Analysis of the Participatory Planning for Resilient Urban Environment Through Case Study Municipalities of Cair, Butel and Karposh in Skopje

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the implementation of participatory planning in the urban planning system in North Macedonia. The urban planning system in North Macedonia, a country which has transitioned from socialist system to democracy, is mainly based on top-down approach in decision-making processes. The regulatory framework of urban planning supports the bottom-up approach at certain stages of the process. Public surveys and presentations are mandatory before the adoption of new urban plans. Forming of a participatory body which beside the civil servants must include other groups based on volunteering initiative is another step required to enhance the participatory planning. 

This study focuses particularly on the participatory planning in the process of preparation and adoption of Detailed Urban Plans (DUPs), a plan governed by the municipality. The DUP is prepared at district scale and should be aligned with the conditions provided in the upper tier plan, the General Urban Plan (GUP). The capital city of North Macedonia Skopje consists of 10 municipalities. As representative examples were selected the municipalities of Cair, Butel and Karposh to understand the actual status of participatory planning and the level of awareness about the concept of resilient urban environment.

The study is based on a qualitative methodology where data and information were collected through interviews with various stakeholders, by analysing the urban planning legislation and the municipality websites. In the interviewing process three categories of representatives were interviewed: representatives of municipality urban planning sector and urban community center, as well as urban planners from the private sector who prepare the DUP documentation.

The findings of the study point out that the urban planning legislation supports the bottom-up approach, but there is need for improving the participatory planning. The digital tools for participatory planning should be integrated in the process of urban planning. There is need for establishment of urban community centers in municipalities. Urban community centers can help increase the sense of neighbourhood community at the citizens and develop the responsibility for shared spaces.

There is need for increasing the awareness about the concept of resilience at decision-making authorities, urban planners and the general population to be able to create resilient urban environments.