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The interplay between economic, social, political and institutional changes has led to the uneven development of cities and the emergence of shrinking cities. Urban shrinkage has become a common path of development for many cities since the second half of the 20th century. This phenomenon has been insufficiently researched in Serbia, although especially small towns suffered a population decline in the first decade of the 21st century. The aim of this research is to define a methodological framework for the identification of shrinking small towns in Serbia by a more complete scientific explanation of the phenomenon of urban shrinkage as well as to determine possible mechanisms for their regeneration. Apart from the global level, this phenomenon is also considered within the post-socialist context of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. This enables the development of a methodological approach for the identification and classification of shrinking small towns in the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia, with separate groups of small towns with common features of urban shrinkage. Approaches to planning shrinking cities, mainly focused on larger cities, cannot fully address the development problems of small towns. Critical analysis of different planning approaches and concepts has allowed for forming guidelines for planning shrinking small towns. A conceptual model for directing the development of shrinking small post-socialist towns has also been developed and it has been shown that it can be used as an analytical tool in the process of formulating strategic goals and concepts of integrated development of small towns in Serbia. Analyzing the possibilities of applying the formed recommendations within the context and planning system in Serbia, it was concluded that it is necessary to redefine the planning framework in order to adequately respond to the complex problems of the development of shrinking small towns. In accordance with that, the paper gives recommendations for the improvement of the existing contents, methods and procedures for the development of spatial and urban policies and plans in Serbia. The obtained knowledge on the process of urban shrinkage of the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia was applied to selected cluster representatives in order to check the cluster settings as well as to perform a qualitative assessment of specific local characteristics of urban shrinkage. It was determined that their condition can be improved according to defined planning recommendations.

After the fall of the socialist regimes in the 1990s, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe began the process of transition from the socialist to the capitalist system, which included political, socio-economic, cultural and other changes, but also changes in the urban structure of cities. Research on the topic of post-socialist transition in Serbia was mainly focused on examining the speed of implementation of political and economic reforms and assessing their impact, while recently research has increasingly focused on transformations of urban structure. Despite growing interest in studying changes in urban structure, a small number of studies deal with the impact of changes in surroundings characteristics on the subjective quality of life of residents. The doctoral dissertation considers the impact of transformations of the physical and functional structure of multi-storey residential areas in the post-socialist city on the quality of life of its inhabitants. Understanding the nature of post-socialist transformations of multi-storey housing, on the one hand, and understanding the relationship between the characteristics of space and a subjective assessment of the quality of space and the quality of life, on the other, forms the basis for defining guidelines for urban planning and future interventions in multi-storey housing areas in the conditions of delayed transition. Changes in physical and functional structure were investigated on the examples of two characteristic areas of multi-storey housing from the socialist and post-socialist period. A set of measurable indicators was defined for the purpose of assessing the livability of a multi-storey residential area. In relation to the set of measurable indicators, a questionnaire was designed for the purpose of determining the impact of spatial characteristics on the subjective quality of life of residents. Within the doctoral dissertation, the systematization of the characteristics of multi-storey housing areas from the period of socialism and post-socialism was performed, along with the systematization of post-socialist changes in the physical and functional structure, specific to the multi-storey housing areas in Serbia. The research showed that the post-socialist development processes in Serbia have influenced and continue to influence changes in the functional and physical structure of the inherited socialist housing estates, as well as the developmental characteristics of newly built multi-storey housing areas. It was confirmed that a connection can be established between the characteristics of the urban environment and the subjective perception of its quality. Also, it was determined that there are certain features of space that are universally important for the quality of life of residents, as well as some other features whose impact varies depending on the place of residence and socio-demographic characteristics.

Истраживање је позиционирано у оквирима дисциплине архитектонског пројектовања, с циљем формирања научно заснованих пројектантских модела који би допринели увећању рекреативног квалитета напуштених отворених јавних простора. Ова идеја заснована је на претпоставкама да је могуће успоставити релацију између рекреативног квалитета напуштеног отвореног јавног простора и архитектонске интервенције, као и да су доживљајни потенцијали напуштених простора кључне вредности увећања њиховог рекреативног квалитета. Преглед теоријских достигнућа из домена архитектуре и додирних дисциплина, резултирао је идентификацијом три групе специфичних особина напуштених простора - историјска детерминанта, просторни карактер и локална препознатљивост. Ове особине се у условима савременог окружења сматрају доживљајним потенцијалима. Поред тога истраживање препознаје појам рекреативног квалитета као кључног фактора за промишљање улоге архитектуре у интеграцији напуштених јавних простора у свакодневни живот града. Вишеструком анализом примера добре праксе утврђује се улога архитектонске интервенције у креирању рекреативних ситуација, рашчлањавањем процеса пројектовања на кораке и одлуке. Систематизацијом резултата анализе, препознају се специфичне групе архитектонских интервенција у релацији са доживљајним потенцијалима напуштених простора. На овај начин формира се модел, као сет смерница у пројектовању, заснованих на доживљајним потенцијалима напуштених простора као носиоцима аутентичних архитектонских концепата. Рад са једне стране доприноси надоградњи знања у пољу теорије архитектонског пројектовања, дефинисањем модела просторно-програмских констелација у сврху повећања рекреативног квалитета. Са друге стране, практични допринос односи се на унапређење методологије процеса пројектовања и проширење домена пројектантског деловања у оквиру отворених јавних простора, као и у поступку трансформације напуштених простора. The research is positioned in the field of architectural design aiming to form scientifically based design models that would contribute to the increasing of the recreational quality of abandoned open public spaces. This idea is based on the assumptions that it is possible to establish a relationship between the recreational quality of abandoned open public space and architectural intervention and that experiential potentials of abandoned spaces are vital values to increase their recreational quality. A review of theoretical advancements in the field of architecture and associated disciplines resulted in the identification of three groups of specific features of abandoned spaces - historical determinant, spatial character, and local authenticity. In the contemporary environment, these characteristics are considered to be experiential potentials. Furthermore, the research recognizes the notion of recreational quality as a critical factor for assessing the role of architecture in the integration of abandoned public spaces into everyday city life. Multiple analysis of good practice examples determines the role of architectural intervention in creating recreational situations by disassembling the design process into steps and decisions. By systematizing the analysis results, research recognizes specific groups of architectural interventions concerning the experiential potentials of abandoned spaces. In this way, a model is created, as a set of guidelines in design, based on the abandoned spaces’ experiential potentials as carriers of authentic architectural concepts. On the one hand, the work contributes to the upgrading of knowledge in the theory of architectural design by defining the model of spatial-program constellations to increase the recreational quality. On the other hand, the practical contribution refers to the improvement of the methodology of the design process and the expansion of the domain of design activities within open public spaces, and the transformation of abandoned spaces as well.

The analysis of theoretical concepts of current urban planning and examples of good practice has singled out the reasons why LRHD housing is used as an alternative manner of solving housing problems in many urban situations: 1) its compactness and characteristic urban combinatoria; 2) spatial, social, economic and ecologically sustainable model of open spaces organization within the LRHD housing. The key segments upon which the model is based are: 1) the institutional and planning framework for model application, both globally and on EU level, and actors in the realization of sustainable housing; 2) development aspects of the organization model – as a starting point for a more detailed analysis of factors and principles of open spaces; and 3) the structure of the model of open space organization in LRHD housing. The model is a novelty for our planning practice and the possibilities for its application were investigated on the example of the city of Nis, through the analysis of institutional, planning and spatial conditions. It is concluded that the implementation of the model can be carried out in three ways: 1) at the residential area level – the creation of a housing on an undeveloped site in the city outskirts, which leads to an increase in the housing density and a greater participation of green areas on the location, or to a more economical and rational land use; 2) at the level of a small group of residential buildings – within new locations in the city or in the reconstruction of the locations with spatial potential for application of the model, which improves the existing level of compactness of the physical structure; 3) at the level of suburban settlements – new housing within the existing suburban settlements or within their undeveloped parts, which increases density and compactness of suburbia.

Shopping malls, as public buildings must comply with stringent technical, environmental and health regulations, as architectonic structures which have to be attractive, fulfilling and comfortable for the users. It is necessary that should be economical and that they contribute with professional and socio-cultural benefits. The need for remodeling of shopping malls arises during building operation. Usually, the first interventions are undertaken with the aim of modernization, improvement of functional and other characteristics. Remodeling, as an action of integrated designing is reflected through the process of preserving sustainable development requirement, identification of the cause of disturbance and realization of set goals. Integrated designing, status monitoring and planning according to the life cycle of the buildings are based on multiple requirements of sustainable building. The subject of this research is related to the processes of remodeling of the existing architectonic structures of shopping malls, with a tendency of establishing a sustainable building through research of a sequence of mutually related and dependent parameters focused on meeting the set requirements. Remodeling is acknowledged as a model changing process based on multiple theoretical research frameworks – forms and architectonic entities, environmental impact, functional and esthetic sustainability, comfort and durability, status monitoring in time, efficiency and economy of building maintenance. The fundamental research hypothesis is that remodeling of the existing architectonic structures of shopping malls is performed as a function of the changes of spatial, material and time-variable parameters, of their permanent monitoring and evaluation. The basic aim of the research is to acquire relevant scientific facts, on the basis of establishing and analyzing the input parameters – time-dependent variables, so as to contribute to the solving of the problem. Research results provide a potential of selecting the relevant parameters for making decisions on remodeling of the structure. The goal is to successfully use the results, presented in the form of procedures, in the architectonic practice, both in the process of monitoring and prediction of the status of buildings in service, and in architectonic designing. The research model is based on monitoring of the status of buildings in service, through impacts on variations of their esthetic and functional values in time, prediction of their future status, along with monitoring of value and depreciation of the buildings.

The topic of this dissertation are potentials for improvement of open spaces in high-rise housing complexes and defining of revitalization models, as a planning and designing instrument, in agreement with the contemporary development tendencies aimed at attaining the best possible quality of life. The research focus is devastation of open spaces in the high-rise housing complexes, which is a significant indicator of disruption of the quality of life, as well as absences of a revitalization model which unites various improvement instruments. The basic goal of this dissertation is establishment of a planning instrument and the model for improvement of open spaces in the function of prevention of further devastation, more efficient using, coordination with the users’ needs and with contemporary tendencies of planning and designing and improvement of the quality of life. The research goal assumes that the potentials for revitalization of open spaces in the complexes with high-rise housing are realized by establishment of an integrated planning and designing approach in correlation with the partnership approach, adequate organizational and institutional structure and financial instruments, with due consideration of the residents’ needs and inclusion in decision making about the character of open spaces. In this context the focus of the dissertation is on defining and clear structuring of the model of revitalization of open spaces, as a possible instrument for improvement of the quality of life. Regarding the complexity of the open spaces problem, which necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach in research, the dissertation employs several scientific research methods (method of acquisition of information, observation method, analysis and synthesis method, inductivedeductive method, classification and systematization and survey). The dissertation is divided into: 1. Theoretical part, in which the revitalization model of the open spaces is defined and 2. Practical part in which the potential for implementation of revitalization model in the highrise housing complexes in Nis are investigated, which is a special contribution of this research. In the dissertation, genesis of open spaces was analyzed, and they were redefined and the a typology in housing complexes in agreement with the contemporary paradigms of planning and designing was established. Potential directions of adequate treatment of open spaces were specified, and quality criteria (spatial-functional, environmental, psycho-social, technological and organizational and visual-esthetic) were systematized as an initial theoretical basis for defining of the revitalization model. Dilapidation of the open spaces is present in the majority of complexes with high-rise housing across Europe, and manifested by the wide range of issues. It is particularly manifested in the post-socialist countries (Serbia, as well). Negligent attitude towards open spaces in the design phase, sub-standard construction or poor maintenance, as a consequence has a constant disruption of its physical and social dimension and scenic quality of housing complexes. The consequences of negligence are unattractiveness for the residents, negative implications for health and social interactions, and they can initiate anti-social behavior. In the recent years, improvement of the open spaces is visible in the foreign practice in the form of numerous multi-disciplinary programs and designs. In the dissertation were analyzed the examples of best practice from the western European and post-socialist countries. Systematization of the results of analyzed examples, indicated a high diversity in terms of program concepts of revitalization in accordance with the levels of open spaces deprivation, socio-political system, financial potential, institutional system and planning tradition. It was established that here is no single, comprehensive pattern for revitalization of open spaces, which would encompass a variety of instruments to improve the quality of life. Defining of the model of revitalization of open spaces in the high-rise housing complexes comprised establishment of a new approach which unified the established criteria and aspects of quality of open spaces and innovative solutions of good practice examples. They paved the way for the synergic treatment of various instruments for improvement of the quality of life – designing, planning, institutional, legislative, organizational and financial. The model is based on following theoretical assumptions: 1. Multidimensional structure of open spaces and a complex problem framework; 2. Integrated approach; 3. Adoption of the models as legitimate planning and designing instrument for improvement of open spaces; 4. Existence of adequate financial, organizational and institutional framework.; 5. Partnership approach and inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders; 6. Participation of the residents in terms of integrating their needs and goals of revitalization of open spaces. The defined model of revitalization of opens spaces is realized in 4 primary phases which are realized through various activities. At the theoretical level, a significant contribution of the model is elaboration of potential applicable measures, activities and instruments in various spheres of the complex problem of open spaces devastation. In Niš, as well as in other cities in Serbia, open spaces are neglected both in theory and practice. The research found a long lasting continuous neglect, both in planning and in legislative instruments, and in the field of maintenance. It was also observed that in Nis there is no systematic approach, nor adequate instruments to prevent further degradation of the open spaces quality. The research of the potentials for implementation of the defined model of revitalization is limited to open spaces within the housing complexes constructed in the time of socialism. The analysis of representative examples, yielded that the spatial-functional, environmental, social and esthetic values of the open spaces are disrupted, that is, a high level of deprivation. The fundamental causes are an uncontrolled transition process and turbulent changes in economical, social and planning domains. For representative areas, the levels of open spaces deprivation were determined, key problems and goals of revitalization, possible measures and activities, participants and stakeholders and financing sources. Particularly important is a survey of the residents, which identified their needs and requirements on the open spaces. From the aspect of applicability of this model in Niš, there are numerous limitation both for momentary or long-term application of the program of revitalization of open spaces. There is a special focus on defining of developmental preconditions and guidelines for realization of model functioning in Niš. In the dissertation, it was confirmed that the defined model of revitalization of open spaces can be implemented as an efficient planning and designing instrument for the quality of life improvement. The research indicates that the potential for its implementation depend on the planning, institutional and financial framework and that strong professional and institutional support is crucial, as it affirms all the participants in production of revitalization of open spaces, with a considerable degree of flexibility in terms of individual and common resources. It should be particularly stressed that implementation of the revitalization programs facilitates sustainability of open spaces through strengthening of the potential of housing communities in terms of self-governance, participation of the residents in maintenance and initiation of improvement programs.

In its not-so-long history, the downtown hotel as an institution and architectural type has undergone various phases of development. From the modest inns in medieval towns, through the era of grand hotels, creation of international hotel chains after the Second World War, to the emergence of attractive boutique, design and lifestyle hotels at the end of XX and the latest concepts at the beginning of the XXI century, the hotel has evolved from an insignificant public facility of utilitarian character to multifaceted phenomenon of the modern society. Over the past three decades, a continuous reconsideration and innovation of the concept of the downtown hotel has led to a permanent transformation of this architectural type, its repositioning within the framework of the modern city, as well as to the emergence of numerous new program models and hybrid forms that are closely linked with the multicultural character of the society at the beginning of the third millennium. In addition to the evolution of a city hotel, the architectural composition of historic hotels and the most significant modern examples, problems and crises of the hotel during the second half of the twentieth century, as well as conceptions of a contemporary city hotel, are also the subject of this research. Special emphasis was put on the complexity and multiplicity of hotel functions, which makes it unique among public building typologies. Bearing in mind the fact that the assumptions, upon which hotels were based until the 80s of the twentieth century, have been radically transformed, it is pointed to the necessity of reconsideration of architecture as a social and cultural product, with an awareness of the importance of creating an adventure that allows the visitor to experience a permanent shift in perception. The primary objective of the survey is to assess the changes in the physical structure and hotel space in the broader context of the contemporary dynamic society as the frame of reference. By the interpretation and explication of many specifics associated with this process, as well as the analysis of prominent examples of the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, the basic characteristics of architecture and design of the new city hotel are emphasized, which may represent the basis for its further development and improvement. Furthermore, the contribution was provided to explaining the character of the contemporary city hotel and its importance as an architectural artifact, an essential social space, a symbol of the city and a reference point in the urban pattern. The perceived transformational flows and contemporary trends are supported by the analysis and theoretical considerations, which emphasizes the importance of architecture and design, their place in the development of a city hotel and provides a clearer understanding of the origin of successful new concepts. The complexity of the topic caused the application of intricate scientific apparatus. The method of observation, empirical method, case studies, analysis and synthesis, classification and comparison are just some of the scientific methods that have been used in order to perceive the subject of research in a comprehensive and appropriate manner. The conducted research represents a contribution to the study of architecture of the city hotel, and its significance is manifold. A clear and comprehensive historical overview of the development of the city hotel as a special architectural type and significant domain of social city life is provided. The determination and classification of transformation factors, the study of transformational processes and redefinition of the contemporary city hotel typology represents a contribution to the elucidation of architectural aspects of this topic. The significance of the work is also reflected in pointing to the emergence of new program models at the beginning of the XXI century which are not fully recognized by the scientific and professional community. The formulated framework for the “reading” of this specific architectural type, in the situation of repeated paradigm shift, is of great importance for further consideration and contemporary theory and practice for planning and design of the city hotel for the third millennium.

The standpoint of this research is that the concept of mixed-use development has a great practical value in shaping suburban settlements and their centers. This development pattern, which was being used spontaneously during the entire history of city-building, is actually a complex planning model, which represents a lot more than a simple sum of different uses. Mixed-use development in centers, especially with the inclusion of housing, enables more sustainable spatial forms. The theoretical framework of this research discusses different forms of suburban settlements, as well as the implications that suburban development has on sustainability of the city as a whole. The phenomenon of suburbanization is relatively new and only applies to the last sixty years. From today’s temporal distance, certain shortcomings in suburban development planning can be observed in various types of suburban environments, as well as the problems that they have caused in physical-spatial, functional and socioeconomic structure. One of the biggest issues that suburbia faces today is monofunctionality, usually the problem of the lack of any use other than residential. This research explores suburban “bedroom communities”: large housing estates (as planned new towns) and suburban sprawl, which are both monofunctional by origin, as well as suburban satellite settlements (former villages) that are nowadays monofunctional due to development circumstances and loss of central functions. The initial hypothesis of this research, which has a firm base in the theory of sustainable development, is that the polycentric development model of the city makes the only valid development pattern in positioning central city places. Therefore, the assumption is that monofunctionality of suburban settlements, causes conflicts in urban development, and encourages “unsustainable” use of land at the city periphery along with some other urban design principles. The basis for the analysis consists of five examples of suburban centers from foreign practices, which have applied mixed-use development. The role of shopping center in structuring the community center is analyzed in particular, by using three examples of post-socialist practices. In the example of the City of Niš, the applied method is case study, which identifies specific circumstances and mechanisms of centers’ transformations. By comparing all examples, the relations are determined between suburban center characteristics, structure and share of uses, and capacity and size of center catchment area. After systematizing the obtained data, classification of suburban centers is made, and guidelines are formulated for the implementation of mixed-use development in these centers. The goal of this research is to create an adequate theoretical and practical model for the implementation/ restructuring of central urban functions in suburban settlements. The proposed solution for monofunctional settlements’ problems is the creation of a pedestrian-friendly center with a diversity of uses, similar to traditional compact urban form. The designed suburban center model with mixed uses ensures the settlement vitality and creates “genius loci”, reduces transportation needs and environmental costs, minimizes the differences between urban zones and suburbia, and provides for a balanced development of all city areas.