Institut za arhitekturu i urbanizam Srbije
Residential Architecture of Belgrade, Techniques, Ideas, Achievements / Ljiljana Đukanović
Copyright (c) 2025 Arhitektura i urbanizam
Self-Sustainable Vacation House on Kosmaj
The completed building is positioned near the very edge of the Kosmaj Region of Exceptional Features in the proximity of Belgrade, surrounded by a natural landscape characterized by forest areas, gentle slopes, and autochthonous vegetation, which highlights the need for a harmonious integration of the architectural design in order to minimize disruption of the environmental context. The site includes facilities intended for occasional stays, rest, and recreation for a family of five, with the main residential building being the subject of this paper. The traditional architecture of Šumadija served as inspiration for the contemporary interpretation of the timber-frame (bondruk) construction that was incorporated in the design of this two-story vacation house. The paper is an analytical presentation of the building, providing detailed explanations of the design motifs, conceptual starting points, and criteria that shaped the architectural form and programmatic structure. The primary focus is on examining the structural solutions applied, as well as the materialization, and integrated technological systems, with a consideration of how these elements contribute to functionality, aesthetic expression, and sustainability. The aim of the paper is to offer insight into the design and construction of the house, highlighting the interrelation between the conceptual and technical decisions that define the final character of the architecture. The fundamental premise of the design approach was shaped by the investor’s requirement for complete independence from the municipal supply systems, while maximizing sustainability, and maintaining a high level of comfort. In this sense, the building is self-sufficient primarily in terms of energy autonomy and the use of solar energy to meet its energy needs, as well as having its own water supply and wastewater management. However, reducing the concept to such an interpretation would significantly underestimate its scope. Therefore, the paper examines the notions of ecological and cultural sustainability, as well as their interpretations within architectural discourse, in order to establish a more precise interpretation.
The building is located in a part of the city that has been characterized by a process of intensive urbanization over the past decade, where a semi-urban environment with traditional family housing is evolving into a modern multi-family and combined residential and business environment. The building consists of three parts, which together form a unique functional and design entity with a recognizable architectural identity. The integration of new construction into the established structure of the suburban settlement was considered on several architectural levels. The architectural and urban design solution stems from the irregular shape of the plot and its position at the intersection. By adopting the concept of the so-called "interrupted row", the building is integrated into the existing urban matrix, with the different architectural morphology of the neighboring streets. This approach enabled the discontinuity of the frontage towards the street with single-family homes and the formation of a continuous frontage towards the street with multi-family and commercial buildings. The residential floor is designed as a corridor structure. All apartments are clearly zoned, with dining and living rooms united into a single space, and spacious open areas. The apartments on the top floor also have access to large private roof terraces with swimming pools, summer kitchens and green areas, thus functionally connecting to the surrounding amenities. The basic volume of the building is made up of a monolithic white mass with emphasized dark lines and randomly arranged balconies, which gives the entire composition a dose of dynamism. The dissected crown of the building reinterprets the rhythm of full and empty, taken from a row of family houses on the opposite side of the street. The building responds in an original way to some typical spatial, organizational and aesthetic challenges of contemporary housing construction and represents another of the author's striking multi-family housing buildings in the city.
University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Architecture 1949- 2024: 75 Years of Educating Architects in Bosnia and Herzegovina / Nermina Zagora (editor)
Power and Urban Planning: Genesis and Critical Analysis of Theoretical Approaches
Urban planning has traditionally been dominated by rationalist and technocratic paradigms, within which the question of political power has often been treated as peripheral. With the rise of critical social theories in the second half of the twentieth century, planning increasingly came to be understood as a politically embedded process, where relations of power play a central role in shaping space and public policy. However, under the contemporary neoliberal paradigm, the planning arena once again tends to be “depoliticized.” This paper critically examines how the concept of power has been articulated and transformed across three key theoretical frameworks: the rationalist–technocratic model, the communicative approach (grounded in Habermas’s conception of the public sphere), and the Foucauldian discourse perspective. The analysis engages with influential authors and concepts, including Harvey, Lefebvre, Healey, Forester, and Flyvbjerg, and seeks to identify paradigmatic shifts and the implications that differing understandings of power have produced in planning theory and practice. The paper highlights the need for an analytical framework capable of bridging the gap between normative theorizing and the empirical configurations of power that shape contemporary urban governance.
GIS-bibliography as a new user experience in presenting architectural journals
This paper highlights the possibilities of presenting and promoting journals in the field of architecture, urbanism and spatial planning, using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The idea is to visualize metadata from the journal’s bibliography, compiled within the Cooperative Online Bibliographic System and Services COBISS.SR, in a unique way using GIS tools and applying methods and procedures available in the GIS environment. GIS techniques are employed here to link specific data about journal articles (project locations, authorship, and illustrations) with spatial attributes, thereby enabling the georeferencing of articles and architectural projects. The resulting visual representations are primarily intended for a targeted readership: architects, urban planners, spatial planners, but also all other readers. Beyond serving interested users, this mode of presenting articles from serial publications is also valuable for librarians, as it offers a new conceptual model for organizing information about this type of library material.
Reconstruction of the chronology, authorial position, and design themes of architect Rastko Radulović in French design studios (1959–1964; 1972–1975)
Serbian-French relations have so far been the subject of research by both domestic and international authors. Narrower and more specific thematic areas – such as Serbian-French architectural connections – still lack a comprehensive and systematic overview within architectural history and theory. The significance of researching these relations lies in identifying both the direct and indirect French influences on the Serbian architectural and cultural context, as well as on the development of Serbian architecture and the aesthetic refinement of the authorial expression of Serbian architects. This paper focuses on two professional engagements of architect Rastko Radulović (1933–2005) in France – the first in Gоuyon’s design studio (1959–1964) and the second in Delb’s design studio (1972–1975). The aim of the research is to reconstruct Radulović’s professional engagement in France, based on partially preserved project documentation and hand sketches, and to determine his authorial contribution to contemporary architecture. The research rests on the hypothesis that his relatively brief professional experiences in France had a formative impact on the development of new formal and spatial concepts within Radulović’s oeuvre. The methodology applied encompasses comparative analysis, deductive reasoning, and a critical review of both primary and secondary sources, with the aim of reconstructing, with precision, the chronology, authorial position, and design themes during his professional engagement in French design studios in the 1960s and 1970s. The findings indicate that Radulović, even within a short period, contributed to the opening of new design themes that corresponded with the contemporary tendencies and critiques of the dominant modernist discourse. The contribution of this research lies in its systematic reconstruction of the chronology, authorial position, and design themes of Radulović’s professional engagement in French design studios, while also pointing to further directions of inquiry that may contribute to a deeper contextualized understanding of Serbian-French architectural connections.
The Work of Architect Franja Urban in the area of Pomoravlje and Šumadija
Franja Urban is one of the foreign architects who, after the First World War, decided to immigrate to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, thus achieving a very productive career. Although most of his buildings were completed in Belgrade, Urban managed to work in other cities and towns, thanks to his good relationship with investors. So far, it is known that Urban worked in Loznica, Jagodina, Ćuprija and Aranđelovac. Jagodina is the second city after Belgrade in terms of the number of Urban’s buildings, and the only city where one of them is listed as a historic landmark. Despite partially salvaged project documentation for some of Urban’s buildings in Jagodina, so far, they have not been the subject of a more detailed monographic study, and until recently, the houses he designed in Ćuprija and Aranđelovac were not known to domestic historiography. Therefore, this article presents a continuation of research into the life and work of architect Franja Urban, in order to more completely analyse this underresearched and little-known part of his opus.
The legacy of Serbian architectural exports to countries in Africa: hotel architecture (1960–1999)
In the corpus of Serbian architectural exports to African countries from the 1960s to the end of the 1990s, the completed and conceptual/competitive solutions for hotel architecture, the subject of this article, stand out. After liberation from colonial administrations in the 1950s and 1960s, there was enthusiasm and optimism in the independent African countries for the formation of modern societies, accompanied by the extensive construction of state administration buildings, various social institutions and housing. Design and construction companies from S.F.R. Yugoslavia played a significant role in this, with their construction experience in the decades after World War II and capacity to meet the various needs and requirements of clients. At the same time, new hotels were built, which were important firstly in the context of social change and the establishment of international cooperation, and then for the development of the tourist industry in African countries. From the 1970s, after the construction of facilities with primary state and social functions, the development of tourism also began to intensify, bringing new investments, transport infrastructure and improved service activities to developing African countries. The resorts, hotels, safari hotels and other forms of catering and tourist architecture that emerged in the 1980s as a result of the desire to develop mass tourism in certain African countries brought new opportunities to contemporary architecture on the African continent. Tourism also played an important role in the promotion of authentic cultural and geographical features, so that the architecture of hospitality and tourist facilities proved to be a good way of marketing certain concepts and spatial and design solutions that convey the impression of local specificities to foreign guests. Although most of the tourist architecture projects by Serbian authors were not implemented, their architectural concepts, design features and freer approaches, often inspired by the influences of postmodernism, point to more progressive trends in contemporary architecture in African countries.
Architectonic, architect Ivan Antić: on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of birth / Dijana Milašinović Marić and Igor Marić
The monograph Architectonic, architect Ivan Antić: on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of birth, by the authors Prof. Dr. Dijana Milašinović Marić, art historian, and Dr. Igor Marić, architect, Principal Research Fellow, was published at the end of 2023. The work and life of academician Professor Ivan Antić, architect, one of the most significant creators of Serbian architecture of the second half of the 20th century, are comprehensively presented on 235 pages of the text equipped with scientific apparatus, with accompanying illustrations. The authors received the Ranko Radović Award for this publication in 2024 in the category of critical theoretical texts on architecture, urbanism and the city.
Lines of Imagination: On the Book “Drawings and Sketches in Architecture” / Marko Stojanović and Vladimir Stevanović
Development of an Integrated Approach to Spatial Planning as an Adaptation to Climate Change in Serbia / candidate: Ljubica Duškov
The Impact of European Territorial Cooperation Programmes on Territorial Cohesion and Spatial Planning / candidate: Andrija Planić
Happy Cities Urban Regeneration - Revisited / Eva Vaništa Lazarević
Change of Public Interest in the Planning Culture in Serbia at the Level of General Urban Plan / candidate: Ana Graovac
Application of Environmental Remediation in the Regeneration of Brownfield Area: Petrochemical Factory “Solventul” as a New Gateway of Timosоara/ candidate: Milica Spajić
Villa Tolstoy – The architecture of balance and spatial consistency
Villa TLS, located in Tolstoy Street, Belgrade, is a refined example of a contemporary urban villa that thoughtfully integrates function, context, and aesthetics. Designed by architect Predrag Milutinović and MAPA Architects, the project is based on clear spatial and typological organisation, emphasising balance between public and private, solid and transparent. The stone façade, accentuated with metal details, introduces tactility and a sense of permanence, while the treatment of light enriches the spatial experience. Advanced technical systems and ecological features are seamlessly incorporated. Villa TLS affirms that architecture can be both rooted in a local context and relevant on a global scale.
Interpretation of Hybridity in Architecture / candidate: Ivana Lovrinčević
Hotel "Korzo" in the оld core of Peć – a representative example of secession in russian architecture in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija
The architecture of Peć, a city located in the Metohija basin at the foot of the Prokletije mountains, reflects a strong influence of the Oriental style, which dominated its historical construction. However, during the interwar period, the city's central area underwent an architectural transformation influenced by contemporary European trends, resulting in the introduction of modern building elements inspired by early 20th-century architecture. One of the most representative examples from this period is the Korzo Hotel, built in 1929 by Peć merchant Aleksandar Aco Marković. The trapezoidal-shaped building is integrated into the urban context through multi-story structures arranged along radial streets leading to the central square. Its narrower, main facade exhibits stylistic features of Art Nouveau, while the side facades are symmetrical and align with the neighboring buildings. At the end of the 20th century, the hotel was renovated and expanded, yet the fundamental architectural features and elements of Art Nouveau decorative sculpture were preserved. Today, this building represents a significant example of architectural heritage preservation within the context of Peć’s urban development, standing as a testament to the transformations of the city's architectural character throughout the 20th century.
The forgotten regional modernism of the military educational-type architecture of the first half of the 20th century: A case of the Pilot School in Pančevo
Military facilities have traditionally been not only structures of strategic importance, but also symbols of innovation in construction and architectural expression. Once reflecting the modernity and stability of the military as an institution, many of these buildings are now abandoned or repurposed for civilian use – often without clearly defined new functions. Additionally, their urban, architectural, and socio-cultural qualities remain under-researched. This paper focuses on the historical and architectural analysis of the former Pilot School building in Pančevo, the first aviation academy in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia during the interwar period. After serving various military functions – including intelligence training in the 1950s – the building was transferred to civilian use in the 1960s and became makeshift housing for multiple families in the 1990s. Despite its historical and architectural significance, the building lacks proper documentation and institutional support for its restoration. In 2021, the site was placed under preliminary protection. In 2023, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the first night flight over Pančevo, a new initiative emerged advocating for the building’s restoration. This research, employing historical interpretation and case study methodology, highlights architecturally valuable features that support its designation as a cultural monument. The paper concludes that the building has strong potential for formal protection and reuse, particularly for cultural or public purposes. Such transformation would preserve this unique example of modernist military architecture and honor Pančevo’s important role in early Yugoslav aviation history.
Ciborium Forms in Serbian Ecclesiastical Architecture
The primary motive behind this paper is to identify the presence of ciborium structures in Serbian ecclesiastical architecture. The physical scope of the research encompasses, in a broader sense, the Christian temple, and more specifically, the altar space, which is examined through the method of identifying theological symbolism. The sacred topography of the Christian church is interpreted from the standpoint of theological and programmatic significance. The spatial units of the church are briefly analyzed through theological symbolism, in order to gain insight into the origin of their meaning. The research highlights the types of ciboria, both past and present. The typological method points to the existence of various types of ciboria. By determining their theological origin, the study will shed light on the types of ciboria in the liturgical practice of Serbian Orthodox churches throughout history. The functional method will determine their purpose. A descriptive approach provides insight into their architectural and decorative features. The paper examines the way in which their functionality is integrated with visual expression, emphasizing a non-arbitrary interpretation of the corresponding artistic heritage. As part of the development and completion of the altar’s physical structure, the analysis of contemporary examples aims to present them as a contribution to answering the question of their meaningfulness. The method of transposition will consider in detail the ways historical models and aesthetic patterns are used and implemented in contemporary works.
From the Biennale to Oblivion: The Impact of Social Changes on the Preservation of Modernist Architecture Identity in Montenegro Through Case Studies of the Kolašin Memorial House, the House of Revolution in Nikšić, and the Hotel Fjord in Kotor
This research examines modernist architecture in Montenegro, with a particular focus on three representative buildings showcased at the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2014. The aim is to explore the challenges and opportunities for preserving these structures within the context of contemporary social, political, and economic transformations. The methodological approach is based on case studies and qualitative research techniques, incorporating a comparative analysis that traces the evolution and transformation of the Kolašin Memorial House, the House of Revolution in Nikšić, and the Fjord Hotel in Kotor over the past decade, following their presentation at the Venice exhibition. The evaluation was conducted through the analysis of three key parameters: architectural, functional, and social identity. The research results indicate significant degradation and neglect of these structures, leading to the loss of their original purpose and identity. These processes stem primarily from socio-political changes following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Although the Kolašin Memorial House has been partially preserved, the Hotel Fjord has been completely demolished, while the House of Revolution has become the target of various investment projects and commercialization, with new developments functioning as independent spatial units that disregard the architectural authenticity and integrity of the original structure. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for institutional interventions, legal protection, and clearly defined guidelines for preserving these buildings. Their cultural and architectural significance must be adequately recognized and preserved, as modernist architecture plays a critical role in safeguarding and transmitting Montenegro’s cultural identity to future generations. In the absence of these measures, there is a serious risk of irreversibly losing a significant part of the nation’s architectural heritage.
Optimizing cohousing: the effect of community size on common space utilization and organizational sustainability
This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between the size of cohousing communities and the distribution of common areas, applying analysis criteria such as the size, layout, and function of these spaces. The hypothesis suggests that there is an inverse correlation between community size and the percentage of common areas relative to the total surface area, meaning that larger communities have a lower percentage of common areas. The research methodology includes a review and analysis of housing community examples from various cultural and urban contexts, aiming to identify key factors that influence the organizational structures and economic sustainability of these communities. The study also examines the level of community autonomy, based on their size and complexity. The results of this research show that smaller cohousing communities have a higher percentage of common areas relative to the total surface area, while in larger communities, this percentage decreases. This relationship has significant implications for the organization, functionality, and economic sustainability of communities. The research provides new insights that can contribute to the future design and organization of cohousing communities, aiming to preserve the core values of community and cooperation, while optimizing common spaces and improving the quality of life for residents.
Copyright (c) 2024 Arhitektura i urbanizam
Art Deco in Serbian Architecture / Milan Prosen
The monograph Art Deco in Serbian Architecture by Milan Prosen is a monumental historiographical work that thoroughly explores the previously insufficiently researched topic of the presence and influence of Art Deco on interwar architecture, as well as the reasons for its emergence, stylistic characteristics, prevalence, and representation in Serbia. Within a broad framework, the monograph covers and presents topics such as the significance of the term and the emergence of Art Deco worldwide, the social circumstances in which the style originated and was recognized globally, the circumstances in which Art Deco appeared in Serbia, and the specificities of its appearance in Serbian architecture. Dr. Milan Prosen conducted his comprehensive scientific research and completed it during the preparation of his doctoral dissertation, defended at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade in 2014, before a respectable committee consisting of Dr. Aleksandar Kadijević, Dr. Mirjana Roter-Blagojević, Dr. Aleksandar Ignjatović, and Dr. Simona Čupić, confirming the value and importance of his work. Since then, the content of the monograph has been supplemented and partially revised, with the text expanded based on new research, including published historiographical knowledge and the author's results related to this topic from previous years.
In Memoriam: Academician Professor Milan Lojanica (1939-2024)
Yugoslav architecture between the two world wars (1918-1941): contexts of interpretations / Aleksandar Kadijević
In the monograph Yugoslav architecture between the two world wars (1918-1941): contexts of interpretations, published at the end of 2023 and written by dr. Aleksandar Kadijević, Full Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, presents and discusses important aspects of historiographical research and interpretation of interwar Yugoslav architecture, with a special focus on the characteristics of the period and the ideological level, as well as other specific architectural topics related to this period – competition practice, visual culture, the influence of Expressionism and the architecture of emigrants from Russia. Emphasising the methodological basis of the study of interwar Yugoslav architecture, the author not only outlines the layering of research contexts, but also points out the importance of terminological characterisation.