Urban re meets rural: evaluating potential of short-time solutions in specific suburban development areas
2012
Usca, M., University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences | Miklasa, M., University of Latvia, Riga (Latvia). Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences
The history of suburbanisation and occurrence of housing and other infrastructural development in predominantly agricultural areas in Latvia is poorly studied, limiting one’s understanding on the contemporary character of the city outskirts and knowledge on the rural-urban fringe process. This article argues the necessity to discuss issues/cases of suburban land, which by historical background is rural, by present/legitimate land use zoning is meant for building, while in reality, appears as awaiting open space - extensively used or abandoned in high contrast with the potential possibilities of varied use for local communities and stakeholders. Therefore, the authors study two villages in the suburbs of Riga in the municipality of Kekava – a territory characterised by the abovementioned processes, in more detail. In the research, which is based on in-depth interviews with selected experts, inhabitants, and land owners/developers; various socio-economic benefits, their absence; and political drawbacks of ‘quick’ solutions for more effective land use, the authors identify integrated planning, partnership formation, and public engagement. The results of the research ensure bases for judgment making and future predictions of the potential use of previously agricultural areas, now characterised by transitional land use.
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