"Latin quarter" in an east-central european metropolis?: model-based thematic regeneration of the Southern Downtown of Budapest

Abstract

With the EU subsidies ex-socialist East-Central European countries got a unique possibility for the regeneration of their run-down historic city centres, but the efficient investment of funds often meet difficulties due to their modest experiences in urban regeneration. The adaptation of western models seems to be a proper way to follow, as by taking the example of the Parisian Latin Quarter for the thematic regeneration of the Southern Downtown of Budapest, but cultural differences make the applicability of these models questionable. A case study of the Budapest site analyses how the Latin Quarter model has been applied, covering the bases, the concept, the implementation and the results of the process. Results show that the regeneration process based on public space renewal was able to transform the area into a youthful, bohemian Latin Quarter that attracts both locals and tourists. Adapting prudentially chosen models in similar cases can overcome cultural differences.