European homes for the poor that look like Moscow's elite

Recently, we talked about what the Khrushchevks were like when they were first born. The post turned out to be completely nostalgic, in the sense that now such prosperity in Russian courtyards is almost unthinkable. Instead, it's a muddy gray jumble of cars, fences, and walls, with a tiny playground sticking out forlornly in the middle. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, some progress in urbanism is still being observed, but in the regions…

In this sense, we need to focus on the West. Modern European blocks of social housing (in other words, houses for low-income citizens) are outwardly not inferior to our elite complexes. Architect Nikita Malikov wrote a detailed article in which he analyzed how European colleagues squeeze amazing comfort out of minimal regional budgets. 

Grand Synthe-Place Du Courghain, Dunkirk, France

If possible, try to move the parking lot as far away from the windows as possible. People should see greenery under the windows, even if it is a simple lawn and young trees. Please note that the terrain on the site is uneven, small hills zone the yard and slightly hide the cars.

Landscaping often goes beyond the boundaries of the site. First, it is necessary to meet the requirements of the norms. Secondly, it allows you to create a single place for the residents of different houses to relax. The more residents communicate with each other, the safer the area will be. Third, business is happy to visit the first floors of those buildings where there are such common recreation areas.

La Fontenette Social Housing, Carouge, Switzerland

Economy is the main parameter of social housing. Developers will make the most of the opportunities that the site provides. And if in the project it is necessary to move the house to save the adult tree, then the house is moved. After all, one adult tree has a tenfold better effect on the appearance of the yard than any other green spaces.

The yards are closed from cars. The plot is small, the planting of houses is dense. All the landscaping consists only of a perfectly flat surface for pedestrians and a small translucent fence to create a rustic flavor. Even with such simple source data, everything looks interesting and practical. There are no expensive green plantings and complex architectural forms, which means that the maintenance of the house will be very cheap.

219 Social Dwellings in Vitoria, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain

Maintenance and rent — a sore subject for residents of many countries. An additional 10 euros to the already large bill can be perceived as an unaffordable load. Therefore, even for the improvement of a simple concrete platform and lawn planting, the best specialists in the country can be attracted. After all, their work should stand without intervention and maintenance for another 30 years. Time will pass, and the seedlings will turn into adult trees, and all the rest of the landscaping should not lose its appearance: no cracks, distortions and desolation. At the same time, the fewer opportunities for vandalism, the better.

Parcial Plan R-8, Astorga, Spain

Social housing is rarely built high. Usually these are low-rise buildings, but they are very densely planted. And one of the main factors in creating high — quality landscaping is diversity. We managed to find some money for paving slabs — so we'll beat the trees with it. There is a fence, why let it go smoothly? Creativity through economics, and vice versa.

If you look closely, you can see that there are very few original details here. Curbstone, three types of pavement and lawn. But with the right level of imagination and freedom, you can create an interesting variety.

CasaNova Social Housing, Bolzano, Italy

Integrated development provides an important advantage: instead of building in each yard a little bit, it is possible to focus on certain points and spend more money on them. For example, to make a single playground for many houses, but of a completely different quality.

The yards themselves are a green frame. Again the yard is closed from cars, again the lawn and paths for pedestrians. Commensurate with the number of residents, buildings, lighting and inexpensive green spaces allow you to make a narrow courtyard incredibly cozy. And instead of smearing the budget on the site, everything is concentrated very pointwise.