Role and potentials of geography in spatial planning

Abstract

U ovom radu biti će obrađena problematika uloge geografije u prostornom planiranju. Prostorno planiranje je djelatnost koja se bazira na multidisciplinarnom pristupu, a svojim djelovanjem utječe na razvoj određenog prostora. U razdoblju 1990-ih u Hrvatskoj dolazi do značajnijih promjena u prostornom planiranju jer multidisciplinarni pristup pa tako i geografija gubi na značaju. Marginaliziranost geografske struke vidljiva je i u zakonskim odredbama i u praksi kako u prostornom planiranju rade većinom arhitekti. U radu je navedeno mnogo primjera iz kojih je jasno koliko geografi svojim kompleksnim poimanjem prostora mogu doprinijeti u izradi prostornih planova. Snažnija uloga geografa u prostornom planiranju mogla bi dovesti do kvalitetnije izrade prostornih planova pa tako i do pozitivnih promjena u organizaciji prostora u Hrvatskoj.In this paper the problems of geographic role in spatial planning will be addressed. Spatial planning is an activity based on multidisciplinary approach, and its action influences the development of a particular spatial unit. In the 1990s, significant changes in spatial planning have occurred in Croatia, because multidisciplinary approach and geography, as well, have lost importance. The marginalization of the geographic profession is evident in both - the legal provisions and in practice because today spatial planning is mostly done by architects. Many examples are outlined in this paper from which it is clear how much geographers can contribute to spatial plans. The more powerful role of geographers in spatial planning could result in higher quality of spatial plans and in positive changes in the organization of space in Croatia