engleski

The role of business districts in urban development : a case study of Split

In this paper we discuss the ongoing spatial changes which are re-shaping landscapes in cities and their surrounding area. Increasing urban population and the various demands for land in and around cities significantly contribute to transforming urban landscapes, particularly in the costal regions. In this modified landscape, a new urban development is encroaching on inland areas ; urbanised areas are spreading, while coasts are becoming increasingly intertwined with the hinterland. These trends render the concept of a 'single most central focal point' rather insufficient to explain and predict the urban spatial structure changes. The evidence suggests that where growth around the periphery of the city is coordinated by strong urban policy, more compact forms of urban development can be secured and the positive overall effect can be assured. Of course, planning policies should ensure such urban development in which environmental and social considerations are fully embedded in spatial planning policies at all steps of the policy cycle. Within this perspective, we assess the trend of dissipation of economic activities from the city centre to surrounding areas and discuss the establishment of business zones in metropolitan areas in general, and in the metropolitan area of Split in particular. The existence of the business zone at the outskirt of the city of Split seems to have positive effects on the overall economic development of the Split metropolitan area. It is an opportunity for small and medium sized enterprises to obtain relatively cheap and infrastructurally-equipped land to re-locate or start their business in. Apart from the favourable location which contributes to the sizeable reduction of transportation costs, there are many other 'pull' factors for firms seeking a profit-maximising location. However, one troublesome side effect of this process of de-concentration of economic activities is that it consumes excessive resources and leads to greater air and water pollution.

spatial changes; urban sprawl; coastal cities

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