City of Kaunas
| 1995 | Trend | |
| Inhabitants | 418,700 | -- |
| Area of the city (km2) | 155.51 | |
| Population density (persons/km2) | 2,692 | - |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0 % | +/- |
| Economic development | ++ | |
| Structure of the housing stock | ||
| Rate of private ownership of housing | 89 % | + |
| Rate of social housing | minimal | - |
| Rate of co-operative housing | ||
| Number of large prefabricated housing estates | 8 | |
| Ratio of inhabitants in large housing estates | 51.6 % | +/- |
| Local funds for large housing estates | + | |
| International co-operation in planning and housing | World-Bank / PHARE |
The City and its environment
Kaunas is the second largest Lithuanian city and an important economic, scientific and communications centre. The medieval foundation lies between two rivers, Nemurnas and Neris and presently consists of the central and valuable ”old” and the ”new” city, where even on historic ground panel buildings are to be found. Presently the city struggles through a period of change as the eastern connections were lost as the basis for the local economy. Building multi-family houses was interrupted as the economy failed to support the former state building sector. However, the economy is recovering in the services and trade sectors.
A large loss of population is strongly connected to the withdrawal of Russian troops and their dependants.
Development targets are establishing the city as a cross-roads of international communication, the establishment and reorganisation of the industry in connection with a free-trade zone and the concentration on education and culture (universities, academies) and tourism.
Housing situation and large housing estates
While the historic old city and the southern parts are dominated by low rise housing, building large estates from pre-cast panels started in the 1960. Despite adverse conditions, planners, architects and builders tried to produce high quality: limiting the effects of private traffic, efficient social and cultural infrastructure.
However, the inhabitants are starting to feel discontent with the high-rise buildings and the lack of greenery which is unfamiliar to the Lithuanian traditions of living in small towns. A social and economic segregation is starting to emerge as the market value of different locations develops.
Problems and areas requiring action
- Heating technology and insulation is inappropriate
- Flat roofs need reconstruction
- Financial restriction through reduced incomes of the inhabitants reflects in worsening maintenance and engagement
- Urban infrastructure needs modernisation
- New forms of social organisation are only starting to emerge with the foundation of associations, clubs and the overall development of a civil society
Actors and activities
The city furthers co-operative organisations as a financial and social core for the future development of housing, environmental improvement and social communication. Independent actors are emerging, however often hindered by reluctance to become active especially in deprived areas.
”Silainiai” Estate
| (1995) | Trend | |
| inhabitants | 10,500 | - |
| total estate area ha | 24.41 | |
| number of building complexes housing/other | 54 / 35 | |
| predominant building type | panel, 5,9,12 storeys | |
| average number of dwellings per building | 60 | |
| average floor space per flat (m2) | 57.41 | |
| average inhabitants per flat | 3.2 | - |
| unemployment rate | 4 % | |
| total number of flats (units / %) | 3,269 | |
| co-operative housing (units / %) | 160 / 4.9 % | |
| owner occupied flats (units / estates) | 2,909 / 89 % | |
| state and local council housing (units / %) | 200 / 6.1 % |
The estate is situated to the north-west of the city and is part of Silainiai district with 70.000 inhabitants. It was built between 1980 and 82. The estates lies on a slope above the river, opening wide and beautiful views. The urban concept is oriented at utilising the landscape and reducing distances. Communication between the estate and the city as well as between housing and the district infrastructure needs improvement and safer pedestrian crossings of large streets.
The buildings are monotonous reproductions, however, the buildings for social and commercial infrastructure are individual projects for the estate. The estates is valued higher than many neighbouring estates but lower than inner city dwellings and older quarters.
Physical and ecological situation
- ample unused open space of, however minor quality
- neglected public space
- wild dumping of rubbish, underdeveloped garbage collecting
- overused sports and other facilities
Problems
- ageing of buildings, especially of flat roofs, joints between panels, windows, flat and building entrances
- insufficient heat insulation
- lack of parking space
- insufficient connections towards the inner city and the lower parts of the estate
- lack of social and cultural amenities for younger people
Strategies
- preparations for a complex programme of heat insulation including the solution of financing problems
- step by step modernisation of infrastructural networks (heat, water, sewage)
- education in health matters, new sports facilities, furthering environmental awareness
- support for the local economy through a local assistance programme
- support for community development
Source: EA.UE: A future for large housing estates, Berlin 1998
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