Spatial and functional transformation of the city center structure in the process of transition

摘要

Goal of this paper is to point to the ambivalent influence of transition process on the urban environments. The phenomenon of "transition" is defined as complex, multilayered process followed by new market and social principles. By observing the chronological order of changes which occurred in the city morphology, it gives recommendations for overcoming the city center identity crisis as the most significant pubic city space. Through definition and reconsideration of spatial and functional structure of the city center in the context of modern influences of the transition process, this paper emphasizes the elements which could be input in a direct or indirect way into the future strategies and plans. Accordingly, it proposes a set of measures for possible redefinition of the existing concept of the city centers and its adaptation to the demands of the time ahead.