Reclaiming Public Open Space in Residential Areas: Shifting Planning Paradigms and Design Perspectives for a Resilient Urban Future
About the Project
Former socialist cities are faced with urban decay of public open spaces (POS) in inherited housing estates, and almost complete POS disappearance in new multi-family residential areas. Although researchers have recognized the phenomenon of neglected/non-existent POS at the neighborhood level in post-socialist development, and identified its adverse implications upon urban structure, urban planning policy and practice still fails to address this issue accordingly. This research aims to re-introduce POS into residential areas of Serbian cities through a novel integrated planning and design approach.
Read moreConcept & Activities
The RePOS concept is structured in three parts, depending on key activities:
I Analytical
Involves exploring theoretical background on former socialist cities and in situ analysis of POSs in in residential zones in selected Sebian cities, to establish the POS typology that will serve as a baseline for innovative urban planning solutions.
II Innovation
Implies restructuring of the existing planning framework and developing the systemic guidance directives for urban planning and design, community participation and implementation, with an all-inclusive toolset to support innovative solutions in POS (re)creation.
III Demonstration
Encompasses devising and implementing a POS pilot project with innovative solutions to serve as a model for replication in Serbian cities, at a chosen demonstration site in Niš, with stakeholder participation and the support of the City of Niš.
* Students' design for POS in Niš. Teaching course Urban design and composition, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture Niš
News & Events
15. 4. 2025.
RePOS team members at the International Conference on Urban Planning ICUP2025, Niš, 10-11 April 2025
12. 3. 2025.
RePOS promotion at the EU House Niš within the Interreg program "Natured" on 12th March 2025
6. 3. 2025.
RePOS_promotion at the University of Niš within the activity of Serbian Academy of Science and Arts - Niš Branch 06.03.2025.
Sustainable Development Goal 11
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Target 11.7
By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
