Urban Transformation and Sustainable Development of Small Historic Towns

Abstract

Small historic towns in Europe face many common challenges that remain relatively unknown and unrecognized. Small towns make an important element in a settlement network. Their urban functions provide a range of key services to rural areas surrounding them and are an important developmental stability and vitality factor of the wider area. In Europe, the majority of small towns are historic towns whose urban heritage significantly contributes to local identity, from local to national and wider levels. Small historic towns face common challenges, including the lack of administrative capacities and the lack of flexibility to adapt to complex demands of modern development. This leads to a reduction in economic activities and service functions, demographic problems and general economic, social and physical decline. Urban transformation of small historic towns is a specific topic requiring innovative approaches. Successful urban renewal models for small historic towns are models that are capable of achieving a balance between the preservation of their cultural heritage and the demands of development, strengthening their competitiveness while preserving their authenticity.