“Designer huts” in allotment gardens – A new phenomenon – A case of Warsaw, Poland

Allotment gardens are widespread across Europe. Their gardeners maintain green oases in otherwise heavily built-up areas by cultivating urban land and caring for the green space. Thus, they generate positive externalities by privately managing public green spaces. Over the last few years, the popularity of allotment gardens has increased as an alternative to travel and a recreational place. This research looks into new phenomena in the design of allotment gardens and buildings to serve the evolving requirements of allotment gardeners. Using Warsaw as a case study of the largest and most dynamic allotment garden market in Poland, based on detailed landscape surveys and exploratory walks we identified new types of modern allotment garden designs, namely a new phenomenon of “designer huts”. We then in phenomenological interviews with the architects of these buildings unpacked the design process, outcomes and future design directions to ensure that future buildings are designed in harmony with the surroundings, respect for the natural environment, and support addressing urban environmental challenges. We expect that our observations will inform designers and policymakers in developing long-term strategies to effectively support this type of urban green space.