The main focus of this paper is based on the dynamics of the interaction between the space and its consumer, that is, the society, on the urban example of Trešnjevka in Zagreb. The transformation of architecture and everyday life on Trešnjevka, as well as its spatial identity, is divided into several phases. The first phase covers the period from the second half of the nineteenth century to the end of the First World War, when the identity of Trešnjevka begins to form into a workers area as a consequence of industrialization and building the new railway. The period between two world wars or the second phase is marked by a huge demographic expansion in Zagreb and unsuccessful strategies for handling this new social situation resulting in a lack of spatial continuity and the emergence of illegal construction. During this time, the terrible conditions of life on the outskirts culminate into a serious social problem causing an awareness towards building healthier and safer living solutions for the new population of workers and their families. The next stage starts with the end of the Second World War, in which the main architectural task is to rebuild damaged areas and work on the industrialization of the country. This caused intensified investing in factories and railway construction and less in residential buildings. The new political ideology imposed a new organizational structure of architectural and urbanistic activities. Some of the best architects of their time, such as Marijan Haberle, Mladen Kauzlarić, Stjepan Gomboš, Slavko Jelinek, Marijan Hržić and Andrija Mutnjaković left their mark on Trešnjevka. The quality of everyday life has been increased in this phase by a growth of recreational and cultural facilities. Political events around Croatia's independence started the last phase which consists of severe privatization and mass construction. Complete usurpation of space and identity is caused by a sudden transition from low to high buildings and maximum compliance with the investor instead of the residents. The industrial heritage of Trešnjevka is abandoned and forgotten. Due to the opening of new shopping malls on the outskirts of the city as well as the economic crisis, shops are forced to close, leaving Trešnjevka’s residents without solutions for their basic needs.