Sustainable development, as a concept of controlled development, is a management characteristic. Adaptation to progress is important to achieve sustainability. The research focus here is on developing an evaluation methodology for determining the characteristics of urban open space. A method was designed for use in the comparative analysis of environmental perception evaluation between different time sequences. It allows us to compare results before and after spatial interventions or spatial development tracking over time. The newly-developed SEC model (suitable for everyone, environmentally-accepted, and cost-effective) was an essential element used in the research methodology. The model was designed using the systematic principle, the top-down approach, and the decomposition method. Three basic dimensions were divided into six factors. Factors were divided into eighteen indicators that are either quantitatively or qualitatively assessed. Indicators were divided into several aspects. An instrument (questionnaire) was developed to support the evaluation methodology of urban open space characteristics. Every aspect belongs to a question in the questionnaire. The applicability of the SEC model was demonstrated in two case studies. Evaluation took place during two different time sequences, once during the day-time and once during the night. Obtained results provide useful information of the current spatial situation needed for sustainable development strategy preparation.

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for shaping the tourist spatial identity of the city and to take advantage of it to discover alternative urban outdoor spaces. As the number of indoor visitors has been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, open urban areas such as streets, squares and parks have become more important tourist locations. Design/methodology/approach The assessment methodology consists of two basic steps. In the first step, the authors look for places or points that are carriers of spatial identity. For this purpose, the method of mental mapping is used. In the second step, statistical methods are used to evaluate the spatial suitability for the most common tourist activities. To obtain a holistic picture, a temporal component is included. Findings The application of the methodology is presented in the form of a case study. The obtained research results provide an insight into the spatial situation of the city of Maribor (Slovenia, Europe). Tourist spatial identity of a city depends on time. Based on the value of spatial sensitivity indicator and the suitability of activities, it is possible to adapt the tourist offer to the temporal component. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original perspective on the spatial identity of tourists. The presented approach could be integrated as a good practice in any other city worldwide. It supports the identification of suitable outdoor tourist places that are memorable, cosy, multifunctional and can be recommended by city guides (mobile or printed books). Every city has many hidden gems that tourists have yet to discover.

Rad istražuje holistički pristup konceptu grada koji nadilazi materijalnu stvarnost i predstavlja mentalni konstrukt kao rezultat subjektivne percepcije. Percepcija okoliša različita je danju i noću. Provedeno je empirijsko istraživanje utemeljeno na analitičkoj metodi mentalnog mapiranja. Točke koje se najčešće percipiraju predstavljaju uporišne točke prostornog identiteta grada. Njihova važnost povećava se s učestalošću pojavljivanja.

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