This paper brings up elementary problems related to the creation of friendly public spaces in residential complexes as the main places of social integration. Contemporary social transformations are reflected in a new, intensified usage of public spaces which – offering more and more possibilities of satisfying human needs in the field of social contact, knowledge, recreation, stimulation etc. – provoke people and their activities to transfer “life” from a private space to a public space.

Identity in a housing environment is one of its resources as valuable as its water, air, flora and fauna. The readability of identity should be the basic factor of the quality of architecture and landscape architecture recognizable as a significant resource. It is an important factor which influences the living standard of people who inhabit a given space from a psychological, social and cultural point of view. In order to care for identity, we must be aware of it, of its role and significance in our lives and residence in a given environment. Man must understand the phenomenon of the meaning of life with respect to its space as his place in the world. When we understand the all-embracing rhythm and taste of the life of a place of residence, we will comprehend life itself.

This paper is intended as a contribution to broader considerations and discussions on the still overlooked issues of garrison landscape architecture, its canon – the essence of the place, its identity. Thus far, the issues of garrison space, its attributes – architecture, elements of development and organised greenery – have been beyond the mainstream of scientific deliberations and constituted a peculiar taboo for various reasons and due to specific transition points in history. Being both closed areas and, after the end of their military functions, post-military ones, they are particularly suitable for playing a significant role in urban relations of inner-city areas and their contemporary conservation creations. In the referenced designs and executions, they can provide examples of development directions that take into account their previous military identity – the spirit of the place.