Urban Space in the Everyday Practices of Citizens: The Case of Balaklava

Abstract

This article examines the transformation of the urban environment of Balaklava, as part of the Balaklava district of Sevastopol, and its impact on the daily practices of citizens. Authors describe the perception of the reconstruction of Balaklava by local residents. In the course of the author's research (31 semi-structured interviews), it was found that the commercialization of urban spaces is taking place, which completely changes the type of city — from a closed military-industrial to an open tourist one. This is facilitated, among other things, by gentrification, which manifests itself in the gentrification of urban areas, the reconstruction of the city's waterfront and the adaptation of new spaces for tourism purposes. The everyday practices of citizens, which consist of professional duties, leisure and communication practices, are also undergoing changes, as they are influenced by urban space. In the course of the analysis, the informants were divided into three groups: dissatisfied, satisfied and indifferent, each of which has its own characteristics, but at the same time they all adapt to the changes that have occurred.

Keywords

• urban environment
• commercialization
• gentrification
• everyday practices
• professional practices
• leisure and communication practices
• transformation of the city