This dissertation, part of the urbanHIST project, employs digital geospatial tools to examine the morphological transformation of post-socialist cities, focusing on Košice, Slovakia. Integrating urban morphology, history, geoinformatics, and sociology, the research uses Historical Geographic Information Systems (HGIS) to analyse tempo-spatial changes and underlying socioeconomic processes after the fall of communism.

Three key phenomena are identified in post-socialist urban development: a shift from centralized planning to neoliberal governance, urban sprawl paired with increased core density, and the emergence of new development axes and commercial subcentres. The study applies theoretical frameworks such as the Conzenian approach, path dependency, and the post-metropolis model to situate Košice’s evolution within broader Central and Eastern European patterns.

The findings are presented across three analytical levels: post-socialist transformation, city-wide spatial dynamics, and focused analyses of active development zones. A typology of transformation hotspots in Košice is established, including revitalized industrial zones, housing estates, and commercial subcentres. Case studies such as the revitalization of Kasárne Kulturpark and suburban expansion highlight the interplay between historical legacies and contemporary urban needs. Key challenges include reconciling socialist-era infrastructure, addressing socioeconomic needs, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Košice’s post-socialist development is categorized into three phases: crisis management (1990s), uncoordinated development (2000s), and semi-organized development (2010s), reflecting shifts from neoliberal to more strategic planning approaches. Quantitative analyses of building density, land use, and cluster development are combined with qualitative insights into decision-making processes.

This study underscores the significance of historical context in post-socialist urban transformations, demonstrating HGIS’s utility in capturing spatial changes and morphological patterns. Its multidisciplinary approach bridges historical analysis and modern planning, offering practical insights for managing urban development and serving as a reference for other Central and Eastern European cities undergoing similar transitions.