Mapping Urban Divides: Analyzing Residential Segregation and Housing Types in a Medium-Sized Romanian City

This study investigates residential segregation and housing types in Craiova, Romania, with a particular focus on the disparities shaped by historical and contemporary urban developments. Using collected data from former hostels built for young workers during the communist era, this research maps and analyzes the spatial distribution and living conditions of these housing types at a neighborhood level. Key metrics such as the number of inhabitants, the surface area of rooms, the current occupancy rates, and the number of unoccupied rooms were collected. Additionally, residential segregation is measured using indices of dissimilarity, isolation, exposure, concentration, and centralization, providing a comprehensive view of the socio-spatial divides within the city. The findings indicate significant disparities between these buildings with unsuitable living conditions and the newer residential developments, revealing a clear urban divide. No differences have been identified in terms of access to urban services like education, health, green areas, banks, or supermarkets, despite the appropriate location differences being noted in access to water and gas supply, and internet services. This study contributes to the understanding of how housing types and access to services in Craiova shape patterns of residential segregation, and it suggests policy interventions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of these urban divides.