Review article
Public Spaces in Zagreb: An Example of Two Central Squares
Anđelina Svirčić
orcid.org/0000-0001-9462-0734
; Institute for Soda/ Research of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The paper is a short sociological analysis of some features, functions and processess in
public areas, that is on those living spaces that are common, accesible to all and are therefore
public property. The author analysed the central Zagreb squares as typical representatives
of public space, while The Ban Josip Jelačić Square and The Petar Preradović Square
(popularly known as the Floral Square) are described in greater detail. The charateristic
features of these squares are called the social attributes of public spaces because their basic
significance is in the manner in which various social groups relate to squares and public
spaces. Through the presented social distinctions one can observe everyday happenings
in squares that depend on the time of day or the type of visitors and the temporary
manifestations taking place in them, all this creating a social dimension of squares or public
spaces.
Public spaces are interlinked with processes that also define them and influence them,
such as the process of gentrification, urban renewal, urban beautification and others. All
these processes contribute, more or less, to the urban way of life and the appearance of
towns so that their realizations are subject to criticism and discontentment of the profession
or the public. Considering that these processes are almost always closely connected
with the actual political climate, it is politics that determine the framework within which
decisive solutions are accepted about the appearance of urban space. Those consequnces
are most evident in the inner city area, that is in the city cores (centres) and squares.
Therefore the text demonstrates some effect of intervening on public spaces that took
place in the last decade in Zagreb's central squares that reflect on the quality of living in
urban areas. Since consequences influence the life of residents or users of public spaces, it
is sociologically interesting to look at communication between of dwellers and squares
and the changes that influence such communications.
Keywords
gentrification; public spaces; slumization; social characteristics (features); inner city; urban renewal; urban beautification; Zagreb squares
Hrčak ID:
101906
URI
Publication date:
5.11.2002.
Visits: 3.521 *