From Post-Socialist to Sustainable: The City of Ljubljana

Abstract

This article analyzes the process of city center revitalization using the case of the City of Ljubljana. In 2016 it became the first and (so far) only post-socialist city to acquire the European Green Capital Award. In the process of transforming the city over the last ten years, many positive changes were achieved. These are primarily reflected in improvements to the urban quality of life; that is, changes based on the urban sustainability principles. More public spaces with greater accessibility were created in the city center (expansion of pedestrian and bicycle zones, reduction of car traffic and closure of certain streets to cars, a higher number of visits to the city center and hence more cultural and tourist attractions, more green spaces, etc.). The study was conducted using semi-structured interview methods and focus groups with selected experts (spatial experts from various disciplines). The results showed that the revitalization process in Ljubljana had more positive consequences than negative ones, although some experts also criticized the achievements and pointed out certain shortcomings. However, given the definite improvements in citizens’ quality of life, it can be argued that Ljubljana has become a post-socialist sustainable city that clearly follows western European urban development patterns, which is a clear deviation from the socio-spatial urban processes that still characterize most post-socialist cities, especially large ones.