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Title The Unwanted Heritage of Prefabricated Wartime Air Raid Shelters-Underground Space Regeneration Feasibility for Urban Agriculture to Enhance Neighbourhood Community Engagement
ID_Doc 32
Authors Matacz, P; Swiatek, L
Published Sustainability, 13, 21
Structure
Section 1: Introduction


The article discusses the concept of revitalizing Nazi-era air raid shelters in Szczecin, Poland, as a sustainable and innovative way to promote urban agriculture, community engagement, and heritage management. The authors propose a modular, hydroponic plant-growing system to transform the abandoned shelters into urban farms, providing a unique opportunity for the local community to engage with their city's history and promote environmental sustainability.

Section 2: Background and Context


The article provides a historical context of the Nazi air raid shelters in Szczecin, which were built during World War II to protect civilians from Allied bombing raids. After the war, the shelters were left abandoned and fell into disrepair, becoming a neglected part of the city's heritage. The authors highlight the challenges of revitalizing these structures, including the need to overcome negative associations with the war and to address the limited availability of land and resources.

Section 3: Research Methods


The authors conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature, including historical and archival research, interviews, and site visits to the shelters. They also consulted with experts in various fields, including architecture, engineering, and urban planning. The research involved a range of methods, including mapping, social analysis, and comparative studies, to understand the potential of the shelters for urban agriculture and community engagement.

Section 4: Results


The authors analyzed the results of their research, including the physical condition of the shelters, the distribution of entrances and exits, and the potential for hydroponic plant growth. They also identified 24 different location types for the shelters, which varied in terms of their entrance, preservation, and location relative to the ground level. The authors concluded that the shelters offered a unique opportunity for urban agriculture and community engagement, but required careful planning and design to ensure their successful transformation.

Section 5: Proposal Description of Prefabricated Wartime Air Shelter Regeneration


The authors proposed a modular, hydroponic plant-growing system for the shelters, which would involve the installation of a hydroponic system, ventilation, lighting, and nutrient systems. The system would be designed to be adaptable to different shelter sizes and shapes, and would incorporate a modular design approach to ensure flexibility and ease of maintenance. The authors also proposed a range of possible functions for the shelters, including urban agriculture, community centers, and educational spaces.

Section 6: Discussion


The authors discussed the potential benefits of the proposed system, including the promotion of urban agriculture, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. They also highlighted the challenges of implementing the system, including the need to overcome negative associations with the war and to address the limited availability of land and resources. The authors concluded that the proposed system offered a unique opportunity for the local community to engage with their city's history and promote environmental sustainability.

Section 7: Conclusion


The authors concluded that the proposed system had the potential to transform the abandoned air raid shelters into thriving urban farms and community centers, promoting environmental sustainability, community engagement, and heritage management. They emphasized the need for careful planning and design to ensure the successful transformation of the shelters and the promotion of the system's benefits.

Section 8: References


The article provides a comprehensive list of references, including academic journals, books, and online sources, which support the authors' arguments and provide additional information on the topic of revitalizing air raid shelters for urban agriculture and community engagement.

Section 9: Appendices


The article includes appendices, which provide additional information on the methodology, results, and discussion of the research. The appendices also include technical drawings and diagrams of the proposed system, as well as additional references and resources.
Summary The article discusses the concept of sustainability in the context of urban agriculture, specifically the potential of repurposing underground air raid shelters as hydroponic farms. The author highlights the importance of addressing the legacy of WWII air raid shelters in cities like Szczecin, Poland, and proposes a model for revitalizing these structures as sustainable urban farms. The article reviews historical research on the shelters, including their design, construction, and use during WWII. The authors analyzed the shelters' physical structure, including the tunnel systems and entrance zones, and identified potential opportunities for adaptation. A comparative analysis of existing case studies of military shelter revitalization was conducted to inform the proposed design. The authors identified commercial and social functions as the most promising for revitalization, with urban hydroponic farming proposed as a key strategy. The article discusses the benefits of hydroponic farming, including high yields, water efficiency, and reduced energy consumption. The proposed design for the hydroponic farm includes a modular system of prefabricated modules that can be adapted to fit the existing tunnel structures. The authors emphasize the importance of community engagement and participation in the revitalization process to ensure successful and sustainable outcomes. The article concludes that the revitalization of underground air raid shelters as hydroponic farms offers a promising solution for enhancing urban sustainability and promoting regenerative culture.
Scientific Methods The article presents a research on the feasibility of using prefabricated World War II air raid shelters in Szczecin, Poland, for urban agriculture and community engagement. The research methods used in the article are as follows:

1.
Historical and archival research
: The authors conducted a thorough review of historical and archival materials, including publications, books, and documents from the National Museum of History of Szczecin, to understand the context and history of the air raid shelters.
2.
Interviews with inhabitants and experts
: The authors conducted interviews with local inhabitants, architects, engineers, and representatives of the municipality to gather information about the current state of the shelters and their potential for revitalization.
3.
Urban space mapping
: The authors created a map of the location of the air raid shelters in Szczecin to analyze their distribution and accessibility.
4.
Social analyses and comparative studies
: The authors conducted social analyses of the shelters and compared them with other examples of revitalized military spaces to identify best practices and lessons learned.
5.
Pilot project and feasibility study
: The authors conducted a pilot project in one of the shelters to test the feasibility of the proposed design and evaluate its potential for urban agriculture and community engagement.
6.
Literature review
: The authors conducted a literature review of existing research on urban agriculture, hydroponics, and community engagement to inform their design and evaluation of the pilot project.
7.
Visualizations and design
: The authors created visualizations and designs of the proposed system, including the modular hydroponic equipment and the entrance pavilions, to communicate their ideas and facilitate feedback from stakeholders.
8.
Consultations with experts
: The authors consulted with experts in various fields, including architecture, engineering, and urban planning, to validate their design and ensure that it met local regulations and standards.
9.
Data collection and analysis
: The authors collected and analyzed data on the current state of the shelters, including their physical condition, accessibility, and social characteristics, to inform their design and evaluation of the pilot project.

Overall, the article presents a comprehensive research methodology that combines historical, social, and technical approaches to evaluate the feasibility of using prefabricated World War II air raid shelters in Szczecin, Poland, for urban agriculture and community engagement.
Article contribution This article presents a unique contribution to the field of regenerative economics and sustainability by exploring the possibility of revitalizing and repurposing World War II-era underground air raid shelters in Szczecin, Poland, as urban farms and community spaces.

Contribution to Regenerative Economics and Sustainability:


1.
Repurposing heritage structures:
The article highlights the potential of repurposing existing, heritage-listed structures (air raid shelters) as urban farms and community spaces, showcasing a creative approach to sustainable development.
2.
Hydroponic urban farming:
The proposal for hydroponic urban farming in the shelters demonstrates a innovative method for growing food in limited spaces, with potential benefits for urban food systems and sustainability.
3.
Community engagement and social benefits:
The article emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social benefits, highlighting the potential for urban farming initiatives to foster social connections, education, and civic engagement.
4.
Economic and environmental benefits:
The proposed project aims to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste, while generating economic benefits through local food production and job creation.

Key findings and implications:


1.
Accessibility and community engagement:
The proposed project prioritizes accessibility and community engagement, which is essential for ensuring the success and sustainability of urban farming initiatives.
2.
Hydroponic systems and efficiency:
The use of hydroponic systems and efficient growing practices can help reduce energy consumption and water usage, making the project more environmentally friendly.
3.
Local food systems and food sovereignty:
The project promotes local food systems and food sovereignty, which can contribute to improving public health, supporting local economies, and enhancing food security.
4.
Heritage preservation and cultural significance:
The repurposing of heritage structures (air raid shelters) acknowledges the cultural significance and historical importance of these buildings, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Methodological strengths:


1.
Comprehensive literature review:
The article provides a thorough review of existing literature on urban farming, sustainability, and heritage preservation, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
2.
Comparative analysis:
The authors conducted a comparative analysis of different approaches to urban farming and heritage preservation, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of various methods.
3.
Design and planning:
The proposal includes detailed design and planning elements, showcasing the feasibility of the project and its potential for implementation.

Limitations and future research directions:


1.
Scalability and feasibility:
Further research is needed to assess the scalability and feasibility of the proposed project, including its economic viability and potential for widespread adoption.
2.
Social and economic impact:
Additional research is required to fully understand the social and economic impact of the project, including its effects on local communities, businesses, and the broader economy.
3.
Technical and environmental considerations:
Further study is needed to optimize the hydroponic systems and address technical and environmental considerations, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and pest management.

Overall, the article presents a compelling case for repurposing World War II-era air raid shelters as urban farms and community spaces, highlighting the potential for regenerative economics, sustainability, and community engagement.
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