It’s good to live in Zaspa. The social and educational work of the “Zaspa” Housing Cooperative, 1981–1990

Abstract

In 1972 r, at the 5th plenary session of the Central Committee of the PZPR, Edward Gierek introduced the guidelines of a new economic plan which was to result in 7.5 million new apartments being constructed until 1990. The program is also known by its slogan: “We’re building a second Poland.” Under this program, numerous housing complexes were built across the country, designed according to modern principles of architecture and urban planning. In addition to the apartments, social and educational activities were also conducted in the new housing complexes. One such complexes, distinctive due to its unusual building layout, is Zaspa in Gdańsk. The housing cooperative operating there from 1972 until 1990 created an interesting social and educational program for its residents. Initially, due to the lack of suitable premises, the program could not be fully implemented. Only the opening of the Community Centre in 1981 allowed for the full development of these activities.