Meaning of home in communist-era flats: A case study in former agro-industrial town Darmanesti, Romania

Forced industrialization and urbanization in Romanian rural localities during the communism regime meant to raise country's life standard at the level of other European societies. A significant change occurs in rural environment with the introduction of a new dwelling pattern desired to substitute the rural house. Explained in ideological terms block of flats implementation is conceived as generating more land for agriculture and procure housing for the employees working in industry, while the hidden agenda exposed president's desire for control and surveillance, deterioration of peasants' integrity and values. Moreover, it is expected to create a compact, homogenized and vulnerable society that could be easily handled and disciplined. Housing privatization that has followed the fall of the communism has left new owners in charged with the maintenance and rehabilitation of a poor quality and inadequate housing stock. Prefabricated and standardized block of flats abound all over the country making them not only a distinctive element of former regime but also an indicator for the actual condition and challenges. By exploring meaning of home in communist-era flats in former agro-industrial town Darmanesti, currently part of Romanian small towns' network, the study aims to depict inhabitants understanding of home in a rural-urban mixed environment. In-depth interviews with thirteen respondents in eleven flats are conducted to grasp owners' approach towards their flats after housing privatization, the nature of the relationship and their idea of home. Additional evidence comes from on-site observations and documents about the town and block of flats. The case study reveals meanings of home grouped into six categories: family and community; comfort and wellbeing; control and agency over the territory due to home ownership; a place of self-identity, self-expression and personalization; a physical setting; a place of permanence and continuity. The location is extremely important resulting in unique meanings of home. In this respect, the results show communist-era flats takes on the characteristics of the rural house. Findings are important on rendering the policy for new housing implementation in this environment.