Urbani izziv Volume 17, No. 1–2, December 2006
: 93–105
(Reflections)
doi: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2006-17-01-02-012
Author
Franc TRČEK
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
franc.trcek@fdv.uni-lj.si
Title
A discoursive analysis of present professional viewpoints on urban issues in Ljubljana
Abstract
The article utilises discoursive analysis in an attempt at positioning present expert viewpoints on urban development issues in Ljubljana in a wider conceptual framework of present, if not prevailing, independent urbanistic professions. We can establish that domestic experts generally stem from the systematic discourse, which uses expressions, such as system, structure, level, entity, policy, role, plan etc., simulates a comprehensive approach. This proves to be overtly abstract and intertwined with the political discourse, whose main development orientations emphasise the European and Ecological contexts. The transition from the abstract-systemic level to treatment of real issues is almost impossible, thus experts retreat to the narrowly defined terminological frameworks of their own professions. Analyses of case studies are tackled descriptively and the offered solutions never provide a broader aspect of links and consequences. Such professional self-sufficiency is obviously still incapable of openness to other professions nor conditioned to have a critical professional distance from urban politics.
Key Words
discoursive analysis, expert viewpoints, urbanism, Ljubljana, spatial development