The Potential of Residential In-Between Spaces in the Era of Territorial Implosion
Abstract: This paper investigates the concept of emptiness within late-modernist housing estates, focusing on the interstitial or "white spaces" that emerged as a byproduct of post-war mass housing solutions. Constructed to rapidly address housing shortages, these estates prioritized standardization and prefabrication, often at the expense of design quality and functional public spaces. The rigid, repetitive layouts of prefabricated apartment blocks created intimate spaces but also generated voids—functionally ambiguous gaps that remain underutilized. These interstitial spaces, lacking clear definition or purpose, are emblematic of the technocratic approach that prioritized efficiency over livability, resulting in housing estates devoid of traditional urban elements like squares, streets, and well-defined public-private boundaries. The study provides an overview of current knowledge on these spaces and explores strategies for their reintegration as vibrant public areas. Focusing on Slovak housing estates, the research documents external interventions in these gaps and conducts a typological analysis of "white spaces" through graphical interpretations. Using a working database, the study evaluates their spatial quality, current functions, and proposes actionable recommendations. Central to the research is the concept of reverse growth—expanding housing estates inward—and the paradoxical idea that reducing free space can enhance spatial quality. This approach aims to improve navigability, foster community bonds, and establish a unique identity for housing estates. By introducing new functions, the interstitial spaces surrounding apartment buildings can be transformed into dynamic public areas, reimagined as "oases" within an urbanized environment. The paper presents functional and aesthetic concepts for revitalizing these spaces, with a case study focusing on the city of Martin, Slovakia, and its largest housing estate, Jahodníky – Ľadoveň. The proposed solutions highlight the potential of these spaces to create a cohesive and distinctive identity for housing estates. By enhancing interconnections and continuity, these areas can improve spatial orientation and make previously invisible spaces visible. The study underscores the untapped potential of these micro-spaces, advocating for their integration into the public realm to enrich the lived experience of residents. Ultimately, this research calls for a reimagining of housing estates, transforming their voids into meaningful, functional, and identity-defining spaces.
