Complex social changes, mobility, progressive information and communication technological advancement, as global achievements of the modern era, lead to the transformation of space at the local level and change of the identity patterns of a place. Starting from the problem of loss of identity features of a place or inability to identify them in the contemporary context, through an extensive review of theoretical sources, the paper seeks to understand the meaning of both the spirit of place and the spirit of time. The model presented in the paper as a synthesis of theoretical research and the preferred approach to the resuscitation of the spirit of place, introduces new layers of meaning and interpretation of the spirit of place in a modern context, and is based on three key principles: assimilation, acculturation and adaptation.

Globalization produced a disparity manifested through spatial polarization - growing and shrinking territories. Shrinkage is an increasingly global phenomenon that affects cities, villages, and entire regions around the world. Population loss and economic decline make these areas vulnerable - its vitality and sustainability are endangered. Starting from the assumption that the rural areas are particularly affected by shrinkage, this research addresses stagnant trends in the northwest region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this research is to identify and assess the level of rural shrinkage in the region, as well as to underline directions for future action in response to these negative trends. The results of the research are presented cartographically using Arc GIS software.

Nowadays, many growing cities around the world face very intensive construction in the housing sector. The pressure of the construction sector is reflected in the insistence on increasing the number of floors of residential buildings due to economic profitability, while the principles of spatial balance and sustainability are questionable. Therefore, this research seeks to discover which minimum number of floors of residential buildings ensures the economic profitability of the investment in housing construction. The methodological approach, based on the relevant principles of urban economy, ensures the development of a model for empirical testing of spatial and economic relations. The research polygon is the residential module from the regulatory plan of the residential settlement located in the area of a fairground in Banja Luka - Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Many regions worldwide are faced with the problem of shrinkage, manifested through demographic decline, economic loss, and perforation of the urban tissue. Starting from the assumption that the shrinking phenomenon is present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the research deals with the diagnosis of the shrinking condition in urban and rural areas of the northwest region of the country. In the light of the shrinkage problems, the chapter defines a new alternative model—e-co—which should enable the recovery from the crisis and restore the vitality of the region. The chance for recovery is recognized in the processes of rural urbanization and urban ruralization, the integration of rural values and urban advantages, the modern globality, and traditional locality.