The editors of Town Planning Review (TPR) have selected the following article as the Featured Article from TPR Volume 96.5.

This article is available to read Open Access as part of LUP Open Planning.

‘Impact of lockdowns on housing perceptions among the urban population: implications for local policies’, by Eliška Vejchodská and Hana Brůhová Foltýnová.

When asked to describe the paper and highlight its importance, the authors stated the following:

The COVID-19 lockdowns did more than confine people to their homes – they reshaped how residents perceive their dwellings, streets, and neighbourhoods. Our latest study, published in Town Planning Review, examined these shifts among working-age residents in Czech cities, drawing on survey data that combined open-ended responses with statistical analysis.

Our findings are notable. Respondents placed increasing value on green spaces – especially private gardens, but also urban greenery – more than ever, alongside quiet surroundings, spacious homes, and strong community ties. Easy access to everyday services, such as shops, healthcare, or local restaurants offering takeaways, also gained new importance under mobility restrictions. While some participants dreamed of relocating to greener, less-crowded areas, others came to better appreciate the advantages of staying in well-connected urban neighbourhoods.

These changing priorities offer important insights for urban planners and policymakers. Even if some preferences fade as pandemic memories recede, the experience highlighted features that strengthen urban resilience in times of crisis: access to nature, walkable amenities, adaptable living spaces, and supportive communities. Designing urban environments with these qualities in mind could help cities better withstand future challenges.

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