engleski

Reorganization of urban space: Transformation of the former industrial zone of the town of Zabok, Croatia

Cities are in a constant change of socio-spatial characteristics and thus represent the subject of constant research. Former industrial areas represent great potential for further urban development. There are different models of transformation of industrial areas which depend on urban policies, visions of urban development and the potential of industrial heritage. European documents on sustainable development at the local level emphasize the importance of planning and development of brownfield areas for cities on the path of achieving sustainable development. Reuse and regeneration of abandoned areas, avoiding urban sprawl by increasing urban density and prioritizing brownfield over greenfield area, ensuring mixed use and activation of cultural heritage are elements to consider in order to contribute to local sustainability. The town of Zabok is the center of Krapina-Zagorje County, located on the important road and rail traffic route that connects Croatia with other European countries. Since 1930s the town has developed economically due to the growth of the textile industry. In the Spatial Plan of the Zagreb region (1970s) which envisages decentralization and polycentric development of the agglomeration, Zabok is planned as one of the entities of the proposed model due to its economic potential, proximity and good traffic connections with Zagreb. The process of deindustrialization during the 1990s resulted in the gradual closure of industrial plants in Zabok, which became a potential for further urban development at the beginning of the 21st century. The aim of this paper is to show the visions of the reorganization of the space of the former industrial area and their gradual transformation into a new city center. The results of the research show that despite of conducted architectural competition and the efforts of the local government to establish a clear urban planning policy, the transformation of space has been dominantly fragmented. Since no model of comprehensive structural-functional transformation has been implemented so far, it is concluded that special attention should be given to public spaces which can significantly contribute to the sustainability by integrating valuable industrial heritage and newly built structures.

brownfield, development potential, industrial heritage, public space, urban transformation, sustainability

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