Village Knez Selo in the Context of Sustainable Development

Abstract

The paper analyses the present condition of the sustainability elements at the level of a village, and then on the relevant representative sample of the households, according to the parameters of sustainability defined in advance. By definition, such analysis of natural, economic, human and spatial resources provides the scope of the present status, but also defines the sustainability degree, and the capacities and potential directions of development. The obtained results and drawn conclusions served as a platform for the analysis of the future development and transformation of the village and the households’ courtyards as spatial manifestation of households in general. Knez Selo belongs to, by its morphology, compact type of villages, and has been firstly uninhabited since Roman Empire. Position of the higher ground and the excellent view towards Nis’s valley has always been interesting place for living. There are rich complexes of forests and pastures, and favourable conditions for livestock keeping, mild climate, as well as many other natural and environmental values in the village locality, which has caused that in XX century a hospital (later clinic) for lungs diseases had been built nearby the settlement. It is situated 10km from the centre of the city of Nis with decent traffic roads and public transport, this settlement took a turn and during 70’s and 80’s started transformation from rural mostly agricultural village towards a cottage village with substantial number of cottages mainly build by people who live in the city. With steady number of inhabitants a little less than 1000, this settlement belongs to semi-urban areas that have multiple chances for sustainability. Although it is economically weak with no clear developmental discourse, this village have enough natural and human resources for consideration of sustainable future development.