Gyvenamojo fondo atnaujinimo klausimai

Abstract

The article discusses problematic matters of housing renovation in Lithuania. In the seventies, due to industrialisation people rapidly moved to towns. The lack of housing was solved by erecting typical multiple blocks of flats. Building of masonry blocks depended upon seasonal climate changes. Panel houses seemed to substitute construction gaps, however, both types of blocks might be criticised for low quality and short-term maintenance. A shortage of dwelling area in Lithuania makes 7 percent, which is an unfavourable indicator compared to the European practice (2 %). The article describes two ways of solving the housing problem: renovating the old blocks or demolishing worn out buildings and erecting new higher ones. Both solutions have got their merits and demerits. New construction is too costly (nevertheless, each new flat is bought before the actual construction starts), while renovation of worn out is rather complicated. The author points out the problem of dwelling communities that actually organise only 20 percent of living blocks maintenance in the country. Dwelling communities are the best perspective way of solving maintenance problems of the worn out blocks. Provided that the state subsidies reach a satisfactory level, banks and insurance companies participate in renovation and modernisation projects, maintenance problems of dwelling houses would be solved step by step. Though, opposite opinions criticise the plans stating it is a publicity action that will demand even more allocations in the future. The author presents different experiences of housing in Finland, Great Britain and Czech Republic. He resumes that dwelling territories shall reflect the wishes and demands of a democratic society.