ANALYTICAL AND APPLICATION MODEL OF MEMORY LAYERS IN THE HISTORICAL CENTRE OF LODZ, POLAND

This paper presents the results of urban studies of the New and Old Market Square in Lodz, Poland. The research concerns the historical center, which suffered considerable destruction during World War II, also documenting the boundaries of the destroyed Litzmannstadt Jewish Ghetto. This destruction and subsequent processes of not necessarily successful rebuilding contributed to the loss of urban and architectural heritage. The paper presents rarely available source materials, from the 19th century, through the 20th century to the present. It uses the analytical and application method for comparing site history layers and records designed for the area. Results illustrate the resilience of the city to crisis situations, through the rebirth of its spatial structure, still on a similar warp, referring to the original layout. Elements of memory and identity have been applied to contemporary projects to revitalise the historic centre as part of the redevelopment of Staromiejski Park. The method may serve as an example of how to analyse areas undergoing processes of deterioration in order to carefully direct repair measures. The proposed juxtaposition of the city's urban layers makes it possible to document and analyse processes, highlight surviving places of identity and create guidelines for further applications.