Untangling ambiguities: the definition and typology of ‘spatial leftovers’ in Skopje’s urban fabric
Untangling ambiguities: the definition and typology of ‘spatial leftovers’ in Skopje’s urban fabric

Summary/Abstract: The term "spatial leftovers" as a concept in urban studies has become known to describe areas within cities that are underutilized, residuary, or in other ways marginalized in the urban fabric. The concept despite its increasing use remains ambiguous, with inconsistent definitions and interpretations across disciplines. By critically engaging with the term “spatial leftovers,” this paper addresses the gap examining its theoretical evolution, and refining its definition in the context of urban planning. The paper proposes a more precise understanding of spatial leftovers through this exploration of spaces resulting from historical, political, or socio-economic disruptions in urban planning processes. These leftovers in many cases are defined/ described by their exclusion from the active flow of the city, their lack of clear functional designation, and their potential to reflect broader urban inequalities and planning shortcomings. The study examines the city of Skopje in North Macedonia which displays significant spatial leftovers because of its multifaceted historical path characterized by reconstruction periods, ideological changes, and swift urban growth. This study presents distinct examples of spatial leftovers located in Skopje's central urban area using case studies from multiple urban planning periods. The case studies consist of vacant spaces resulting from post-earthquake reconstruction and underused areas from the Socialist period alongside development voids from Skopje's post-2014 urban planning changes which included controversial architectural changes. The research applies mapping techniques to segment spatial leftovers into distinct categories which illustrate the diverse forces that have shaped urban development. The methodology combines an extensive study of Skopje’s urban history with spatial analysis of leftover urban spaces. This study creates a typology which maps leftover spaces by offering a spatial overview that connects physical traits with historical and socio-political factors behind their current conditions. The study identifies patterns of neglect and fragmentation as well as disconnection between spaces while focusing on how urban planning decisions and policies contribute to these leftover areas. Rather than being services of little practical use, the paper centrally argues that spatial leftovers represent sites of potential urban transformation, offering opportunities for regeneration and different forms of spatial organization. Mapping and analysing these spaces demonstrate how important such areas must be in urban planning initiatives going forward. A further component of this research provides a challenge to the conventional urban narratives that overlook marginalized spaces-they could play a serious role in building a more inclusive and sustainable urban future.

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