Tranformation of degraded and unused post-railway areas for the Arkadia Shopping Center in Warsaw
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1
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland
2
Department of Architecture of the University of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Italy
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-06-17
Final revision date: 2025-07-29
Acceptance date: 2025-08-12
Publication date: 2025-12-01
Corresponding author
Aleksander NicaŁ
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Armii Ludowej 16, 00-637, Warszawa, Poland
Archives of Civil Engineering 2025;71(4):267-281
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ABSTRACT
Degraded post-railway areas are a significant spatial and environmental problem in the centers of large cities, limiting their development and aesthetics. These areas often contain historical pollutants that can pose a threat to human health and the natural environment. Revitalization of such areas contributes to the rational management of urban space and limits the sprawl of development into suburban areas. Transforming unused areas into modern service spaces, such as the Arkadia Shopping Center, promotes the socio-economic activation of a given district. The Arkadia project shows that properly conducted reclamation allows for the safe and effective use of degraded land. Additionally, such investments increase the value of nearby properties and improve the quality of life of residents thanks to new service, commercial and recreational functions. The transformation of post-railway areas responds to the contemporary challenges of sustainable urban development and environmental protection. Good revitalization practices, as in the case of Arkadia, can serve as a model for other cities struggling with similar spatial problems. The project is an example of an effective combination of engineering, planning and environmental activities. Analyzing the transformation process of this area allows for a deeper understanding of the benefits, challenges and conditions necessary for the success of similar revitalization projects.