THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE IN PRESERVING THE IDENTITY OF A CITY: CASE STUDY SMEDEREVO

Abstract

Cultural heritage is recognized as an irreplaceable and non-renewable strategic resource for the sustainable development of the city. It could serve as important trigger for strengthening identity and competitiveness of the city at the regional and global level. Industrial heritage is seen as a cultural landscape that stems from the interaction of social groups and the space they belong and in relation to which they build collective identity and cultural meanings, through a layered and complex relationship. Social values of industrial heritage are an important part of citizens' identity, because they represent a part of the memory of people's lives, about industrial progress and pride of the local citizens. The case study is conducted in Smederevo, at the area of industrial heritage along the Danube river bank. Identification of the value and significance of the Indistrial heritage will be investigated by a survey of citizens. The survey is based on the five Lynch`s elements of the image of the city, as well as the identification of the emotional connection of citizens with the city, the understanding of its symbols and meanings.