Analele Universității din Craiova. Seria Geografie (Jan 2007)
SUBURBANIZATION IN SMALL TOWNS – CASE STUDY OF MODŘICE U BRNO
Abstract
The paper analyses how the suburbanization process impacts on small towns in vicinity of a big town. Modřice near Brno was chosen as a case study. The course of residential, commercial and industrial suburbanization is observed. A special commuting flows between Brno and Modřice were stated. It was concluded that suburbanization directed to small towns or large villages in the surroundings of a big city are more efficient from a set of reasons in comparison with suburbanisation into small villages or even urban sprawl. An efficient public transport network can be established, the suburbanized seats have their own basic infrastructure not depending on a big city, areas in between suburbanised settlements are free for suburban leisure activities. Following problems can occur:coexistence of original and new settlers, possible loosing of local identity among others.