This research examined changes in the microclimatic parameters affecting thermal comfort in three residential settings with various urban forms in the city of Niš, Serbia, that underwent intense post-socialist urban densification. Outdoor microclimate was modeled for summertime conditions in two scenarios, before and after transformation, by using ENVI-met software. The obtained results offer quantitative data on microclimatic conditions in the chosen settings and comparisons between scenarios. Findings revealed significant variations in the transformed scenarios, with distinct patterns in specific open spaces: a single mid-rise development forming a square in a high-rise setting showed a wind speed decrease, a daytime mean radiant temperature increase despite lower temperature, and an increase in humidity; extensive low- and mid-rise development in a green high-rise setting generated the highest temperature increase at night, notably reduced daytime and slightly elevated the nighttime mean radiant temperatures, and presented inverted temperature and humidity patterns in urban canyons during the day and night; dispersed densification in low-rise setting manifested the highest wind speed increase, significantly increased the daytime temperature, and mostly raised the nighttime mean radiant temperature. Urban design strategies for sustainable public open space that enhance the resilience of densified areas include using shading from transformed western/southern-edge buildings, avoiding small partly-framed spaces and fragmented grassy surfaces, implementing urban gaps to support nighttime cooling, and framing public open space with trees.

Although the postsocialist construction of large shopping facilities had significant implications on the urban structure of Central and Eastern European cities, the complex spatial, functional, and social relations between shopping centers and settlement centers at the local level have not been fully explained. This paper addresses this issue by exploring the center of Medijana municipality in the city of Nis, Serbia and the impact of two shopping centers in its restructuring. The compatibility of shopping centers with a district/neighborhood center is assessed on the basis of functional, spatial, and socioeconomic criteria, for which a set of measurable indicators is established: diversity and functional integration, design and physical integration, survey data on the use of shopping centers and perception of users, and the economic performance of shopping centers. Despite the significant spatial and functional transformations of the Medijana center caused by construction of the shopping centers, the results indicate their low compatibility. Furthermore, the findings confirm the need for improving the quality of the social life in this urban center. Research identifies those key elements of urban design that integrate shopping centers into the central urban fabric: (1) diversity and integration of uses, (2) high densities, (3) well-designed public space, and (4) established pedestrian links.

Small towns are highly exposed to urban shrinkage, but the attention to them has still been weak in the research, especially in Serbia. Therefore, this study deals with small towns in the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia, with the goal of elaborating a typology of small towns based on shrinking characteristics. Shrinking small towns were first mapped and then grouped using principal component and cluster analysis. The results indicate that the patterns of shrinking differ and that four clusters of shrinking towns with distinguishable specific characteristics can be identified. This research contributes to understanding of different causes and trajectories of small shrinking towns and suggests a possible application of presented methodology as an urban planning tool.

Solar radiation in Serbia is for about a third higher than in Middle Europe, which represents a very favorable energy potential. Southeast Serbia is a leading area in this aspect, since the annual average of daily global radiation on a horizontal surface exceeds 4.2 kWh/m2. This paper compares four photovoltaic power plants installed in southeastern Serbia. Analyzes are done based on results from two years of power plant exploitation. The power plants are not located in the same area – there are differences between topography and altitude of their locations, which is also taken into account during analyzes. Photovoltaic modules have different orientation and inclination toward horizontal surface, and their capacity varies from 30-40 kW. The conclusion provides recommendations for improvement of production where it is actually possible.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly prioritized in contemporary urban planning of residential areas, as they offer sustainable and resilient responses to environmental and social challenges, by integrating nature to enhance climate adaptation, biodiversity, and human well-being. Given their crucial role in enhancing public open space (POS), multiple (re)development projects for residential POSs integrate NbS measures and elements into planning and design concepts. This paper presents the experience of the City of Niš, Serbia, in regeneration of POS within a multi-family residential neighbourhood through a case study. Due to its evolving legislative and planning frameworks that increasingly recognize the importance of NbS in urban development, Niš represents a suitable research polygon. The selected study site is a residential neighbourhood within a large housing estate in Niš, which has recently undergone significant POS redevelopment. This area illustrates both a rare local example of NbS implementation, and the consequences of subsequent intervention that disregarded NbS principles. The paper explores the key factors influencing implementation outcomes, as well as the opportunities and challenges for advancing NbS in the local context. The study finds that implementation is hindered by regulatory and funding gaps. A successful rain garden project highlights NbS benefits, though it requires further support for a long-term impact. In contrast, the subsequent POS regeneration in the neighbourhood without NbS reveals the negative consequences of passive planning, limited community involvement, and non-compliance with strategic goals. The findings highlight the need for a more integrated, participatory and sustainability-focused approach to urban regeneration.

Within an integrated planning approach, urban streams are a valuable natural resource with strategic significance for creating resilient cities. This paper explores the revitalization of small urban streams within sustainable development practices, and discusses the manifold benefits that it brings about. Best practice examples are presented to illustrate how watercourse revitalization improves flood mitigation and stormwater treatment, strengthens urban ecology, diversifies recreation options, and enhances visual appeal of the waterfront. These experiences are used to establish urban planning and design guidelines for revitalization of small streams in the City of Niš. The results of this study should help with both setting up policy framework and implementation in planning practice.