LAUSR

Abstract Multi-storey estates that concentrate a high share of the urban population are of particular importance for the quality of life in European Cities. To explore the diversity of their socio-environmental potential, we investigated complexes of different spatial structures, environmental, social and economic conditions - socmodernist estates from 1960 to 1990 and modern multifamily residential areas built since the 1990s. We examined 225 multifamily housing estates in Berlin, Germany and 92 in Poznan, Poland. The GIS analysis have been supplemented with field mapping and assessment. Our pilot study shows that environmental conditions in socmodernist housing areas are more favorable than in new development sites. Socmodernist estates are rich in green spaces (42.3–49.6%) that are often invisible in the official statistics but play an important role in local communities and urban environment. Therefore we took a closer look at their current state through the prism of nature-based solution (NBS). NBS are treated as activities that increase the ecosystem services capacity through the creation of green infrastructure (GI) elements, strengthening its quality and/or multifunctionality and supporting its diverse usage. To assess the quantity, arrangement, and purpose of GI design at socmodernist estates we have studied 4 multifamily residential areas. We found a large variety of green space types and exceptional NBS that at a local scale improve nature-based outdoor activities. The results show the existing large GI potential, which is by far neither fully discovered nor used. Unlocking this potential can drive positive changes in social-ecological conditions of housing areas that are underrated today.