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Long-Term Urbanization Dynamics and the Evolution of Green/Blue Areas in Eastern Europe: Insights from Romania

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  • Rares Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir

    (Department of Overland Communication Ways, Foundations and Cadastral Survey, Politehnica University of Timișoara, I. Curea 2A, 300224 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Carla Sofia Santos Ferreira

    (Department of Physical Geography, Stockholm University and Bolin Centre for Climate Research, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
    Navarino Environmental Observatory, Costa Navarino, Navarino Dunes, 24001 Messinia, Greece)

  • Luca Salvati

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Macerata, Via Armaroli 43, I-62100 Macerata, Italy)

Abstract

Urbanization is a dynamic process performed at the expense of natural and/or semi-natural areas, with direct impacts on the ecosystem services provided to human society. The increasing population density in urban areas and the associated demand for housing and public services have led to progressive changes in the structure, architecture, and design of urban areas. The present study analyzes long-term urban development in Western Romania, focusing on green/blue areas’ strategies in Timisoara over centuries. The empirical results of a literature review carried out with a historical perspective have delineated the time periods that favored “urban green development” (1716–1918 and 1918–1940) and those restricting their development (1940–2000), as well as the factors that influenced long-term urbanization dynamics and the evolution of green/blue areas. These factors can be generalized to other socioeconomic contexts in Eastern Europe. Characteristic issues of this geographical area impacting the evolution of urban green/blue areas include (i) common historical aspects (e.g., the influence of geo-political and strategic dimensions, the dominations of former great empires such as the Turkish empire and the communist period) and (ii) population migration after 1990.

Suggested Citation

  • Rares Halbac-Cotoara-Zamfir & Carla Sofia Santos Ferreira & Luca Salvati, 2021. "Long-Term Urbanization Dynamics and the Evolution of Green/Blue Areas in Eastern Europe: Insights from Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:14068-:d:706795
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eeva-Sofia Säynäjoki & Jukka Heinonen & Seppo Junnila, 2014. "The Power of Urban Planning on Environmental Sustainability: A Focus Group Study in Finland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(10), pages 1-22, September.
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