About the Journal
PROSTOR: A Scholarly Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning primarily publishes original scientific papers in the fields of architecture and urbanism, while also welcoming contributions from related disciplines when thematically aligned with the journal’s scope. Established in 1993, PROSTOR is an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal published biannually in both print (ISSN 1330-0652) and electronic (ISSN 1333-9117) editions.
The journal accepts exclusively previously unpublished manuscripts that are not simultaneously under consideration for publication elsewhere. All submissions undergo a peer-review process in accordance with established academic publishing standards.
PROSTOR publishes papers in English. Exceptionally, upon the author’s request, titles, keywords, and abstracts may also be published in Croatian in order to support the preservation and development of national scientific terminology in the field of architecture and urbanism.
All published papers are freely accessible in downloadable Adobe PDF format. Responsibility for the content of published contributions, including the accuracy of data and the opinions expressed, rests solely with the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board.
In 2025, the journal published a total of 20 papers.
Aims and Scope
PROSTOR serves as a platform for scholarly communication and critical research addressing scientific, technical, and spatial issues at global, regional, and local scales, particularly in relation to European contexts and comparative European case studies. The journal primarily focuses on architecture and urbanism while also fostering interdisciplinary dialogue with related fields such as cultural studies, environmental studies, human geography, and urban studies.
The scope of the journal encompasses a broad range of research topics related to the built environment, including architecture, urban planning, architectural and building engineering, and design theory and practice. PROSTOR also publishes research on the philosophy, art, and science of architectural design, as well as studies in architectural history and art history related to architecture.
Particular attention is given to research concerning sustainable and green buildings, building physics, building materials and technologies, building construction, structural systems, construction management, and building and facility management.
The journal further encourages interdisciplinary studies exploring the relationships between architecture and urban planning and other scientific disciplines, including archaeology, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, geography, geodesy, and forestry. In addition, PROSTOR supports research examining the interactions between the built environment and ecology, climate, natural resources, local communities, public policy, and economic development, with an emphasis on contemporary spatial, environmental, and societal challenges.
PROSTOR publishes several categories of contributions that reflect different forms of scholarly and professional communication within the fields of architecture, urbanism, and related disciplines.
An Original Scientific Paper presents a comprehensive report of original theoretical or practical research. Such papers must contribute previously unpublished findings, represent a completed study or a fully developed phase of research, and provide sufficient methodological and analytical detail to allow verification and replication of the results.
A Preliminary Communication presents early-stage or partial research findings of current scientific relevance. These contributions are intended for the rapid dissemination of new ideas and emerging results and primarily serve to establish authorship and priority of research. Unlike original scientific papers, they do not necessarily contain enough detail to enable full replication of the study.
A Scientific Subject Review provides a critical and integrative overview of a specific research field, topic, or problem based on existing scientific literature. In addition to summarizing prior research, review papers are expected to offer new analyses, syntheses, interpretations, or hypotheses. They should include a comprehensive and relevant bibliography as well as critical evaluation, discussion, and conclusions that contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject.
In addition to peer-reviewed scientific papers, the journal also publishes shorter professional and informational contributions that are not subject to peer review or formal scientific categorization.
A Book Review presents a critical evaluation of Croatian or international publications issued within the previous two years. These contributions must be approved in advance by the Book Review Editor.
A Conference Review provides an overview and assessment of Croatian or international scientific and professional conferences held within the previous two years. These submissions require prior approval from the Editor-in-Chief.
A Review of Doctoral Dissertation includes summaries of doctoral dissertations defended during the current year, together with information on the dissertation title, mentor, and examination committee. These contributions must receive prior approval from the Book Review Editor.
Through these different categories of contributions, PROSTOR supports both rigorous scientific research and broader scholarly communication within the fields of architecture, urbanism, and the built environment.
Open Access
PROSTOR is a fully open-access journal. All published papers are freely and permanently available online immediately upon publication, thereby increasing their visibility, readership, and scholarly impact. Users are permitted to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, link to, and adapt the published content for any lawful purpose, provided appropriate attribution is given in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
Editorial Standards
PROSTOR follows internationally recognized editorial and publishing standards, including the recommendations of the World Association of Medical Editors outlined in the Syllabus for Prospective and Newly Appointed Editors. Manuscripts that successfully pass the initial editorial assessment are evaluated through a double-blind peer-review process conducted by at least two independent experts, ensuring the anonymity of both authors and reviewers throughout the review procedure.
Review and Revision Timeframes
Reviewers are expected to accept or decline review invitations within seven days of receiving the request. First-round reviews should generally be completed within three to four weeks, while subsequent review rounds are expected within two to three weeks. In cases requiring additional time, reviewers are asked to notify the Section Editors in advance. Authors are expected to adhere to comparable deadlines when submitting revised manuscripts.
Copyright
Authors retain unrestricted copyright and full publishing rights to their papers. By submitting a manuscript to PROSTOR, authors grant the journal the right to publish the work, identify itself as the original publisher, and distribute printed editions to libraries and individual subscribers. Third parties may freely use, share, and reproduce published content, provided that the original authorship and full citation details are properly acknowledged.
Peer Review and Publication Ethics
All submitted manuscripts undergo double-blind peer review by at least two independent reviewers. Reviewers assess the scientific quality, originality, relevance, and methodological rigor of the submission and recommend whether the paper should be accepted, revised, or rejected. Reviewers who consider themselves insufficiently qualified or unable to complete the review within the requested timeframe are expected to inform the editors promptly. They are also encouraged to report any suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, ethical misconduct, or significant overlap with previously published work.
Correction of Published Data
Authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the data presented in their papers. Prior to publication, galley proofs are sent to the corresponding author, who is expected to return corrections within 48 hours. If substantial errors are identified after publication, the journal will publish an Erratum in the next available issue and in the online edition.
Retraction Policy
Authors may request the retraction of a published paper if significant errors, inaccuracies, or methodological flaws are identified after publication. Retracted papers remain accessible online in the interest of scholarly transparency but are clearly marked as “Retracted by Authors.” In cases involving plagiarism, duplicate publication, data fabrication, or other forms of unethical conduct, the Editor may retract the paper in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Retraction Guidelines. Such papers are marked as “Retracted by Editor.”
Self-Archiving Policy
Authors are permitted to deposit published papers in institutional and subject repositories, provided that the archived version includes a link to the journal’s official website and the HRČAK portal.
Journal Information
PROSTOR: A Scholarly Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning is indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, including the Arts & Humanities Citation Index. The journal publishes original scientific papers, preliminary communications, scientific subject reviews, and professional review contributions, including reviews of books, conferences, and doctoral dissertations. PROSTOR is published twice yearly in both print (ISSN 1330-0652) and electronic (ISSN 1333-9117) formats.
