Contemporary housing in Serbia: Towards European perspectives of social sustainability

Abstract

Social sustainability, with its focus on human rights, is an underrepresented issue that influences quality of life, especially in housing. A review of relevant literature highlights the importance of appropriate instruments for assessing the level of social sustainability. While studies on this topic exist in developed European countries, there is a lack of systematic research in Serbia. Contemporary housing in Serbia is examined through a case study of current multi-family residential construction in the city of Nis. The quality of living space is assessed through a set of European Social Indicators for monitoring and evaluating citizens' well-being. The uniqueness of the presented study lies in the specific interplay among ideological, cultural, social, and economic aspects, which do not intentionally regulate or recognize the goals and measures of social sustainability, under the dominant influence of market conditions. Aligning strategic sustainability goals involves innovating national and local programs and strengthening the role of the architectural profession in housing construction.