One settlement, five residential parks. Case study on the effects of suburbanisation in an agglomeration settlement

Abstract

After the change of the political system in 1989 and especially in the early 2000s, suburbanisation had a huge transformational effect in the areas surrounding a city, especially in the urban agglomeration of Budapest. Due to a declining economy and other changes, it seemed to have receded by the end of the last decade. However, during the last one or two years, the number of out-movers to the agglomeration has been on the rise again. Although the current dynamics of suburbanisation are not yet apparent, these processes provide a new reason for analysing its effects.

After taking stock of suburbanisation trends and the research history of residential parks and gated communities, this study presents details of the selected settlement and an analysis of its socio-economic structure. Piliscsaba, the object of the case study, is a town located in the northwestern part of Budapest’s agglomeration which is also the residential region preferred by high-income individuals. Due to suburbanisation, Piliscsaba received “city” rank in 2013. Five residential parks were built there, representing approx. 20% of its population, and each coming with a history of its own.

In the analysis, three types of residential parks were identified: “closed” (gated communities), “semi-closed” (separated from the city, but non-gated) and “open” residential parks (non-separated and non-gated). They are: one gated community, two semi-closed, one open residential park, and another, yet unfinished residential area.

The qualitative and quantitative data surveys conducted in Piliscsaba in 2009 and 2016 allow a longitudinal analysis of the relationship between the settlement and the five residential communities. The unique characteristics of the settlement, the present economic and social environment and the behaviour of local actors obviously influence how the effects of suburbanization are variously perceived. In Piliscsaba investors were allowed to develop large new residential areas without sufficient infrastructure. Furthermore, decision-makers were not prepared for the fact that the integration of new residents proved to be difficult and were also surprised by the changes to the image of the town. Their general experience was the result of replacing a long-term strategy with the prospects of quick revenues.

In the case of Piliscsaba, the most important findings of suburbanisation literature were ignored. After all, conscientious planning by local decision makers and central regulations are necessary if a city is to benefit from population growth. Without a well thought-out strategy, the effects of suburbanisation can be dramatic, leading to serious conflicts and severely impacting an affected settlement.