REGENERATION PROCESS IN DEGRADED ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY RURAL AREAS. CASE STUDY OF WIERZBICA MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The article presents a research of a regeneration process launched in a rural area deprived of local traditions. After the collapse of industry, the former workers' housing estate in the village of Wierzbica began to degrade. The degradation process included the breakdown of social ties and the collapse of tradition. The authors of the regeneration programme faced the challenge of rebuilding a collective identity of the inhabitants. The direction of renewal of the housing estate developed with its inhabitants focused on issues related to the improvement of land development, technical condition of the development and technical infrastructure, and the development of a new social program for the residents of the housing estate.