CONTESTED LAND USE CHANGES

Media Spree, Berlin

• economic forces commonly have the greatest influence over how land is used
• accessibility and situation determine how much land is worth

• governments often regulate land use through land-use-zoning regulations
• political forces can be used to override economic ones

FORCES INFLUENCING LAND USE PATTERNS

When developers see an opportunity to make money by renovation old properties or initiating gentrification

... communities are affected.

IMPACT OF LAND USE CHANGES ON COMMUNITIES

ex. London Olympic games 

• people living in low value properties are forced to relocate as they can no longer afford rental/housing costs in the area
• a communities 'identity' changes ( residential area > commercial area )

Communities are affected when developers see an opportunity to make money by renovation old properties or initiating gentrification.

MEDIA SPREE - back then

Berlin wall splits the city

1961-1989

soon after 1989

converted into parkspace

East Side Gallery memorial

mid 1990s

company "Mediaspree" founded for investors and businesses

2004

"Mediaspree" replaced by property association to advance media renewal  

2008

Skopje 2014-today

• urban-renewal project mainly involving the building of statues of historical figures

• purpose: giving the capital Skopje a more classical appeal

Skopje & Berlin compare & contrast

• Who/what is causing the changes in land use?
• What were the old land uses? What are the new ones
• Who gains? Who suffers?
• How is discontent being expressed?

Skopje

Berlin