Grosswohnsiedlungen als Gestaltungsraum des demografischen Wandels: Fid-Bau Portal

Grosswohnsiedlungen als Gestaltungsraum des demografischen Wandels

Kabisch, Sigrun / Grossmann, Katrin

In this paper, we use data from a longitudinal study to draw a realistic picture of the housing conditions and future potential of large housing estates with a focus on demographic change. In doing so, we plead for a broader look at demographic dynamics: going beyond ageing and population loss to encompass changes of household size and compositions or diverse mobility patterns. Our empirical results, generated in the large housing estate of Leipzig-Grünau in eastern Germany, show huge changes in the demographic characteristics of estate residents within just 30 years, especially faster aging, a steep decline in household size, and a rapidly growing share of one-person households. Years of outmigration have caused a massive overall population loss that only recently came to a halt. Nevertheless, we are also able to provide evidence that a wide range of demographic groups still live in this estate and appreciate the living conditions in terms of housing, service facilities and recreation areas. The changes in household and age structures produce particular housing demands (appropriate apartments and services), which could be broadly satisfied within the large housing estate due to existing diverse residential offers for various housing needs. In conclusion, we argue that large housing estates have an important but underestimated potential to meet housing demand under the conditions of demographic change. Furthermore, the demographic challenges discussed here can be seen as important for other residential areas too.

English title: Large Housing Estates as a Flexible Space for Demographic Change – Selected results of a long-term study of the large housing estates of Leipzig-Grünau focusing on the potential of an underestimated type of neighborhood