URBAN CHANGES AND PROBLEMS OF NOVI SAD IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

Novi Sad is the second-most populous city in Serbia. As an urban entity, and an immigration factor, its importance increased after the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Due to the immigration of inhabitants, both from the former republics of Yugoslavia and from other parts of Serbia, population growth has led to morphological changes. The city expanded towards Futog, Rumenci and Bački Jarak. In addition, the city has undergone significant changes in the internal physiognomy, in the central parts of the city, as well as in the other parts. In the central parts of the city, efforts are being made to preserve old architectural buildings. However, in the eighties of the last century, the demolition of old buildings in the center began. In their place, they sprouted buildings of modern architecture, which do not fit into the previous style of construction, pertaining to the late 19th and early 20th century. This trend continued later throughout the 21st century. Particularly evident are the changes in the shift of individual, collective construction, which is characteristic of the center itself and the narrower and broader surroundings of the city's central parts. Collective housing facilities are springing up all over Novi Sad, depending on the investor. The style of construction is changing, as well as the purpose of some urban spaces. An additional problem is the increasing traffic load and congestion of roads, especially during the time of getting to school and work, as well as the time of return. These are just some of the apparent issues that Novi Sad faced in the post-socialist period, which need to be solved for the sustainability of an organized city.