Skopje,Yugoslavia: Seismic Concerns and Land use Issues during the First Twenty Years of Reconstruction following a Devastating Earthquake

Abstract

This paper identifies some of the early decisions made after the devastating 1963 earthquake in Skopje, Yugoslavia and illustrates how those decisions shaped the city's reconstruction. The formation of a guiding committee, and a massive influx of outside aid contributed to a careful, thoughtful process for reconstruction. Also, postponement of city center redevelopment for two years and the early incorporation of seismic concerns meant that reconstruction would not just be rebuilding in the old pattern. The current development and construction process continues to take seismic concerns into account, particularly through an early required review of building location and size. Two significant problems have emerged from the long-term reconstruction—the explosive growth and boomtown atmosphere accompanying the post-earthquake rebuilding, and the dwindling resources available for rebuilding projects as more years pass from the earthquake.