervisors to offer him relevant support and seek solutions. Although the final product requires certain refinement and potential further development, the thesis is an ambitious and promising contribution to the field. I recommend grade B, 80 points.
Matteo Marchese’s thesis is an ambitious attempt to address malfunctions of local development plans as tools of legal regulation of urban space. Author provides comprehensive analysis of current situation regarding smallest scale urban planning and presents set of possible regulations that might improve the process. The title of the thesis itself is very intriguing. Although it is not very precise in academic terms, gives unambiguous impression of Matteo’s work’s aim. Popular term “Pato-deweloperka” describes pathologies of built environment that result from existing regulations, from profit-driven developers practices of balancing at the edge of law, in extreme cases breaking the law. The title “socjo-deweloperka” suggests proposal that oppose these phenomenon and even reverse its results. Indeed, general idea of putting forward issues of social and spatial justice belongs to most discussed themes locally and globally. It is commendable that the author directly explains what he understands as “the real inclusivity” and brings a personal, original contribution to this discourse. The thesis has correct structure, reflecting subsequent stages of research, analysis and outcomes. Still, a more rigid method of grouping the content would help to avoid confusing decisions such as many pre-introductory chapters or serious imbalances in volume of thesis’ parts. In first half of the thesis Matteo proves his high skills in researching and critically analysing information regarding both selected urban area and urban planning legislation. He navigates well between various forms of data providing and fluently translates it from official documents, plans, tables and architectural drawings. May be, that this part of the thesis owes much to authors’ pre-diploma semester research on pathologies of modern Polish housing. Whatever the case is, it provides great starting point for understanding his original, solution-oriented project operating on both levels of law regulations and architecture design. At this point it would be useful to refine the argument, removing unnecessary information such as on remaining historical buildings or historical traces. They are hardly mentioned or addressed in second part of the thesis. Questionable is labelling basic function, transportation and height analysis as “additional” and leaving without description or conclusion. Some parts of thesis would benefit much from brief sum-ups. Personally I am a huge fan of speculative design method as a quick and direct method of confronting multiple solutions or, as it is in case of Matteo’s thesis, to check possible outcomes. It needs to be underlined, that sole suggestive visuals do not provide sufficient explanation or insight in author’s way of thinking. It is commendable that models illustrating the negative effects of current policies toward built environment have been juxtaposed with two case studies - effectively functioning inclusive structures in Wrocław and Vienna. At this point author proves he sees the broader image of addressed issue; that justice-oriented regulatory spatial framework is co-dependent to strong public sector implementing people-oriented policies, and these two cannot be separated. Naturally, it is not in a scope of master’s degree thesis to explore this important aspect of spatial justice. Author elaborated a comprehensive set of topics/issues that should be considered by a person or institution responsible for spatial order while preparing regulations for particular (small) areas. Such a system may help to organize planning procedure without imposing specific solutions, as can be seen in the example of mass diversification simulations. Matteo paid much attention to provide optimal functional programme that would balance the needs of groups with contrary interests and protect vulnerable actors. Residential programme gives maximum 40% of dedicated space to private owners, favorising forms of institutionally supported housing. Similarly, chain stores whose presence is associated with gentrification processes have been pushed to a narrow 30% of dedicated spaces (in selected areas only). Author then presents a catalogue of housing and commerce forms, that counterweight undesired profit-oriented development as well as examples of negotiations with the former (section “Try me bonuses” - I wish there were more proposals). It is very convincing and creative approach. The main drawback of the thesis is it fails to communicate who in presented framework is supposed to provide decisions and on what criteria. This defect is clearly visible in the part discussing quality of life, as reader encounters what seems to be arbitrary decisions regarding the size of apartments and following recommendations on meeting communal needs or ecology standards. Presented architectural design is an experimental implementation of aforementioned regulations. It provides interesting solution that meets the criteria of a good urban fabric; respects urban lines, keeps density at reasonable level and offers wide range of well defined, distinct spaces. Author pays special attention to create multiple connections between estate’s buildings. He skilfully uses the resulting openwork forms to diversify architecture of residential buildings. Raising the ground level in one of the courtyards is an inventive solution that amplifies individual character of main common space. I would encourage Matteo to provide some positive results of speculative design also in this part. It might help to clearly distinguish which architectural solutions are defined by his regulatory framework, and which are his individual proposals. I am sure it would enhance the main argument of the thesis. Also proposal of transforming legislative symbols into materiality - facade tiles or elements of interior décor is particularly fresh and interesting. I wouldn’t mind if author developed this idea further, for example using it as vehicle for some kind of message, meaning or interpretation hint. In his thesis Matteo proves he is capable not only of creating interesting, inclusive housing, but also to challenge policies and general regulations of urban development. I am deeply convinced that this kind of critical thinking is necessary to improve the quality of build environment and aim at social/spatial justice. For this reason I am willing to turn a blind eye to minor editorial mistakes and imperfect communication proposing overall grade B.
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