PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE QUALITY OF THE NEW BELGRADE URBAN LANDSCAPE (BELGRADE, SERBIA)

<p><em>Intensive urbanization often threatens the spatial identity of cities and the value of existing urban landscapes. The development of gray infrastructure is usually not accompanied by the increase of the city's green spaces, which negatively impacts the aesthetics of urban areas and the perception of the urban landscape by the urban population. Factors such as natural landscape elements, visual harmony, building proportions, and spatial identity have a significant impact on the emotional response of the population and their daily interaction with space.</em></p> <p><em>This paper analyzes the public participation in assessing the quality of New Belgrade’s urban landscape, with the goal of determining its recognizability, understanding the emotional response of the inhabitants to urban vistas, and examining citizens’ attitudes regarding the improvement of the current situation. A survey among 60 visitors via random sampling was conducted in the Bežanijska Kosa park, where a viewpoint offers a vista of New Belgrade’s urban landscape. The results show that a significant number of respondents (40.48%) visit the park because of the urban vista, which is aesthetically acceptable for most respondents, but they recognize the need for improvement. The dominance of gray infrastructure was identified by 71.67% of respondents, who believe it diminishes the aesthetic quality of the urban landscape, and improvements should focus on increasing the amount of greenery on and around buildings (91.67%). The reconstruction of existing green spaces and their better maintenance were cited as key factors in improving the aesthetic characteristics of New Belgrade’s urban landscape. The results highlight the importance of green spaces in urban environments, with users recognizing their aesthetic value, which can serve as guidelines and recommendations for managing urban spaces and landscapes. Respondents emphasized the importance of preserving New Belgrade's identity as an urban entity that balances contemporary needs with cultural and natural heritage.</em></p>