What I can see

Labour houses have a distinct architectural style in relation to the rest of the urban fabric, because these areas were once “remote”. Today, most complexes, like this one, have integrated into the urban fabric. Axios Gate Labour Houses were designed as an extensive and complete residential community with common facilities in the centre, such as health centre, school, sports facilities, church, squares, playgrounds, green and recreational areas. It was also planned to have stores and offices, which never materialized. The twelve-storey apartment buildings stand out, but the majority is the four-storey ones. In this complex, there are many different typologies of buildings (e.g. with grid, with continuous balcony). A rather noticeable element is the incorporation of semi-outdoor spaces and land fencing on the ground floors, which alter the original architecture, but serve the social need for bigger private space.

What I can't see

The complex was delivered before its completion and the residents moved into unfinished houses, which were located on undeveloped land. Today, we mostly meet elderly and immigrant residents. Many of the owners are third generation and heirs of the first tenants. They do not necessarily belong to low income strata, nor do they live in the area. There are also cases of utilization through a short-term rental platform. The first residents were underprivileged, former shack owners, expatriates from the former USSR, working people with many children, and low-wage workers. This small settlement had a unique anthropo-geographical development, which is a result of its own and autonomous social and urban planning pace. However, a total redesign is needed for its maintenance and modernization, in order to meet contemporary needs and to stop its ongoing deterioration, both structurally and socially, as it is not attractive for younger people.

Info

• Address: Papadima & Ivanof

Bibliography