Urban-Architectural Competition for the Conceptual Design of the Zoo within the Entertainment and Recreation Park at Ada Ciganlija [STRAND, 2025]

The basic idea of the zoo is based on harmonious integration of architecture, landscape, and functional needs of users, but also animals, thus creating a harmonious space adapted to the natural environment and the experience of visitors, with the possibility of experiencing the natural environment and mutual interactions. The entire space is designed with the idea that architectural objects and green areas complement each other through organically shaped, yet clear and reduced zones that blur the boundaries between the human and natural environments. The project is permeated by the idea of clear communication between users and habitats, combining circular and linear communication with spaces that reflect the natural, open environment of the Zoo. Aligned with modern ecological and aesthetic principles, facilities are designed to imitate natural forms, unobtrusively blending into the landscape or becoming a new landscape, rising discreetly a little above the green itself. Therefore, the main framing of the Zoo motif is represented by a circular path (passarella), which borders and limits the Zoo, providing not only a spatial boundary but also a cyclic path that offers an overview of the entire concept of habitats within the Zoo.M105 - Priznanje na izložb

Legislative support for regulating social impacts of the extractive industry

Resource extraction induces a range of positive (economic progress) and negative impacts at the local, regional and even national level. The most dominant negative aspects include environmental degradation, as well as diverse social & community consequences of the development - forced resettlement, loss of agricultural land, construction of boom towns and company settlements, endangered indigenous rights, impoverishment, human rights abuse, forced and child labour, endangered health, gender dimension, physical cultural resources, and workforce migration. All those harmful consequences are very complex and demanding to direct and mitigate. Development of proper international and national legislation, along with institutional solutions and development planning, plays a crucial role in this regard. This research will analyze the international legislation regulating social impacts of resource extraction, including both hard and soft laws. Further, this will be followed by a critical analysis of the relevant national legislation of the Republic of Serbia, including the key strategies and national laws. The primary goal is to identify current issues and inconsistencies, and to propose improvements that would promote more sustainable and socially responsible development in mining regions. The findings related to Serbia indicate the following: (a) integration of international norms and standards, including the adoption of aquis communautaire, is incomplete; (b) social impacts are briefly acknowledged however without detailed mitigation strategies (a superficial approach); (c) several important strategies are outdated or have been abolished without suitable replacements; and (d) while environmental issues are prioritized, other social impacts are inadequately addressed or inconsistently considered. The introduction of a comprehensive law to regulate mining development would address these hierarchical and horizontal inconsistencies, fill gaps, and incorporate overlooked aspects, such as the social impacts of mining activities

Overview of the MINIPART project: Enhancing participation in mining regions

У раду је представљен истраживачки оквир научног пројекта MINIPART – Унапређење учешћа јавности у просторном планирању рударских региона, који финансира Фонд за науку Републике Србије кроз програм ПРИЗМА (грант #7598). Пројекат је усмерен на заједнице које су угрожене еколошким, економским и друштвеним изазовима услед обимне експлоатације минералних сировина. Растуће противљење грађана и невладиних организација рударским пројектима произашло је из забринутости за негативне утицаје и искључености из процеса одлучивања, што је довело до растућег неповерења у државне институције. У реализацији МИНИПАРТ пројекта комбиновани су квалитативни и квантитативни приступи како би се идентификовале ефикасне методе учешћа јавности и прилагодиле различитим заинтересованим странама. Кроз анализу релевантне литературе, међународну студијску посету и консултације са грађанима и стручњацима развија се база података о партиципативним методама. Ове методе се тестирају у Граду Бору и општини Мајданпек спровођењем анкета, интервјуа и организовањем фокус група.This paper presents the research framework of the scientific project MINIPART – Improving Participation in Spatial Planning of Mining Areas, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia through the PRISMA program (Grant #7598). The project focuses on communities facing environmental, economic, and social challenges caused by intensive mineral resource exploitation. Growing public opposition and resistance from non-governmental organisations to mining projects stem from concerns about negative impacts and exclusion from decision-making processes, resulting in increasing distrust in state institutions. The MINIPART project employs a mixed-methods approach—combining qualitative and quantitative techniques—to identify effective public participation methods and tailor them to the needs of various stakeholders. The project develops a database of participatory methods based on a review of relevant literature, an international study visit, and consultations with citizens and experts. These methods are being tested in the City of Bor and the Municipality of Majdanpek through surveys, interviews, and focus groups

Change of spatial identity through international student migration

Exploring the role and significance of space (city, university campus, student accommodation) as the new local or micro surroundings of international students gives a unique perspective on the (re)construction of their identity. This paper presents the most significant results regarding emotional attachment to the place of origin and the city of studying, as well as international students’ evaluation of the differences between the functional attributes of the place of origin and place of studying in respect of the type of housing, the organization of public transportation, public spaces and green areas, the availability of provision services, healthcare, and the sense of safety in public space. The discussion offers a parallel of research findings on the subject analysis between two groups of international students: Serbian students attending or having attended university abroad (mostly in Global North countries) and foreign students in Serbia (from the countries of Global South). In this way, the changeability of spatial identity is observed from a twofold perspective, involving our students with the experience of studying abroad as well as foreign students in Serbia, and additionally addressing the prospects of attracting foreign students in the future, which would have positive effects on our state.The Serbian version of the text is available at [https://doi.org/10.56461/ZR_2025.ISMI.06]DOI of the whole monograph publication “International student migration and identities” under the Series Empirical Research is: [https://doi.org/10.56461/ZR_2025.ISMI

Potentials for the revitalisation of the Letnjikovac area: heritage and natural environment

Град Шабац, а посебно његово урбано језгро, карактерише дуги континуитет урбанистичког планирања квалитетних јавних простора, од пешачких зона, тргова, паркова и других отворених површина. Ти простори су допринели да Шабац буде препознат као уређени град. Поред урбаног језгра, у граду се истичу и подручја која се налазе на периферији. Ова подручја су знатно утицала на развој града и његове становнике. У овом раду се издваја један такав простор – Летњиковац, који је у последњих 100 година служио у сврху неговања здравља, образовања и природе. У оквиру рада се разматра потенцијал за заштиту просторне културно-историјске целине простора Летњиковца. Иако је тренутно стање појединачних објеката задовољавајуће, рад види потенцијал у сагледавању ових објеката у ширем амбијенталном окружењу отворених јавних простора, укључујући парк, као и у њиховом културно-историјском контексту за град Шабац. Сагледавањем целокупног амбијента, потенцијална заштита би допринела очувању објеката, инфраструктуре, урбаног мобилијара и зелених површина. Кроз квалитативну просторну анализу, обилазак локације и мапирање објеката, рад анализира простор Летњиковца и његов потенцијал да постане културно-историјско добро у будућности. Закључује се да постоји потреба да се простор Летњиковца обједини као функционална и уређена целина са задржавањем постојећих намена, да би од значаја била израда интегралног урбанистичког плана за ту локацију, као и да је потребно уредити овај простор као целокупан амбијент и потенцијално га заштитити у блиској будућности.The city of Šabac and its urban core are characterized by a long continuity of urban planning of high-quality public spaces, including pedestrian zones, squares, parks, and other open areas. In addition to the core, the areas located on the city’s periphery, which, while having significantly influenced the development of the city, have received insufficient attention to date, also stand out. This paper highlights one such space that has nurtured health, education, and nature for the past century. The Letnjikovac area contributes to the green and educational development of the city; however, it also lacks spatial planning as an entity in and of itself. It is discussed whether the Letnjikovac area possesses the qualities and potential for protection as a spatial cultural-historical site. While the current condition of individual objects is satisfactory, the paper presents the potential of Letnjikovac through its consideration as a whole, both in conjunction with public objects and with another part of the park-forest. The comprehensive ambient and potential protection thus achieved would contribute to preserving objects, infrastructure, urban furniture and greenery. Through qualitative, spatial analysis, site visits, and mapping of existing buildings, the paper analyzes the Letnjikovac area and its potential to become a cultural and historical asset in the future. The paper concludes by proposing that the Letnjikovac area needs to be unified as a functional and organized whole while maintaining its existing function(s). Therefore, it is important to develop an integral urban plan for the location, and also to organize the area as a whole and potentially protect it in the near future.Međunarodni projekat NONA – New gOvernance for New spAces u okviru Interreg Danube poziva [https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/nona

Managing Decline – Where to Draw a Line by Prioritizing Investments in Mountain Villages?

Depopulation and demographic decline in mountain villages have been ongoing for decades, with no signs of reversal in many countries. This process threatens not only local economies but also the preservation of unique cultural traditions, customs, and heritage. However, revitalization efforts face a fundamental challenge—bringing life back to these villages requires people, yet the absence of a resident population makes sustainable recovery difficult. Economic and infrastructural investments are necessary, as well as the adaptation of the development model for service provision. However, with limited resources, strategic decision-making is crucial to ensure efficiency and sustainability. This paper explores the need for clear criteria to prioritize investments in mountain villages, balancing the desire to preserve cultural heritage with the reality of demographic trends in the example of Serbia. Should all villages be supported equally, or is it necessary to identify those with the greatest potential for sustainable revitalization? Where do we draw the line between investing in renewal and accepting the natural decline of some settlements? By proposing a framework for prioritization, this research aims to guide policymakers in making informed, data-driven decisions while opening a broader discussion on the ethical and practical implications of choosing which villages to save and which to let disappear.Abstract for #IMC25 [https://imc2025.info/imc25/sessions-n-workshops/focus-session/fs-3-204-transformative-changes-towards-living-well-in-mountains-how-does-it-feel/

Political Trust and Potential of Participatory Dialogue in Mining Areas in Serbia: The Perspective of Local Population of Bor and Majdanpek

Post-socialist countries in Europe that are in the process of EU accession (Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Montenegro, Serbia) are becoming attractive for mining investments due to the unregulated land ownership and weaker environmental standards (Mandacia & Tutan, 2018). Environmental protests in Serbia were primarily initiated by the local population whose immediate surroundings were threatened by the commercial projects of land/water grabbing (Pešić & Vukelić, 2022). They were followed by growing authoritarian tendencies over the past decade and the insufficient response of various institutions to citizens' demands (Pešić & Petrović, 2023). The future of civic engagement in such a context of declining democracy and widespread distrust presents a research challenge. The aim of this presentation is to explore the potential of participatory dialogue in mining areas by analyzing political trust and participation among the local population, including both rural and urban perspectives. This is based on empirical research conducted in Bor and Majdanpek mining communities, using a random sample (N=300) during July – August 2024. The level of participation among the local population will be analyzed through their membership in organizations and involvement in community activities. Trust in institutions and other relevant actors will be assessed based on their confidence in those addressing issues caused by mining activities. This research is developed within the MINIPART project supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, grant #7598

Просторни план подручја посебне намене инфраструктурног коридора Београд-Јужни Јадран, деоница Пожега-Бољаре (граница са Црном Гором) (Аутопут Е-763) (M110)

M110 - Просторни план подручја посебне намене инфраструктурног коридора Београд-Јужни Јадран, деоница Пожега -Бољаре (граница са Црном Гором) (Аутопут Е-763), („Службени гласник РС“ бр. 34/25).M110 - Студија експертиза Студија, експертиза заснована на научноистраживачкој методологији и урађена за поједине области у оквиру просторних планова Републике Србије или аутономне покрајине, регионалне просторне планове и просторне планове подручја посебне намене, који су прихваћени у Републици Србији – урбанистички планови за заштићена подручја, као и рад на синтези и руковођењу израдом тих планов

Governance of urban green spaces: Insights from three top-down urban gardening programs

Urban gardens have attracted the attention of scholars, local organisations, and policymakers as they provide a valuable ground for meeting the interests of different urban actors. As a component of green infrastructure, these gardens present a challenge for managing open green spaces. This study examines urban gardening governance through case studies of three top-down programs in Malmo ¨ and Zagreb, focusing on how governance structures impact citizen participation. Using qualitative methods, including document analysis and semi-structured key informant interviews, the study provides insights into the participatory governance of these spaces, particularly from the perspective of city officers. The findings demonstrate that while cities aim to foster engagement, governance mechanisms often remain hierarchical, limiting long-term gardener participation. Local governments do assume different roles, ranging from "leading" to "enabling," with the latter fostering more participatory governance, as seen in Malmo¨’s community gardens. The study also suggests that top-down programs like Zagreb’s, with dominantly leading municipal role, can evolve towards more participatory approaches over time. Additionally, it identifies challenges such as balancing enforcement of regulations with granting gardeners more autonomy and managing resource-intensive communication between local authorities and gardeners. The study suggests that urban green space governance should offer diverse models to accommodate varying citizen needs and engagement levels, from individual plot maintenance to active participation in community management. It also offers considerations on how local authorities could support citizen self-organization and involvement in top-down programs, particularly by adapting the role of green space managers to include a focus on communication and collaboration

Spatial plan of the special purpose area for the HPES “Bistrica” and the HES „Potpeć“ [34rd International Urban Planner Exhibition]

Просторни план представља плански основ за обезбеђење услова за реализацију система РХЕ „Бистрица“ наизменичним захватањем и испуштањем воде из планиране акумулације „Клак“, која ће се формирати преграђивањем реке Увац, и постојеће акумулације „Потпећ“, која је формирана преграђивањем реке Лим. Планирани систем транспорта воде између ових акумулација обезбедиће се изградњом тунела и цевовода. У циљу реализације овог система Просторним планом утврђена су и планска решења за усаглашавање друге инфраструктуре са будућим енергетским комплексом РХЕ „БистрицаThe spatial plan represents the planning basis for ensuring the conditions for the implementation of the HPES “Bistrica” system, through the alternating intake and release of water from the planned “Klak” reservoir, which will be formed by damming the Uvac River, and the existing “Potpeć” reservoir, which was created by damming the Lim River. The planned system for transporting water between these reservoirs will be ensured by the construction of tunnels and pipelines. In order to realize this system, the Spatial Plan also defines planning solutions for harmonizing other infrastructure with the future HPES “Bistrica” energy complex.Рад у категорији ,,Регионални просторни планови и просторни планови подручја посебне намене"M104- Прва наград