CULTURAL LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE SUBURBAN ZONE – CASE STUDY OF THE MICHAŁOWICE COMMUNE

Abstract

The development of Warsaw determined the spatial system of its suburban zone. The original cultural landscape of the area, composed of agricultural areas with enclaves of forests and settlement clusters, is subject to continuous changes which intensified after the political transformation in 1989. Consecutive stages of such changes can be traced through the analysis of the Michałowice commune neighbouring to Warsaw. From the mid 19 th century, suburban residential districts were built there, followed by model residential districts called “garden cities” (Komorów and Michałowi-ce). The area of the commune is subject to strong urbanisation pressure. This contributes to changes in its cultural landscape and quality of residency in the area.