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.

Great threat to the modern society and built environment is Climate Change (CC), whose impact cannot be observed independently from other factors. This paper discusses the influence of CC on the rural development in Serbia, where about 3/4 territory is rural. Six selected rural settlements: Bojnik, Trgovište, Žitorađa, Golubac, Gadžin Han and Merošina, from the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia, which is the least developed Region with high percentage of rural areas, were analysed. CC is one of the triggers for migration from rural to urban areas resulting in unfavourable social structure that, along with depopulation, represents a threat to rural development and the CC adaptation, making it a kind of a “wicked” problem. In order to create successful adaptation plans, increase resilience and provide efficient implementation and monitoring processes: (1) Decision making must be on local level and as a long term process with multifunctional - comprehensive approach; (2) Risk assessment and management must be part of every local strategic document - defined contextually depending on the specificity of each municipality; (3) Every municipality has different types and degrees of vulnerabilities, exposure and sensibility, and so measures for adaptations must be “customized” for every settlement depending on the specific spatial, development and natural context.

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.

This research explores the evolution of public open spaces (POS) in large housing estates (LHE) within the post-socialist context, using the Czech Republic as example. The study investigates the challenges and opportunities associated with the redevelopment of POS, considering the impacts of privatization, socio-economic transformations, and urban renewal policies. It also explores the continuity of urban morphology from the socialist era in the post-socialist period, pointing out the complex connections between inherited urban forms and contemporary needs for urban renewal. The methodological approach is based on an exemplar of best practice analysis, with a specific focus on the Na Dolika LHE, which serves as an illustrative example of POS revitalization efforts. The findings highlight key factors that influence successful redevelopment, including community engagement, sustainable design, and policy frameworks. Additionally, it discusses the first state-level urban renewal policies in Czechia, such as the Program PANEL and Green Light for Savings Program, which aimed to improve technical standards and energy efficiency in buildings, along with public area enhancements. The research contributes to the understanding of post-socialist urban transformation and offers insights for the improvement of POS in similar contexts.

In the Republic of Serbia, rural areas occupy a large part of the territory, where almost 50% of the total population lives. Rural areas play an important role in regional and overall development, they represent areas of great importance for food production and are characterized by landscapes with exceptional natural features. Despite the large number of potentials that characterize these areas, they are devastated, marginalized and backward in economic, social and spatial terms. The paper analyzes rural areas in the territory of the City municipality Pantelej in Nis with the aim of determining their development problems and potentials, which are the basis for defining future programs and projects for the revitalization of these areas. In order to plan comprehensive development for rural areas, it is necessary to determine the key development problems and potentials based on the analysis of all the structures of rural areas so that all their characteristics are considered. The conducted analysis concluded that the analyzed rural areas are currently in poor condition and that revitalization of all their structures is necessary in order to overcome the existing problems, improve the potentials that distinguish them and promote future development.