System transformation and what happens next? Post-industrial heritage in Warsaw – an assessment attempt

Warsaw is a city where we are observing dynamic spatial transformation. It is particularly visible in the area formerly occupied by industry. This paper attempts to assess changes that have lately occurred in the so-called industrial districts of Warsaw, i.e. in Praga and Wola. It was revealed that those changes are driven by different assumptions and their objective is to include degenerated post-industrial areas in the city structure and to attribute new functions to them, which leads to changes in broader spatial structures. And so Wola is transforming into offi ce and residential centre, whereas Praga-North – into artistic space, space of creative industries and residential space. The implemented changes contribute to the blurring and disappearance of the former character of those districts as well as the unique and legally protected post-industrial heritage. It was also observed that the potential of those areas commences to be accessible only for a selected social group, characterised by higher capital.