We have therefore been often defending old spatial plans that usually accommodate for a wide range of human needs. The spatial policy pursued by Poznań’s authorities has been mainly focused on maximizing profit. Therefore, housing projects are still being built on areas previously designated for parks, schools, children’s playgrounds and the like. At the same time, very little is being done to accommodate for needs of those who move in there too. Higher than planned population density triggers many unintended consequences such as higher traffic congestion that make life in Poznań ever less tolerable. As result, Poznań is gradually turning into a giant bedroom city, where only the most basic human need of shelter is recognized.

At the same time, this spatial policy is presented as a modernizing one. Poznań’s mayor, Ryszard Grobelny, repeatedly argues that turning green belts into high-concentration housing projects is an improvement, because “neglected areas” or “thickets” are now being “developed,” or “put in appropriate use.” The truth is that greeneries and small parks have become the only urban amenity denizens of Poznań can use for leisure and recreation free of charge. Therefore, vast bulk of our struggles has been directed at defending Poznań’s last green and public amenities.

We also put forward an alternative vision of the urban future. We argue that “modernization” à la Ryszard Grobelny is not suited for the 21st century, but smacks of the smokestack 19th century era that is now past. For example, Grobelny repeatedly dodges public pleas for more sustainable transport policy by arguing that Poznań, as well as Poland, has “no tradition of cycling” and thus automobiles ought to be the only transport option in a modern metropolis. We argue that a much broader vision of a sustainable and just city is urgently needed, and by suggesting different solutions we push public opinion in that direction.

Left: "No decisions above our heads"

Right: The military airbase is the nail to Poznań's coffin