Revealing the relationship between city size and spatial transformation of large housing estates in post-socialist Serbia

Abstract

This paper considers the links between the city size and transformation of inherited socialist large housing estates within the process of post-socialist urban changes in Serbia. Based on the theoretical and contextual framework, we investigate the following: (1) whether there is a relationship between different city sizes and types, pace and intensity of large housing estates physical and functional transformations, and (2) which type(s) of transformation are dominant in different city size categories. To highlight the relationship, this research draws on the empirical evidence from cities which represent four city size categories in Serbia: Belgrade (capital city), Nis (second-tier city), Leskovac (third-tier city), and Bor (fourth-tier city). Research reveals that transformation of large housing estates is shaped by an unregulated urban environment, relaxed legal culture, and entrepreneurial attitudes of the local authorities to urban planning. Recognizing the power of specific local imperatives, the investigation indicates the interrelation between a certain city size and types and intensity of transformations—they are most diverse in the capital, while diversities decrease with the cities downsizing. Dominant transformation types also vary, reflecting the city categories and their economic power—those that require high/moderate investments and involve many actors dominate in the capital and the second-tier city, while the types based on small individual actions and investments dominate in the third and the fourth-tier city. This initial research aimed to create a platform for further investigation that will provide broader insights into this underrepresented issue and set the ground for urban regeneration strategies.