This paper examines the problem of new collective housing complexes built in Ljubljana after the transition period. In comparison to the older residential estates, they demonstrate a much higher building density, and lower quality and quantity of adjacent open spaces. The research focuses on the problem of quality of living in these areas, since green areas are essential for increasing life quality of all residents, especially children and the elderly, who depend on the proximity of well-designed open spaces in their living surroundings. These findings are challenged by the contemporary urban development paradigms, requiring urban renewal, densification and “inner development” often to the cost of open space. Our research explores how size and equipment of open spaces influence the ways in which they are used. The paper presents results of two methods; the qualitative and quantitative analyses of open space design in residential estates, performed by evaluating selected urban design indicators, and an experimental method of observations and behavioral mapping in open spaces within a selected residential estates. The results have confirmed that low quality of open space and poor use are correlated and also gathered empirical evidence for low quality of new areas as compared to older ones and existing urban standards.
COBISS.SI-ID: 7656569
The switch to open market economy in Slovenia in the beginning of 1990s significantly influenced spatial planning mostly through the actions of investors. This paper examines the problem of new collective housing complexes built in Ljubljana, which, in comparison to the older residential estates, demonstrate a much higher building density, and much lower quality and quantity of adjacent open spaces. Green areas are essential for increasing life quality of all residents, especially children and the elderly, who depend on the proximity of well-designed open spaces in their living surroundings. Our research explores how size and equipment of open spaces influence the ways in which they are used. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of open space design in residential estates, performed by evaluating selected urban design indicators, have been followed by an experimental method of observations and behavioral mapping in open spaces within a selected residential estate. The results have confirmed that low quality of open space and poor use are correlated.
COBISS.SI-ID: 7845497
This research aims to perform an evaluation of urban green areas from the aspect of users, its main focus being the new urban residential developments. Compared to the older neighbourhoods, the newer ones are typically single-use residential, while their open spaces are reduced in size and programme. The lack of appropriate accessible open green areas results in spending the majority of time indoors. Besides exposure to indoor air, which is known to be polluted with several chemicals, this reduces the opportunities of inhabitants to perform outdoor activities, such as walking, jogging playing etc. The opportunities fore of outdoor activities can be restricted by new urban planning concepts focusing on densification. This paper compares the residential areas dating from 70-ies with those from the transition period in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Key research problem deals with the quality of life in these areas, measured especially in the context of needs of the most vulnerable users, mainly the elderly and children. Both depend on well accessible green areas in near proximity to their homes. The paper explores how the residents use their outdoor living environment, and how the poor quality open spaces may affect their health, more specifically the behavioural patterns, which reduce or strengthen personal health.
COBISS.SI-ID: 7654265