Urban recycling : A way to save the character of the cities

Abstract

Urban recycling is a process of physical, spiritual, social, cultural transformation of urban areas, buildings or whole old towns in order to save the memory of the cities and improve the level of their urban culture. Here will be shown basic ideas on urban recycling and examples from Yugoslav practice, seen on XXI COMMUNICATION conference, 1996. Reconstruction & revitalisation are well-known activities in wealth and highly educated urban societies. Transition of East and Central Europe and the slow development of other pure countries as well, are a threat to heritage, especially in urban areas. Variety of recycling methods, at the same time, could save the memory of cities and improve the condition of historical objects. The main Conclusion of the Conference, as well as that drawn by this paper, is that objects, areas and towns suited for recycling must be recognised, registered and their treatment incorporated in urban policy or specific towns development programs. Methods for realisation are those already known in domain of urban planning, design and construction, but the most important and new in Yugoslav practise, urban management and decision making.