The name is absent

First draft

Not to be quoted!

Central places versus networks: the future of collective farms
built community infrastructure in Estonia

Dr Garri Raagmaa*, Kadri КгооП#, Tarmo Pikner§, Tavo Kikas^a

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss a possible shift from a central-place theory to a network
paradigm in local and regional planning practices. This discussion paper was written mainly to
describe issues and to set up a more sophisticated research programme. Since this text is based
mainly on written sources, observations and a case study, the use of statistical data is limited.

According to the first hypothesis, planning and development of community infrastructure
(CI) (schools, sports halls, etc.) has remained rather mechanical or central place theory oriented in
Estonia. Drastic changes in administrative structure and community financial system of past
decade have resulted in the construction of new CI facilities in larger centres without considering
existing CI in smaller centres. On the other hand, because of overcapacity and high running costs,
CI built by the collective farms in small rural centres during previous decades often remain unused.
In many cases, the lack of collaboration between communities and lack of state control, have
caused waste of public resources on the regional scale.

Second hypothesis, therefore, argues, that the application of the network paradigm and
increased cooperation between local communities may considerably save public resources, create
new local jobs, and reduce negative consequences of ongoing ce ntre-periphery differentiation
processes.

This paper consists of three chapters. First one describes the heritage of Walter
Christaller, his Central Place Theory, and the turn in Western planning theory: shift from a
normative top down planning to a horizontal and more balanced networking practices. Second
chapter attempts to analyse critically Soviet and post-Soviet planning theory and practices with a
particular stress on community infrastructure planning and development. Finally we present a case
study of planning procedure from the Suure-Jaani locality - highlighting issues of post-socialist
planning on the community level.

University of Tartu Parnu College, Ringi 35, 80012 Pamu @stonia

Tel. +372 44 50520, Fax +372 44 50530, GSM +372 56 495 438; E-mail: [email protected]; http://www.pc.ut.ee
^# University of Tartu, Institute of Geography, Vanemuise 46, 51014 Tartu, Estonia

Tel. +372 737 5817, Fax +372 7 375 825, E-mail: [email protected]; http://www .geo.ut.ee

^§ Ministry of Interior, Department of Regional Development, Pikk 61, 15065 Tallinn, Estonia

Tel. +372 612 5103, E-mail: [email protected]; http://www.sisemin.gov.ee/

^α Rapla County Government, Tallinna 14, 79513 Rapla, Estonia

Tel. +372 48 55 951, Fax +372 48 55 672, E-mail: [email protected]; http://www.raplamv.ee/

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