engleski

Footprints of Second Homes in Croatian Landscapes

A multiple dwelling practice or to be more specific sojourning in second (holiday) home is one of the largest consumers of landscapes in Croatia. Second home development and use arise mainly from a need for leisure and amenities, and in its nature this practice is a result of “ the little tactics of the habitat” , through which users seek a kind of a “ better ordinary” . The data from the 2001 Census show that there are around 182, 000 of these alternate homes in Croatia and they make up about 10% of all housing units. Although those numbers don’ t fully support the above estimate on large-scale consumption of landscapes by second homes, a more thorough analysis of the figures reveals an uneven spatial distribution of second homes in Croatia and a high concentration of this phenomenon on the Adriatic coast. The Census data also indicate a growth trend, and experts forecast that growth in number of second homes would be even bigger following the accession to the European Union. In other words expansion of second homes puts great strain on the most valuable areas of the country and it is therefore an important issue in planning Croatia’ s development. Having this in mind our paper will focus on the question of second home development impact on the features of settlements and landscapes in Croatia. In order to answer this question, we will portray major traits, as well as the quantity and the quality of this specific “ community of practice” . Hence the paper will provide an analysis of the Census figures relating to spatial distribution of second homes in Croatia and its characteristics, more specifically dwelling size, number of rooms, type of building and equipment with auxiliary facilities and installations.

second homes; landscape; development; Croatia

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