The Impact of Demographic Characteristics on the Development of Formal Settlements and Spatial Planning Management in Kosovo: A Comparative Analysis with Eastern Europe
Session
Architecture and Spatial Planning
Description
This study investigates the critical relationship between demographic dynamics and urban development in post-conflict Kosovo, analyzing how population characteristics shape formal settlement growth and spatial planning efficacy. Using a mixed-methods approach, we integrated quantitative data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (2011-2024) with qualitative insights from expert interviews (n=15) and spatial analysis through GIS. Results indicate that Kosovo’s youthful demographic profile, rapid annual urbanization rate (1.8%), and intense internal migration have directly driven unregulated urban expansion, a proliferation of informal settlements, and significant strain on public infrastructure. Our analysis identifies a pronounced misalignment between demographic pressures and institutional planning capacities, resulting in unsustainable development patterns. A comparative framework with Eastern European contexts situates these challenges within broader post-socialist urban transitions, revealing Kosovo's experience as a particularly acute case due to its unique post-conflict status. We conclude that proactive, data-driven spatial planning policies are imperative to mitigate these challenges. This research contributes to discourses on sustainable urban management in transitioning economies and offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers in Kosovo and analogous post-conflict settings.
Keywords:
Demographic Transition, Urbanization, Spatial Planning, Informal Settlements
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.1
Recommended Citation
Gonxha, Venera and Gallopeni, Jetmire, "The Impact of Demographic Characteristics on the Development of Formal Settlements and Spatial Planning Management in Kosovo: A Comparative Analysis with Eastern Europe" (2025). UBT International Conference. 1.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/ASP/1
The Impact of Demographic Characteristics on the Development of Formal Settlements and Spatial Planning Management in Kosovo: A Comparative Analysis with Eastern Europe
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
This study investigates the critical relationship between demographic dynamics and urban development in post-conflict Kosovo, analyzing how population characteristics shape formal settlement growth and spatial planning efficacy. Using a mixed-methods approach, we integrated quantitative data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (2011-2024) with qualitative insights from expert interviews (n=15) and spatial analysis through GIS. Results indicate that Kosovo’s youthful demographic profile, rapid annual urbanization rate (1.8%), and intense internal migration have directly driven unregulated urban expansion, a proliferation of informal settlements, and significant strain on public infrastructure. Our analysis identifies a pronounced misalignment between demographic pressures and institutional planning capacities, resulting in unsustainable development patterns. A comparative framework with Eastern European contexts situates these challenges within broader post-socialist urban transitions, revealing Kosovo's experience as a particularly acute case due to its unique post-conflict status. We conclude that proactive, data-driven spatial planning policies are imperative to mitigate these challenges. This research contributes to discourses on sustainable urban management in transitioning economies and offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers in Kosovo and analogous post-conflict settings.