Is the Naturalization of the Townscape a Condition of De-Industrialization? An Example of Bytom in Southern Poland

A characteristic element of the transformations of cities in Central and Eastern Europe after 1990 was the emergence of shrinking cities. The main problem related to shrinking cities is around how this process developed as a result of rapidly intensifying de-industrialization. While many studies in this area are devoted to demographic, social, and economic issues, relatively few studies address the spatial dimension. In this article, the example of spatial development in the (post-) mining city of Bytom in southern Poland is discussed, pointing to the need for a multifaceted approach to this issue. This article begins with an attempt to contextualize this issue within a broader time perspective. Such an analysis makes it possible to better situate contemporary changes in the context of the processes that were visible in previous periods. Next, these changes are described using two methods. The basis of the first method is comparisons between the different types of land use. The second method, which is emphasized, is the method of A. Macias, which indicates the degree of naturalization/anthropogenization of space. Macias' method is crucial in the context of discussions about the future of post-mining towns, where attention is paid, among other things, to the issue of sustainable development.

Automated summary

This article discusses the emergence of shrinking cities in Central and Eastern Europe after 1990, focusing on how this phenomenon is a result of rapid de-industrialization. Using the example of spatial development in the (post-) mining city of Bytom in southern Poland, the need for a multifaceted approach to address this issue is highlighted. The article emphasizes the importance of analyzing these contemporary changes in the context of previous periods and introduces two methods to describe these changes, including a method by A. Macias which focuses on the degree of naturalization/anthropogenization of space.