Αστικός χώρος και στρατηγικός σχεδιασμός στα Βαλκάνια: Πρίστινα, Σόφια, Βουκουρέστι ; Urban space and strategic planning in the Balkans: Pristina, Sofia, Bucharest

The aim of the proposed research is the image of the city as a determinative asset/factor in forming urban identity, directly connected to urban policies and planning. In the context of the geographical area of reference, the Balkan space, issues of urban planning are explored in an attempt to define characteristics that should be taken into account in enhancing urban identity, within the principles of sustainable development. The reference cities, are the Balkan capitals of Pristina (Kosovo), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Bucharest (Romania). The image is an important feature of a place so as to be involved in planning of the space and its functional dimensions. The characteristics that compose the city image and consequently the urban identity, are largely shaped by historical, socio-economic and cultural conditions, individual and social activities in space and time. Parameters to be considered in urban planning generally depend on the environment, natural and man-made. Particularly for the Balkan area, research questions arise concerning the image of urban centers, the implementation of urban policies and strategic planning in the context of spatial development. Firstly, through bibliographical review, articles and online sources, an attempt is made to clarify concepts related to space, planning, the image of the city and urban identity. Secondly, fieldwork methodology, including mapping and tracking of areas of interest, planning models identification and data registration through short questionnaires and interviews with relevant stakeholders in the reference cities (private sector, non-governmental and international organizations, administrative departments, public institutions, policy sectors, local communities, citizens) attempts to approach them based on geographical, historical, socio-economic, environmental, cultural and architectural characteristics, so as to understand better the image of urban centers, their planning system and development scenarios. The scope is the results delivered through this research, ...