The potential of higher education institutions as catalysts for revitalization in urban planning: A case study of a Medical Simulation Centre at the workers' housing estate of Donnersmark Ironworks in Zabrze
The potential of higher education institutions as catalysts for revitalization in urban planning: A case study of a Medical Simulation Centre at the workers' housing estate of Donnersmark Ironworks in Zabrze

Summary/Abstract: The paper aims to investigate the potential of higher education institutions as catalysts for revitalization on an urban scale, using a case study of the revitalization of the workers’ housing estate of Donnersmark Ironworks in Zabrze, Poland. The case study showcases the adaptation of a historical building at 2 Londzina Street into a Center for Medical Simulations of the Academy of Silesia. The research was conducted using a mixed historical and interpretive research method and focused on analyzing the urban and architectural structure of the estate, as well as researching local spatial problems and the model of revitalization processes in post-industrial areas of Upper Silesia. The study also examined how the the design of a building serving advanced medical simulation was shaped as comprehensive functional complexes. The findings of this research indicate that revitalization is a comprehensive process that involves bringing degraded areas out of crisis through holistic actions integrating the interventional role for local community, space, and local economy. The paper presents a case study of how higher education institutions can act as catalysts for revitalization in the process of urban planning in Poland. The findings indicate that a well-designed revitalization program ensures broad participation and can have a positive impact on the local community.

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