@conference{
author = "Mitrović, Nikola",
year = "2024",
abstract = "The urban landscape of post-socialist countries in Europe has undergone profound transformations, particularly in the realm of spatial planning and public space utilization. This transformation is exemplified in New Belgrade, a city originally planned with a block structure that evolved into an automobile-dependent urban area. Following the collapse of the Communist political regime and the privatization of land, New Belgrade underwent significant changes, with public spaces and amenities transitioning into private ownership. This shift in ownership has led to the transformation of urban parcels, including areas previously designated for public use such as playgrounds, green spaces, and open areas within housing estates.
New Belgrade's urban development reflects broader trends in post-socialist urban planning, characterized by informal changes and sporadic interventions. These alterations are a response to the shift from a socialist to a capitalist economy, leading to changes in the physical and functional structure of public spaces. The city's transformation also reflects a broader societal shift in the post-World War II era, marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the emergence of a welfare state. During this period, urban planning was used as a tool for social control and manipulation, shaping the physical and cultural landscape of cities in former Yugoslavia.
Today, public spaces are increasingly recognized as crucial components of sustainable urban development. The New Urban Agenda emphasizes the importance of public spaces in fostering eco-social cohesion, civic identity, and the overall quality of urban life. However, many urban regeneration projects lack clear objectives and targets, leading to a focus on creating a 'product' without considering its long-term performance qualities and environmental impact.
In the literature, there are different approaches in defining sustainable urbanism. Sustainable built environment is often defined by four main aspects (Jenks, 2010): land use, energy conservation, recycling and reuse, and communication and transport. Transport, in particular, is highlighted as a core dimension of sustainability (Jenks and Jones, 2010), with the dominance of private cars in cities contributing to environmental degradation and urban sprawl. To address these challenges, there is a growing call for sustainable transport policies that promote public transport, walking, and cycling. This approach faces a number of major hurdles. And as the last approach in defining sustainable urbanism, Ameen (2015) through the Environmental Impact Assessment Review introduces Common indicators and sub-indicators for sustainable urban design dimensions. There are emphasized some elements of cultural sustainability or outdoor comfort and safety which is interesting intersection between urban design and sustainable planning approaches.
In New Belgrade, urban regeneration efforts have led to the establishment of new park areas, pathways, and ramps, aimed at enhancing the inclusivity of public spaces. These interventions cater to diverse user groups, including children, the elderly, recreationists, and wheelchair users.
The objective of this study is to examine the formation of an inclusive territory within New Belgrade and how these changes contribute to shaping a new identity for this part of the city. The research employs a multidimensional approach to sustainability, considering already mentioned dimensions, aspects and indicators of sustainable built environment/urban design. By focusing on the perceptions and utilization patterns of community residents, the study aims to identify the inclusive potentials embedded in the urban structure of New Belgrade.
The study shows that small-scale urban design changes can greatly improve inclusivity and sustainability in post-socialist neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These interventions also contribute to the creation of pedestrian-friendly routes integrated into the urban block structure, promoting sustainable modes of transportation and reducing reliance on private cars. The proximity to amenities is crucial for sustainable elements, and in New Belgrade, the positive outcomes can be partially attributed to the legacy of the socialist city center planning system.
In conclusion, the transformation of public spaces in post-socialist cities like New Belgrade reflects broader societal shifts towards sustainability and inclusivity in urban planning. These elements serve as tangible evidence of a transition from socialist to inclusive planning, providing insights into principles that can guide the development of trajectories reshaping post-socialist neighborhoods towards more inclusive environments.",
publisher = "Roma : INU Edizioni Srl",
journal = "Inclusive cities and regions - Territoires inclusifs : 14th Biennale of European Towns and Town Planners, Naples",
title = "Post-socialist New Belgrade blocks as a potential for inclusive territory",
pages = "220-221",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_raf_2322"
}
