The importance of green public space in residental areas for quality of life: the example of socialist and post-socialist housing in Novi Sad, Serbia

Residential architecture and urban planning have the task of fulfilling the complex and manifold needs of inhabitants spending the majority of their everyday lives in these areas. Residential areas represent crucial spatial infrastructure that shapes the possibilities and life circumstances of its users, and thus should go beyond satisfying only the basic need for shelter. The importance and lack of green public spaces has been highlighted in recent years, especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. It is becoming evident that the ongoing, investor-led, intense building activities in larger cities in Serbia are moving forward without much consideration of their footprint, generally disregarding the opportunity to develop green, public spaces. Having access to these kinds of areas not only benefits the living conditions in terms of microclimate, but it also benefits the overall health and mental health, as well as the social satisfaction of residents and users. Collective, green areas serve as a place for gathering, socialising and rest, giving users the possibility of satisfying their social and personal needs on different levels. The aim of this paper is to research the importance of green public spaces in residential areas for quality of life, analysing built residential areas in Novi Sad, Serbia. Analysing examples of residential areas built during the socialist period, under specific economic, political and social circumstances shaping urban planning, and examples of a more recent date, highlights the different percentage of green public spaces envisioned in these types of residential complexes. By comparing these two forms of spatial concepts, we are able to understand what each of them offers their residents regarding social, health and personal needs, showcasing the kind of quality of life that exists in these areas. This research can help us contemplate solutions for the future, based on past and present experiences.