Functional and Spatial Transformations of Small Towns in Malopolska-Selected Examples

摘要

Economic and social changes in Poland since the end of XX century had influenced significantly to the outlook and functioning of small towns.Towns of Malopolska Voivodeship in number of 61 are characterized by a significant diversity in size and level of development.Small towns which make up over 77% of the total number differ considerably both in the aspect of the ongoing demographic processes and the results of the contemporary economic transformation.The vast majority of cities in Malopolska in number 43 towns are quite small with population below 20 thousand inhabitants.The smallest towns barely exceed 2 thousand people.There are approximately 30 thousand various business operating at present in all small towns of Malopolska Voivodeship.Their number varies from area to area depending on economic and social factors as well as on the geographic location transport accessibility.Social and spatial growth of small towns is affected by the globalization and metropolisation processes.The process of current transportation of the country economic system is reflected in spatial changes of the towns in the Malopolska.Prospect of development of small towns are differently due to changes of their economic functions and influenced by the geographic position,communal and technical infrastructure.Another parallel subject of consideration are revitalization activities undertaken within local revitalization programmes which are a basis for obtaining EU assistance funds allotted for this purpose.Author presents the planned spatial activities closed in revitalization programmes for the purpose of softening the conflicts in spatial sphere,improvement of living conditions and increasing of attractiveness for investors and tourists.Centres of small towns have symbolic significance for the sense of identity of their inhabitants.These are the areas where there are religions and historic buildings as well as public spaces promoting integration of residents such as market squares.In present social-economic conditions landmark squares in small towns due to preserved values despite of various degradations should be and can be remarkable and significant element of town attractiveness.Small towns have culture related assets and a special identity which may attract numerous tourists and investors on the condition that they have formulated a precise strategy of development high-lighting the elements most powerfully expressing their identity.The ways of development of small towns in their social-economic growth is related to diverse service functions and individual functional and aesthetic programme consistent with the towns specific character and its role in the region.