Skopje Public Spaces Evaluated: Analysis and Typologies

Abstract

In order to influence the design agenda locally in the city of Skopje the municipalities have adopted a range of strategies, standards, guidelines and control practices for quality public spaces which in many cases accommodate ‘generic’ and ‘globalized’ design principles and are not always appropriate to the local context and peculiarities. For better understanding the requirements of the different public realm spaces and guiding local communities’ decisions on future responsive planning solutions it was necessary to structure proper public realm typologies created for a locally recognised purpose and based on criteria relevant to that purpose. At this juncture, although broad comparisons across extremely diverse spatial classifications and versatile framework are made, we primarily refer to one of the most recent international definitions in this area which is offered by The Charter of Public Space, while the valuation to the analysis and findings presented in the Public Space Profile for the city of Skopje, a study which was supported by the UN Habitat (Enhanced Right to the City for All) as a brief overview of the current practices of public space development and management in Skopje. The presented study was focused on understanding and analysis of the existing system of public spaces in Skopje in relation with relevant municipalities and local peculiarities. In-depths analysis has been performed on selected public spaces with focus on selected indicators through a combination of cadastre maps, city and municipal GIS platforms and site visiting. Definition of urban public space, of quantitative and qualitative indicators relevant to public space and the methodology for measuring of the quantitative and qualitative parameters of public spaces in Skopje has been performed relevant to the SDG 11.7 developed by UN Habitat (Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities) and site analysis. The results and the findings from the research are supported by a set of recommendations, which provide solid basis for future discussions and improved urban policy on public space development and management.