Blokáís

Blokáís is a term used to describe a specific type of residential building found in many Eastern European countries, particularly during the Soviet era. These apartment blocks, often constructed from prefabricated concrete panels, were designed for mass housing and are characterized by their utilitarian and standardized appearance. The term "blokáís" itself is derived from the Slavic word for "block," reflecting the building's fundamental structure.

These structures typically feature multiple stories and a uniform layout, with apartments of similar size and configuration. The emphasis was on functionality and rapid construction, leading to a somewhat monotonous architectural style. While functional, blokáís are often associated with a lack of aesthetic detail and were built to address a significant housing shortage in urban areas. Despite their often criticized appearance, they remain a prominent feature of the urban landscape in many former Soviet bloc nations and continue to house a large portion of the population. Over time, some blokáís have undergone renovations to improve their energy efficiency and modernise their facades, though their core structural and stylistic elements often remain.