The Changing Hungarian Cityscape in the 1990s: A Survey of Four Sample Cities

Abstract

The socio-economic transition taking place at the end of the 1980s and in the early nineties can be traced in the outward appearance of the settlements, in the changing face and functions of the buildings and the whole built environment as well as in the shift of the socio-economic structure. The spatial differences in the distribution of investment show the directions of development and indicate the speed of reaction and competitiveness of each settlement. Urban decay and urban renewal are two key concepts in urban studies, both in the more developed western and the former socialist countries.

Article Note

There are some towns of which we do not really have any remaining impressions, and there are others which have made kind, fresh imprints on our memories, which we recall with pleasure. What are these pleasant impressions created by, and what causes the unpleasant ones? Obviously, it is the coincidence of several factors: order and disorder, cleanness or dirt, a picturesque or a dull look, outstanding pieces of architecture or tasteless buildings,simple or richly proportioned architecture, the crowdedness, peace, and vitality of streets ( Gerö 1971).