Interdisciplinary Advances in Sustainable Development II

This paper explores the methodologies used in estimating the costs and losses of natural disasters, focusing on the Turkish experience following a series of unprecedented earthquakes in February 2023. The analysis emphasizes the need for a variety of methodologies to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the economic impacts of disasters. In the Turkish context, the Strategy and Budget Office (SBB) played a central role in coordinating post-disaster assessment efforts. By utilizing its expertise and coordinating data collection through local administrations and line ministries, the SBB ensured a swift and comprehensive analysis. Various methodologies, such as replacement cost, market valuation, and input–output analysis, were employed to estimate damages and losses in different sectors, and depending on data availability. The study highlights the importance of institutional capacity and expertise in conducting post-disaster assessments. It also emphasizes the need for a multi-method approach to capture the complexity of economic impacts.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in a seismically active region, making it susceptible to earthquakes. As a result, it is crucial to prioritize the seismic assessment of existing buildings and implement effective mitigation strategies. This opinion paper argues that a comprehensive approach, involving rigorous assessments and proactive mitigation measures, is necessary to ensure the safety and resilience of the built environment. As earthquakes can strike without warning, it becomes crucial for nations to undertake robust earthquake risk assessments to mitigate potential damages and safeguard lives. The earthquake risk assessment in BIH requires substantial improvement to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens. The current limitations pose significant challenges to effective preparedness. The government needs to demonstrate leadership and allocate sufficient resources to earthquake risk assessment and management. Financial investment, policy integration, and long-term commitment are imperative for the sustainability and effectiveness of the framework. By implementing these recommendations, BIH can significantly improve its earthquake risk assessment capabilities, minimize the potential impact of earthquakes, and protect lives, infrastructure, and the economy.

South East Europe (SEE) is the most natural disaster-prone sub-region of Europe. The latest earthquakes in Türkiye reveal that major disasters cause multidimensional damage threatening the sustainability of life. Human security as a comprehensive concept that involves all the aspects of human life, which are of critical importance for its sustainability, needs to be introduced as a higher policy objective in all multisectoral and multiannual strategies. All other policies including disaster management and risk reduction might well be incorporated and coordinated with other policies affecting human security. The Official Development Assistance`s responsiveness to human security aspects needs to be enhanced. Strategic interventions could be at the regional level in the SEE and South East Europe (SEE) 2030 Strategy is the best-placed framework to address those challenges.

Energy efficient design is both a design philosophy and a practical technique that has been based on detail energy audit and relevant methodology. Based on the implemented subprojects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, over the last years, increasing effort has been put into the development of energy efficient audit and design. This paper aims to show how accurately have the energy audits predicted the actually realized investment in energy efficiency measures implemented in public buildings. The analysis is performed for different building size, type and location. The need for urgent revision of the current methodology of developing the energy audits has been identified in order to increase the quality of information disclosed.

With the potential to reduce the average energy use by about 60%, public buildings have been identified as the sector with the largest potential for cost-effective energy saving in BIH, by applying interventions on buildings to increase their energy efficiency and thus enhance energy performance. Considering the critical amount of power consumption in public buildings, increasing energy efficiency can present an opportunity to tackle the climate change and air pollution problems, while having a positive impact on the overall energy stability and sustainable growth of BIH. In addition to this, in order to achieve membership to the European Union, BIH must ensure complete compliance with EU standards and regulations and has to eventually achieve the EU energy and climate goals. This paper provides a brief overview of energy efficiency in BIH with an emphasis on EU targets and visions related to EE. Furthermore, it describes the related EE legal framework, the public buildings sector and major initiatives and EE projects in BIH. Finally, the paper shortly presents the technical implementation process for public buildings EE projects and provides an estimation of potential energy savings and benefits.

Heavy metal pollution is a very common problem in the modern society. When concentrated in the soil, heavy metals can easily intoxicate food and water. Therefore, there is a certain risk of a chronic heavy metal exposure, even in the areas with no industrial facilities or pollution. There are many soil remediation solutions in the scientific literature, including herb-mediated ones. This research is focused on the possibility of St John’s wort to become a tool in the remediation of the soil from heavy metal pollution. It is a very widespread plant, which has no specific soil requirements and grows in various areas around the world. In this research, soil where the St John’s wort grows has been intentionally polluted with arsenic (As) cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), in order to gain insight into the St John’s wort’s heavy metal absorption capacity. As, Cd and Pb concentration in soil and St John’s wort samples were analyzed by ICP-OES. The final results showed that the St John’s wort had the significant absorption level of Cd and Pb.

The Linear City topic is one that periodically appears in the world of architecture and urban planning through a variety of visionary plans, yet rarely comes to successful fruition in the built reality. Most recently the discourse on linear cities has been stirred up again relating to the controversial Neom project in Saudi Arabia. While abundant concepts and models of linear cities exist in literature, seemingly unrelated to one another, no real consensus has been established on a normative definition and the term is ambiguously used. Furthermore, some urban forms evolve naturally in a linear fashion without significant planning strategy raising the question of the concept’s validity. With previous notions in mind the crucial enigma resolved with this paper is what defines the concept, design and success of a Linear City? And why do linear city ideas reappear if they rarely get realized? This research elucidates the reasons behind the concept’s misinterpretation and provides a much-needed categorization of the general models, bringing to focus whether Neom is actually a liner city. Subsequently, it is explained how the planned concepts relate to organically evolved linear urban forms or current trends in sustainable urban development. The paper draws on desk-based research, and a comprehensive discourse analysis within the theoretical frameworks of urban morphology and critical theory. It builds upon the author’s prior research groundwork, provides theoretical review of existing primary sources and available body of knowledge encompassing a wide range of linear city models, ideas, concepts, and existing linear urban environments. The paper contributes to theory building by providing reasonable inferences and clarification on a contested topic.

As the COVID-19 disease began to spread in cities throughout the world in 2020, local authorities were faced with a host of policy challenges to contain transmission of the little-understood SARS-CoV-2 virus. One important element of policy action in urban settings is the regulation of mobility. When the COVID-19 crisis emerged, cities had to re-think their mobility strategies and develop policies that accommodated movement of people while also limiting viral spread. This chapter looks at the experience of Milan and their effort to implement a slow streets scheme in the city by situating the analysis in a theoretical framework that integrates the built environment, the natural environment, and the social system.

Rapid urban growth leads to a shortage of vacant land for development and results in its fragmentation into plots of commercial value (Gzell, Urbanistyka XXI wieku. PWN, Warszawa, 2020 [1]). Consequently, areas for creating and enlarging public spaces in cities shrink. Such conditions do not favour the challenges and aims of a resilient city/neighbourhood, such as social pluralism and universal participation in culture. One way to solve this problem is a comprehensive reorganization of inefficient industrial zones. Involving local communities in shaping and improving the quality of a living space can be gratifying for the community, and takes an intersectional approach which values the lived experience and a diversity of perspectives. Culture is increasingly recognized as a driving force for urban development. Many former industrial buildings are considered as significant historical monuments that impose certain restrictions for private developers and public authorities (Bandarin and van Oers, The historic Urban landscape. Managing heritage in an Urban century. Wiley Blackwell, Chichester, 2012 [2]). However, preservation of heritage values produces various environmental and socio-economic benefits as strength of place identity, boosting tourism and attracting the creative sector (Graham et al., A geography of heritage: power, culture. Routledge, 2016 [3]). This paper aims to explore the role of industrial heritage in urban regeneration and placemaking processes in the complex and challenging environment of a city with a rich ancient and post-industrial cultural landscape, Eleusina [4], Greece.

Climate change, pollution, profit driven construction, weakened quality of life and poor health of citizens, are cause-and-effect related problems that one can find all over the world. Developed, socially conscious societies entered the twenty-first century determined to dedicate themselves to the path of healing of their cities, so they put the fight against calamities of the modern times. Introduction of green jobs, clean energy, less waste and “novities”, such is the 15-minute city, are often narrative of choice for different and resilient approach. In parallel, quality of life in transitional societies and underdeveloped countries, is severely under pressure, since the profit-driven paradigm is a priority. This is visible in the lower socio-economic status countries of Europe too, such is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo entered the twenty-first century as an impoverished city destroyed by war. The necessary renovation, once based on the principles of equality and proximity of urban content, had been replaced by accelerated construction and homogenic zoning, with little or no attention towards healthy and functional city. Through the examination the possibilities and limitations of the principles of 15-minute and healthy city in specific circumstances and their comparison with today’s approach, this paper aims for understanding of the specific needs of the planning approach in Sarajevo case, as in times of prosper, but also in times of crises. Methodological approach comprises out of several compatible methods, starting with historical overview and descriptive analysis, followed by comparative method of the findings, all combined in a case study for the city.

The present methodological approach to developing a database in the field of architectural heritage is based on the establishment of measurable parameters that would ensure the most objective recognition of cultural and historical values. Considering the international guidelines for defining industrial heritage and the limited representation of this category of architectural heritage on the list of protected cultural assets at all administrative levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the parameters for identifying industrial heritage were defined. In this regard, this paper examines the characteristics of industrial heritage in the context of Bosnia and Herzegovina by implementing historical and comparative analysis derived from systematic research of industrial heritage in Sarajevo and Tuzla. Two different methodological approaches to documenting individual industrial buildings and complexes, as well as mutually related industrial ensembles, are combined and presented in this article. The standardized form of record sheets intends to separate the parameters that are typical of Bosnia and Herzegovina's industrial heritage so that the method can be implemented in all regions of the country, as well as to provide directions for further valorization and legal protection.

The study presents the current situation of urban cultural heritage of the City of Sarajevo. The cultural and historical heritage of the urban core of Sarajevo is a fundamental element of the attractiveness of the city and the reason for the visit of numerous tourists from all over the world. The main goal of this research is to present the identified problems and omissions in the processes of cultural heritage restoration and protection. Thus, the main research question was: Has the cultural and historical heritage been sufficiently restored and protected? In order to get an answer to the research question, the in-depth interview method was used, and the interviewees were representatives of institutions responsible for issues, regulation and implementation of the process of protection and restoration of cultural and historical heritage. In order to complete the research, an analysis of the institutional and legal framework for the issues of cultural and historical heritage was carried out. The collected data as well as the analysis of the answers made it possible to identify the problems that lead to the negligence of the cultural heritage of the urban core of the city. In accordance with the identified problems, the necessary recommendations were proposed.

Heritage conservation ideologies have been under constant change; from ‘antiquity to modernity’, from material based to value-based, and finally turning its course towards sustainability-oriented approaches since the turn of the millennium. Through Convention for the Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) followed by the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) and finally, the ‘historic urban landscapes’ (HUL) approach adopted worldwide in 2011, the paradigm shift can be seen. These discourses, on one hand, enabled the inclusion of long-left communal value not only in the heritage conservation domain but also in the urban development domain, thus paving the way for the notion of “heritage as a tool for sustainable development”. In reference to the above, this research adopts an evidence-based methodology in examining the case of ‘Conservation of Epiphany Church’ in Gurugram, India in the year 2021. The church which was once the symbol of association for its parish was in the early stage of decay until November 2020. The church has now been conserved through the efforts of the Epiphany Church Committee, community, and other concerned stakeholders under the supervision of Delhi based conservation team ‘adapt’. The second author has been instrumental in leading the initiative as project manager whereas the first author was the faculty mentor from the Jindal School of Art and Architecture who led the group of students to critically analyze the ongoing conservation works and formulate a conceptual revitalization program for the church complex. The conclusions drawn from this research are recorded, considering the detailed step-by-step process undertaken for conservation, the negotiations involved, and if these methods can work as a model for revitalization of the local heritage in peri-urban areas of Northern India.

18 years after being declared a national monument, the Late-antique Basilica at Crkvina, Breza is in an unenviable state, in terms of the condition of the walls, but also in terms of interpretation and visits to the monument. This research paper will provide insight into the current state of the stone remains of the Basilica and all its parts on the site. The existing condition of the stone material at the site is documented, as well as the existing degree of deterioration concerning the last documented condition. Following the qualitative comparative methodology, after the determination of the current condition and the degree of stone decay on the archeological remains, a comparative analysis of the Basilica at Crkvina in Breza with other referent examples is given. Other historically significant buildings for this analysis are selected based on their spatial characteristics and the degree of preservation of archeological excavations that are very reminiscent of the Basilica in Breza. In addition, answers to research questions about importance of the site in this area and comparison with other facilities in the region and beyond resulted in a proposal for future conservation work on the same. So, it is expected that this paper will contribute to the archeological site in Breza coming out of the shadows, long forgotten by scientific circles dealing with architecture, archeology, and conservation.

The most significant part of the housing stock that Bosnia and Herzegovina has today is residential buildings from the socialist period. The buildings have been in service for 50–70 years, but they are not recognized as architectural heritage of value. Over that period, many aspects of life have changed, and the rising question is how relevant and accommodating those buildings are now. It is important to reflect on the inherited values but also the limitations of the socialist apartment buildings. There are lessons to be learned especially in the design phase when economic, environmental, and political aspects affect architectural solutions. The quality of architectural design can be perceived through its’ ability to endure changes over time and adapt to new requirements and in that sense, grounds itself in the sustainability paradigm. Research performed on 4 residential high-rise buildings built in 1964 in Sarajevo demonstrated that the functionalist layout of apartments has been maintained and has directly contributed to the persistence of socialist apartment buildings to date. As well as that there is an urgent need to establish design guidelines for adapting apartment buildings to the contemporary needs of tenants and, in due process, to preserve the values of socialist apartment buildings.

Taking care of our health has become a priority nowadays. Atrium spaces can be considered as a valuable asset in architecture design because of their dual role. They can contribute to the enhancement of the physical conditions within the building, but they also serve as places of socialization. The focus of this paper is on atrium spaces in educational facilities and on their impact on the physical and psychological health of children. The paper gives a brief overview of atrium development through history and its use in different building typologies focusing on the educational buildings. The second part of this research introduces three schools with atrium spaces in Sarajevo, dating from the socialist period. The current use of those atrium spaces and their potential are discussed. Finally, this paper presents a case study from Sarajevo, a school project with two open atria designed in the way to serve as a multifunctional space with the aim to promote healthy school environment and new, informal ways of learning. The design solution of the introduced school project in Sarajevo follows the strategy of health promoting school (HPS).

In this paper, we have analyzed newly constructed apartments in multi-storey residential buildings in Sarajevo through the aspects that influence the adaptability and flexibility of living spaces. Conducted analyses have shown that analyzed apartments present entirely rigid, inflexible units and emphasize the crucial parameters essential for housing flexibility. Nevertheless, those apartments have excellent sales due to the perfectly polished conceptual 3D visualizations of the interior spaces. This paper investigates how household members arrange life in those apartments and how real life and interior design differ from the projected 3D visualizations. Through a case study that follows changes in adaptability in one newly constructed rigid apartment in Sarajevo for five years, we have concluded that household members often become interior designers for their apartments due to the difficult economic situation in the country and low incomes. Therefore, the final results of spatial adaptability depend only on their education, desire for change, and capability to adjust the space to their needs with a limited budget. This paper demonstrates that it is possible to adapt space to living needs with minimal interventions. Simple methods such as remodeling and reusing existing furniture using various self-adhesive foils and other cheap methods will improve the adaptability of the space with minimum investment. Therefore, free education about these methods for citizens is needed. However, additional instruction for the investors is urgently required because the previously mentioned and analyzed problems will be solved when they recognize housing flexibility as one of the basic requirements for newly constructed apartments.

This research examines the governance challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country facing significant political uncertainties. It adopts a Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL) approach, considering sustainability’s economic, social, environmental, and governance aspects. The study analyzes various reports, frameworks, and literature to identify common themes and critical elements of adaptive sustainability governance at the national level. The findings highlight the importance of adaptive governance and multi-level collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. They emphasize the need for inclusive decision-making, transparency, and accountability in governance processes, along with promoting social inclusion, gender equality, and environmental conservation. Investment in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy is crucial for economic growth and development. The report proposes a typology for sustainable development in unstable countries under uncertainty and risks, encompassing environmental regulation, adaptive governance, social inclusion, and sustainable economic growth. This typology is a valuable framework for assessing sustainability patterns and guiding policymakers and stakeholders in unstable contexts. While the paper focuses on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the research findings have broader implications for other countries facing similar political challenges. The study highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, institutional arrangements, and resilience planning in achieving sustainable development goals. Integrating economic, social, governance, and environmental considerations in decision-making is crucial for promoting sustainability in diverse contexts. Overall, this research contributes to understanding sustainable development in politically uncertain environments and promotes the application of adaptive governance and the QBL approach in literature and research. The findings underscore the need for increased research, innovation, technology investment, and public participation to enhance sustainability efforts and address marginalized groups’ specific challenges. The research concludes by emphasizing the importance of comprehensive and socially equitable approaches to sustainable development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This paper analyzes the academic literature on sustainable cities and communities (related to Sustainable Development Goal 11) produced in the South East European (SEE) region in the 2017–2022 period. From the theoretical viewpoint, the SDG-11-related body of literature covers sustainable urban housing, transport, as well as urban planning and management. We identify the most productive and influential regional authors, institutions, and countries, by using the bibliometric approach, based on the Elsevier Scopus data and the Elsevier SciVal research intelligence software. In addition, we map, identify, and visualize clusters of regional literature on sustainable cities and communities.

In the last decade, the field of neuromarketing has undergone notable advancements owing to technological innovations, globalization, and related factors, which have resulted in its greater acceptance in both academic and business communities. Although the findings of neuromarketing have been demonstrated to have a considerable impact on marketing, the ethical implications of this field continue to be a perennial topic of debate. This study is based on desk research, which include available documents, ongoing neuromarketing projects, and previous research findings. Thus, the main goal of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the ethics in neuromarketing research and provide an answer to an everlasting question of the ethical dilemma regarding the implementation of findings within the spectrum of neuromarketing methods and how the findings are being acquired and used, through the lenses of the Sustainable Development Goals, and taking into account the available information and insights from prior studies.

In December 2019, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, which greatly affected the global economy, since it created a crisis that had not been seen before, affecting not only peoples’ lives, but also the survival of organizations. National economies and businesses around the world have had to suspend or reduce their operations, reduce the number of employees, reschedule financial obligations, intermitcompletely or slow down the movement of goods and people. However, the crisis caused by COVID-19 can also be assumed as an opportunity for companies to see how resilient and well prepared they are for managing risks and adapting to new circumstances. In times of crisis, the public is much more sensitized to the behavior of companies towards society, which was especially evident when many employers unscrupulously laid off workers, closed plants, increased the prices of products or services, asked for state aid, while at the same time paying large managerial bonuses or dividends to shareholders, which the public strongly condemned. Therefore, in this paper we present the results of research related to the investigation of organizational resilience observed through corporate social responsibility in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this research is to determine the level of social responsibility of companies towards employees in a period of crisis, i.e. during the duration of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and to show what is important for achieving greater resilience of companies in periods of crisis. The research was designed as a survey research that included 241 respondents. The research results indicate that Bosnian companies demonstrated a high level of social responsibility towards their employees, understanding the importance of preserving their health and life, as well as the resilience and sustainability of their organization.