Original scientific paper

Middle Towns - Myth or Reality?

Ante MARINOVIĆ-UZELAC ; Faculty of Architecture, Zagreb

Abstract

Middle towns are, basically a large family of towns in a
system of towns. Their classification depends on whether a
sensible agreement can be reached on what to call each
group. If a more precise definition of middle towns is
required, it can only be negative, i. e. they are neither small
nor large towns. According to their functions, middle towns
are very different and comprise a heterogeneous group of
centres. They are heterogeneous by their morphological
features and ambiental values, but also with regard to the
level of their urban equipment. Without neglecting the fact
that the economic, urban and social - and large cities
complement each other, middle towns can offer, as their
most important advantage, a number of conditions and
values in which the connection with urban comfort and
natural heritage has not been lost. In this group we may
single out: (i) compactness and continuity of the urban tissue;
(ii) adjustment of the urban structure to the conditions of the
topographic position and natural values; (iii) mixed ways for
taking possession of land plots. However, middle towns also
have several considerable disadvantages. Among them are:
(i) a small labour market; (ii) closed and conformist local
community; (iii)the need for great investments in equipment
which becomes rationalonly if there is a large number of
users; (iv)the necessity to control population growth above a certain limit in order to prevent the town from becoming a certain limit in order to prevent the town from becoming a
large one. The elimination of these disadvantages calls for
special efforts. Therefore, it may well be said that a middle
town is not in itself, or in any way, a means of better
urbanization. But, through adequate transformation, it can
achieve this goal.
large one. The elimination of these disadvantages calls for
special efforts. Therefore, it may well be said that a middle
town is not in itself, or in any way, a means of better
urbanization. But, through adequate transformation, it can
achieve this goal.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

31473

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/31473

Publication date:

30.4.1999.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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