The Transformative Role of Mobility for Suburban Centre - Case Study of Sremska Kamenica, Serbia

<p>The paper explores the transformative role of mobility in suburban center of Sremska Kamenica, within the urban area of Novi Sad, Serbia, where a transit road passes through the heart of the settlement center. Throughout history central functions of the settlement were developed along the main road and thanks to its busyness. However, population growth together with the rise of the motorization rate and the share of motor traffic in modal split caused the traffic congestions and threatened the pedestrian and social activities recently. The imminent construction of a new bridge, as part of a ring road around Novi Sad, stands as a pivotal intervention that promises to divert traffic flows away from the overloaded center, ushering in a new era of pedestrian-friendly public spaces. Finalization of this bridge would divert traffic flows – presumably, the traditional center, now overloaded with transit traffic, would be less busy, and at the same time, as shown in Space Syntax analysis, accessibility at the local level wouldn’t fall. The key objective is to understand the development of the centrality in Sremska Kamenica through time and to predict how changes in mobility patterns will affect further public space usage and livability. The research approach is based on the combination of Space Syntax tool, site surveys, contextual analysis and planning documents reading. The paper shows how the traffic diversion facilitated by the new bridge gives the opportunity for urban planners to reimagine public spaces, prioritizing vibrant, walkable spaces that promote social interaction and improve overall urban experience. </p>