Quality of living and housing in the settlement network of Zagreb

• Duration: January 2014 - September 2015

This is a survey of the quality of living in rural and urban settlements in Zagreb settlement network (Zagreb and Zagreb County) with special emphasis put on the outskirts of the city and the new housing developments from the early 1990s (both state-subsidized and private housing construction).
The following components will be examined: housing, the economy of time (work vs. free time and participation in cultural activities), nutrition, health, migrations and transport, ecology. Two decades will be compared, the 1990s to the period since 2000 until now. Sample settlements in the city districts, satellite towns and villages have been chosen according to their importance, size and territorial status.

Objective and subjective indicators will be used in the study of Zagreb settlement network. Objective indicators are : primary and secondary level infrastructure and institutions in settlements (quantitative research-questionnaires). Subjective indicators are: satisfaction with the quality of living (preferences, aspirations and life patterns) – qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews.

The interviews will also analyse various actors of social change in the settlement network, their functions, influence and power. They fall into the following categories: political, economic, professional and civil actors.

Our goal is to popularize the research results which can serve as good practice for Croatia and other countries in region. We plan to publish articles, brochures, manuals and other printed materials, organize public debates, workshops and round tables (for various social actors). Obtained research data might prove useful to institutions in Croatia authorized for carrying out urban policy and strategic planning of urban and rural space.

Project benefits: the results will be forwarded to interested professionals, city officials, non-government organizations, investors, local committees and general public. The principal benefit of the project is its application in real life where concrete problems of urban and rural communities are identified and practical solutions are suggested.