Panelák

Panelák (Czech: [ˈpanɛlaːk]) is a colloquial term in Czech and Slovak for a panel building constructed of pre-fabricated,pre-stressed concrete, such as those extant in the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in the world.

Panelák [plural: paneláky] is derived from the standard Czech: panelový dům or Slovak: panelový dom meaning, literally, "panel house / prefabricated-sections house". The term "panelák" is used mainly for the elongate blocks with more sections with separate entrances – simple panel tower blocks are called "věžový dům" (tower house) or colloquially "věžák". The buildings remain a towering, highly visible reminder of the Communist era.

According to census statistics, around one in three Czechs still live in a panelák. Similar buildings were built in all communist countries, from Poland (blok mieszkalny, wielka płyta) to Mongolia. There were also attempts to introduce similar structures as public housing in the United States (see Pruitt–Igoe and Cabrini–Green), but almost all ended in failure – some in disaster.