The Central Places of Slovenia: Problems of Their Network and Their Service Areas

Abstract

The study is based upon two research tasks, carried out by the author
and his associates, at the Urbanistični Institut (City Planning Institute) of
Slovenia in 1963—66. The first was concerned with the central and other
functions of settlements; the second dealt more specifically with spheres
influences1
(or service areas). The preliminary findings were later expanded
with new research conducted by the author. Several city monographs and
general regional studies done previously also provided supplementary information. The systematic and comparative study of the central plače system,
however, had to start from scratch. In some ways, Ilešič's study on socio-
-economic regionalization,2
, touching i,ndirectly upon the problem of central
plače hierarhy, may be considered as a predecessor to our research. In the
introductary chapter references to Christaller's basic work and to other research elaborating on this theme are made. The results of the research of
two empirical studies, carried out under the leadership of the author at the
Urbanistični inštitut SRS (The town and Country Planning Institute of
Slovenia) are examined in this paper in view of the general theory on central
places developed by Christaller and other students in this field, notably H.
Bobek in the neighbouring Austria. Also, the research was stimulated by
recent paper of S. Ilešič on the socio-economic regionalization of Slovenia, 10
whom the author is also indebted for many suggetions, during the final stages
in preparation of this paper.
The research analysis commenced with simple objectives in mind: the
identification of service areas of more important towns and other settlements; identification of their service ranks, and as general analysis of the
regional structure through a »regional survey«. The scope of research gradually expanded into a more formal evaluation in the light of the central
plače theory. The two original studies mainly provided basic data. The study
is puresented in six major chapters. The first (pages 11 to 22) is a preliminary analysis of urban places and the urban hierarchy in relation to administrative units at different levels in view of Christallers' original model.
The second part (p. 22 to 53) represent the core of the study and deals
with urban (and semi-urban) central places and their service areas, as they
were ascertained by empirical research. This chapter begins with an examination of identification criteria and procceeds to an interpretation and evaluation of the system of central places as it emerged out of the application
of selected criteria. An overview of the system is included in the conclusion
of this part of the study. The third section (pages 53 to 72) deals with locational factors and determinants affecting the system of central places in Slovenia. Reference is made to Christallers' »principles« playing a role in
developing the specific hierarchy of centers, and the dynamic aspects of the
system are discused. Finally, trends in evolution are noted and possible
changes in the system are tentatively suggested. The fourth section (pages
73 to 91) deals with central places in particular parts of Slovenia, as indicated by specific service areas and spheres of influence of the dominant centers in the higher echelons in the hierarchy. Some practical problems of
regional planning are also discused in this context. The fifth section (pages
91 to 104) deal summarily with rural central places at the »bottom« of the system. Special conditions affecting their appearance and problems of identification are examined as well as trends and prospects in future development
are discussed in broad terms. The last, sixth, chapter (pages 104 to 109) considers the phenomenon of central places in the context of regional planning and research. On the basic of experience gained, during this pilot study of
the system in Slovenia and in light of recent research conducted elsewhere,
some problems for further investigation are briefly/discussed.