Anica Dragutinovic
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19 records found
1
(Dis-)Continuation of Territoriality
A Framework for Analysis of the Role of Social Practices in (Re-)Production of Space
The paper explores the correlation between the concepts of territoriality and social practices in the context of urban and rural (re-)production of space. It traces the degree of “habitualisation” of certain actions and the behaviour of stakeholders, identifying those defined as practices, and revealing their role in the (dis-)continuation of territoriality of a region. It takes a German region Ostwestfalen-Lippe (OWL) as a case study. The research methodology is based on the practice theory of Andreas Reckwitz and his “praxeological quadrat of cultural analysis”, which is applied in this study. The research process includes (a) semi-structured interviews with the representatives of several institutions from the region, (b) narrative analysis and thematic content structuring of the interviews and (c) synthesis analysis. The study clarifies relations between the artefacts and discourses mentioned by the interviewees, and their impact on the practices of the institutions and others contributing to the (dis-)continuation of territoriality and identity of the region. The main findings are related to the (1) methodological contribution—operationalisation of the “praxeological quadrat of cultural analysis”, and (2) substantive contribution—revealing the role of social practices on the continuation of territoriality of the region. The article presents cultural patterns in the perception of and orientation towards long-past territorialities by the interviewees and makes clear what significance these historical and historicising spatial references have for the spatial planning of the present
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The paper explores the correlation between the concepts of territoriality and social practices in the context of urban and rural (re-)production of space. It traces the degree of “habitualisation” of certain actions and the behaviour of stakeholders, identifying those defined as practices, and revealing their role in the (dis-)continuation of territoriality of a region. It takes a German region Ostwestfalen-Lippe (OWL) as a case study. The research methodology is based on the practice theory of Andreas Reckwitz and his “praxeological quadrat of cultural analysis”, which is applied in this study. The research process includes (a) semi-structured interviews with the representatives of several institutions from the region, (b) narrative analysis and thematic content structuring of the interviews and (c) synthesis analysis. The study clarifies relations between the artefacts and discourses mentioned by the interviewees, and their impact on the practices of the institutions and others contributing to the (dis-)continuation of territoriality and identity of the region. The main findings are related to the (1) methodological contribution—operationalisation of the “praxeological quadrat of cultural analysis”, and (2) substantive contribution—revealing the role of social practices on the continuation of territoriality of the region. The article presents cultural patterns in the perception of and orientation towards long-past territorialities by the interviewees and makes clear what significance these historical and historicising spatial references have for the spatial planning of the present
Public Policies on Middle-Class Mass Housing in Europe
The case of Germany
German housing policy over the past 100 years has been following housing policy trends similar to most European countries: (1) regulating minimum standards of housing, (2) private sector rent control, (3) provision of social rental housing and (4) subsequent shifts in emphasis towards housing quality and individual subsidies. In Germany (similar to Austria, Denmark and France), there has been less market displacement, and large private rented sectors have been retained. Public expenditure on housing policy typically lies in the range 1-2 % of GDP. (European Parliament, 1996) As noted by Treanor (2015, 55), 75% of households with the bottom quartile of income live in rented accommodation, but so do 45% of those in the highest quartile. Germany has one of the lowest homeownership rates in Europe.
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German housing policy over the past 100 years has been following housing policy trends similar to most European countries: (1) regulating minimum standards of housing, (2) private sector rent control, (3) provision of social rental housing and (4) subsequent shifts in emphasis towards housing quality and individual subsidies. In Germany (similar to Austria, Denmark and France), there has been less market displacement, and large private rented sectors have been retained. Public expenditure on housing policy typically lies in the range 1-2 % of GDP. (European Parliament, 1996) As noted by Treanor (2015, 55), 75% of households with the bottom quartile of income live in rented accommodation, but so do 45% of those in the highest quartile. Germany has one of the lowest homeownership rates in Europe.
The neglect of significance, deterioration and consequent devaluation of the post-war mass housing neighbourhoods are major challenges, both in the field of heritage conservation and management and in urban planning and design. The reasons for their deterioration are different, and interlinked with the socio-cultural discourse, as well as the spatial characteristics of these neighbourhoods. This doctoral research addresses the challenges of those neighbourhoods, focusing on New Belgrade Blocks, as one of the largest modernist post-war mass housing areas in Europe. The case is particularly important for the discourse on mass housing and ‘ordinary’ heritage management, as it encapsulates concepts, policies and practices developed in Yugoslavia, which are relevant to the contemporary discussions on community-driven approaches for urban planning and governance and participation in heritage studies. The doctoral thesis presents this legacy and reveals causalities and relations of spatial and socio-political aspects, policies, but also planning and design principles. Furthermore, it empirically studies and evaluates the blocks in the contemporary context, with the society (involving citizens), and within the current legal and organisational conditions. Eventually, it develops a framework for enhancement of the blocks, addressing the current and future societal and users’ needs, while preserving the identity and values of the blocks. The doctoral thesis provides different findings and perspectives, contributing to the current knowledge on integrated conservation, urban planning and governance of urban heritage, and in particular mass housing neighbourhoods. It shows co-dependence of those fields and offers an integrative and cross-disciplinary approach.
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The neglect of significance, deterioration and consequent devaluation of the post-war mass housing neighbourhoods are major challenges, both in the field of heritage conservation and management and in urban planning and design. The reasons for their deterioration are different, and interlinked with the socio-cultural discourse, as well as the spatial characteristics of these neighbourhoods. This doctoral research addresses the challenges of those neighbourhoods, focusing on New Belgrade Blocks, as one of the largest modernist post-war mass housing areas in Europe. The case is particularly important for the discourse on mass housing and ‘ordinary’ heritage management, as it encapsulates concepts, policies and practices developed in Yugoslavia, which are relevant to the contemporary discussions on community-driven approaches for urban planning and governance and participation in heritage studies. The doctoral thesis presents this legacy and reveals causalities and relations of spatial and socio-political aspects, policies, but also planning and design principles. Furthermore, it empirically studies and evaluates the blocks in the contemporary context, with the society (involving citizens), and within the current legal and organisational conditions. Eventually, it develops a framework for enhancement of the blocks, addressing the current and future societal and users’ needs, while preserving the identity and values of the blocks. The doctoral thesis provides different findings and perspectives, contributing to the current knowledge on integrated conservation, urban planning and governance of urban heritage, and in particular mass housing neighbourhoods. It shows co-dependence of those fields and offers an integrative and cross-disciplinary approach.
Approaching Extracurricular Activities for Teaching and Learning on Sustainable Rehabilitation of Mass Housing
Reporting from the Arena of Architectural Higher Education
Journal article
(2023)
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Anica Dragutinovic, Aleksandra Milovanović , Mihajlo Stojanovski, Tea Damjanovska, Aleksandra Ðordevic, Ana Nikezić, U. Pottgiesser, Ana Ivanovska Deskova, Jovan Ivanovski
The article presents the potentials and capacities of extracurricular activities such as student workshops for strengthening existing curricula and introducing emerging specialised areas, topics, and challenges into architectural higher education. The specific objective of this study is to enhance and test different pedagogical models for learning on the sustainable rehabilitation of mass housing neighbourhoods (MHN), as a specific type of modern heritage, through innovative extracurricular teaching practices based on interdisciplinarity, flexibility, and adaptability. This research presents three student workshops focusing on the rehabilitation of mass housing neighbourhoods (MHN), involving students, academics, and professionals from the field, organised in Germany, Serbia, and North Macedonia in 2022. Moreover, it engages a comparative analysis of the learning formats and approaches developed within this discipline-specific cross-border collaboration. The study provides (1) an insight into the comparative analysis of learning capabilities and (2) the formulation of workshop models supported by diagramming of the workshop structure. The conclusion of the article summarises the findings and highlights the essential aspects for engaging student workshops, as an instrument for generating operational knowledge in the field of mass housing rehabilitation.
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The article presents the potentials and capacities of extracurricular activities such as student workshops for strengthening existing curricula and introducing emerging specialised areas, topics, and challenges into architectural higher education. The specific objective of this study is to enhance and test different pedagogical models for learning on the sustainable rehabilitation of mass housing neighbourhoods (MHN), as a specific type of modern heritage, through innovative extracurricular teaching practices based on interdisciplinarity, flexibility, and adaptability. This research presents three student workshops focusing on the rehabilitation of mass housing neighbourhoods (MHN), involving students, academics, and professionals from the field, organised in Germany, Serbia, and North Macedonia in 2022. Moreover, it engages a comparative analysis of the learning formats and approaches developed within this discipline-specific cross-border collaboration. The study provides (1) an insight into the comparative analysis of learning capabilities and (2) the formulation of workshop models supported by diagramming of the workshop structure. The conclusion of the article summarises the findings and highlights the essential aspects for engaging student workshops, as an instrument for generating operational knowledge in the field of mass housing rehabilitation.
The Conference and Communication (ConCom) course at the Detmold School of Architecture and Interior Architecture (TH OWL) introduces students in the master‘s program to scientific work and pursues the goal of establishing a correlation between teaching and research. In particular, it is about conveying current knowledge and new findings in the form of the so-called non-written output (NWO) or non-traditional research output (NTRO). ConCom tests innovative teaching and learning formats at the intersection of scholarly research and outreach in the field of the built environment, with a particular focus on cultural heritage, digital technology, and their societal impact. This has enabled the 40 students from many nations to conduct cross-cultural and cross-sectoral research in interdisciplinary and international teams. This diverse and low-threshold form of explorative dissemination increases the visibility of research findings and promotes their inclusive communication. In the academic year 2021/22, the ConCom course took up the topic of the 19th DOCOMOMO Germany Conference “Modern Movement. Industrial Heritage thought ahead” organised in collaboration with Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen. The students were asked to research, document and interpret the topic of industrial heritage based on scientific articles, reports and publications (e.g. related to history, typologies, distribution, design, aesthetics and construction, spaces, transformation and reuse). Building on a literature review in the pre-semester, students choose specific topics related to modern industrial heritage and developed their theme in the context of the scientific conference. Complementing the contributions in the conference, ConCom served as a platform for students to explore Modern Movement’s (MoMo) achievements around the world, but also to explore digital tools and their applicability for communicating research results (Fig. 1). On display are websites, apps, films as well as applications of 360 degree images, augmented and virtual reality and as such they are aiming to contribute to the DOCOMOMO Virtual Exhibition – MoMove (MoMove 2021).
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The Conference and Communication (ConCom) course at the Detmold School of Architecture and Interior Architecture (TH OWL) introduces students in the master‘s program to scientific work and pursues the goal of establishing a correlation between teaching and research. In particular, it is about conveying current knowledge and new findings in the form of the so-called non-written output (NWO) or non-traditional research output (NTRO). ConCom tests innovative teaching and learning formats at the intersection of scholarly research and outreach in the field of the built environment, with a particular focus on cultural heritage, digital technology, and their societal impact. This has enabled the 40 students from many nations to conduct cross-cultural and cross-sectoral research in interdisciplinary and international teams. This diverse and low-threshold form of explorative dissemination increases the visibility of research findings and promotes their inclusive communication. In the academic year 2021/22, the ConCom course took up the topic of the 19th DOCOMOMO Germany Conference “Modern Movement. Industrial Heritage thought ahead” organised in collaboration with Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen. The students were asked to research, document and interpret the topic of industrial heritage based on scientific articles, reports and publications (e.g. related to history, typologies, distribution, design, aesthetics and construction, spaces, transformation and reuse). Building on a literature review in the pre-semester, students choose specific topics related to modern industrial heritage and developed their theme in the context of the scientific conference. Complementing the contributions in the conference, ConCom served as a platform for students to explore Modern Movement’s (MoMo) achievements around the world, but also to explore digital tools and their applicability for communicating research results (Fig. 1). On display are websites, apps, films as well as applications of 360 degree images, augmented and virtual reality and as such they are aiming to contribute to the DOCOMOMO Virtual Exhibition – MoMove (MoMove 2021).
Local Community Centre as Utilitarian, Governing and Social Space
The Case of New Belgrade CMZ
The paper studies local community centres (Serbian: centar mesne zajednice - CMZ) of post-war mass housing neighbourhoods in New Belgrade. Those were designed and built in 1970s as multifunctional centres with facilities and programmes complementary to the housing blocks: socio-cultural, commercial (grocery stores), daily services (post office, bank, crafts, etc.) spaces for socio-political activities and office spaces for the local community. The local community centres significantly increased quality of life of the residents, liveability and socialisation in the neighbourhoods. Furthermore, one of the main aims of these spaces was to enable actual realisation of the self-management in local communities. This paper reflects on the ideological and theoretical basis for their conceptualisation, referring to Edvard Kardelj, one of the main ideologues of self-management and originator of the local community concept in Yugoslavia. Moreover, the paper investigates: how the local community centres were planned, designed and programmed, and how they were spatially integrated in the existing residential blocks; how their organisational and governing role has been neglected over time, and their main purpose altered; and what are potentials and socio-spatial capacities for their future reuse. Reaffirmation of local community centres as utilitarian, governing and social space is recognized as key for promoting participation and collaborative governance in New Belgrade blocks, as well as for improving social connections, solidarity and sense of belonging in these neighbourhoods. As such, the local community centres could be one of the main factors of revitalisation of the blocks, increasing vitality and improving quality of life of the residents. Furthermore, the local community centres could have a major role in unlocking the potential of institutions and individuals towards new effective urban governance structures, as well as institutionalising citizens' participation and bottom-up governance as direct democracy in the city today.
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The paper studies local community centres (Serbian: centar mesne zajednice - CMZ) of post-war mass housing neighbourhoods in New Belgrade. Those were designed and built in 1970s as multifunctional centres with facilities and programmes complementary to the housing blocks: socio-cultural, commercial (grocery stores), daily services (post office, bank, crafts, etc.) spaces for socio-political activities and office spaces for the local community. The local community centres significantly increased quality of life of the residents, liveability and socialisation in the neighbourhoods. Furthermore, one of the main aims of these spaces was to enable actual realisation of the self-management in local communities. This paper reflects on the ideological and theoretical basis for their conceptualisation, referring to Edvard Kardelj, one of the main ideologues of self-management and originator of the local community concept in Yugoslavia. Moreover, the paper investigates: how the local community centres were planned, designed and programmed, and how they were spatially integrated in the existing residential blocks; how their organisational and governing role has been neglected over time, and their main purpose altered; and what are potentials and socio-spatial capacities for their future reuse. Reaffirmation of local community centres as utilitarian, governing and social space is recognized as key for promoting participation and collaborative governance in New Belgrade blocks, as well as for improving social connections, solidarity and sense of belonging in these neighbourhoods. As such, the local community centres could be one of the main factors of revitalisation of the blocks, increasing vitality and improving quality of life of the residents. Furthermore, the local community centres could have a major role in unlocking the potential of institutions and individuals towards new effective urban governance structures, as well as institutionalising citizens' participation and bottom-up governance as direct democracy in the city today.
Spatiality of the urban commons
Typo-morphology of the open common spaces in New Belgrade mass housing blocks
The article examines the existing infrastructure of open common spaces within two New Belgrade mass housing blocks (Blocks 23 and 70a) through a typo-morphological analysis. These spaces between the buildings, although the most neglected, underused, and deteriorated components of mass housing neighbourhoods, are at the same time crucial to the quality, vitality and integrated governance of these neighbourhoods. They represent the primary tangible commons in cities and neighbourhoods. The question of urban commons is increasingly present in scientific literature, urban and architectural discourse. Nevertheless, approaches exploring the spatiality of the urban commons are scarce, leading to insufficient understanding of the spatial aspect and potentials of the already existing commons. Therefore, this study includes (1) identification, typological decoding and classification of the common spaces, focusing on the case of New Belgrade blocks, followed by (2) analysis of the spatial patterns and integration of the identified spaces within the blocks. The study confirms the complexity and diverse typology of the common spaces. It finds that the in-between, common spaces contribute to higher integration of different segments of the blocks. The open common spaces have an essential role in humanisation of the blocks, and thus the quality of life in the blocks as integrated neighbourhoods. The findings indicate that the spatial setting of the open common spaces in New Belgrade blocks allows for (re)emergence of collective practices, leading to inclusive and integrated rehabilitation of the neighbourhoods.
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The article examines the existing infrastructure of open common spaces within two New Belgrade mass housing blocks (Blocks 23 and 70a) through a typo-morphological analysis. These spaces between the buildings, although the most neglected, underused, and deteriorated components of mass housing neighbourhoods, are at the same time crucial to the quality, vitality and integrated governance of these neighbourhoods. They represent the primary tangible commons in cities and neighbourhoods. The question of urban commons is increasingly present in scientific literature, urban and architectural discourse. Nevertheless, approaches exploring the spatiality of the urban commons are scarce, leading to insufficient understanding of the spatial aspect and potentials of the already existing commons. Therefore, this study includes (1) identification, typological decoding and classification of the common spaces, focusing on the case of New Belgrade blocks, followed by (2) analysis of the spatial patterns and integration of the identified spaces within the blocks. The study confirms the complexity and diverse typology of the common spaces. It finds that the in-between, common spaces contribute to higher integration of different segments of the blocks. The open common spaces have an essential role in humanisation of the blocks, and thus the quality of life in the blocks as integrated neighbourhoods. The findings indicate that the spatial setting of the open common spaces in New Belgrade blocks allows for (re)emergence of collective practices, leading to inclusive and integrated rehabilitation of the neighbourhoods.
Rehabilitation of Mass Housing as a Contribution to Social Equality
Insights from the East-West European Academic Dialogue
Journal article
(2022)
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Aleksandra Milovanović , Anica Dragutinovic, Ana Nikezić, U. Pottgiesser, Mihajlo Stojanovski, Ana Ivanovska Deskova, Jovan Ivanovski, Tea Damjanovska
Mass housing neighbourhoods (MHN) represent the leading pattern of urban transformation and expansion in the second half of the 20th century, and accordingly evaluation, regeneration and redesign of the MHN represent a necessary and challenging task in the contemporary research context. In the practical scope of MHN rehabilitation, various holistic approaches and design strategies are identified that affirm both ecological transition and social transformation of these urban settings. However, the level of application of such approaches across Europe varies greatly, and requires research initiatives of a comparative nature that open a cross-geographical debate at the European level. Although there is a series of evidence-based studies that define the conceptual framework of MHN, i.e., large-scale housing settlements, through historical-interpretative and chronological analyses, the academic debate on practical and feasible MHN rehabilitation and their sustainable integration into the urban development of cities at European level is underdeveloped. The specific objective of this paper is to establish preliminary insights into the current level of MHN rehabilitation and to identify challenges for further actions through (1) a comparative analysis of MHN role models from the second half of 20th century, and through (2) insights from an implemented expert questionnaire. The research engages a comparative case study analysis as the primary method and analyses MHN in Germany (as a representative of Western Europe) and in the two ex-Yugoslav countries, North Macedonia and Serbia (as representatives of Eastern Europe). This research has highlighted the main obstacles and challenges for MHN rehabilitation and demonstrated the importance of a multiscale approach to MHN analysis, having in mind that through the distribution of design values at the analysed spatial levels (neighbourhood level, building level, and apartment level) the application of affirmative indicators within different design values group is recognised.
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Mass housing neighbourhoods (MHN) represent the leading pattern of urban transformation and expansion in the second half of the 20th century, and accordingly evaluation, regeneration and redesign of the MHN represent a necessary and challenging task in the contemporary research context. In the practical scope of MHN rehabilitation, various holistic approaches and design strategies are identified that affirm both ecological transition and social transformation of these urban settings. However, the level of application of such approaches across Europe varies greatly, and requires research initiatives of a comparative nature that open a cross-geographical debate at the European level. Although there is a series of evidence-based studies that define the conceptual framework of MHN, i.e., large-scale housing settlements, through historical-interpretative and chronological analyses, the academic debate on practical and feasible MHN rehabilitation and their sustainable integration into the urban development of cities at European level is underdeveloped. The specific objective of this paper is to establish preliminary insights into the current level of MHN rehabilitation and to identify challenges for further actions through (1) a comparative analysis of MHN role models from the second half of 20th century, and through (2) insights from an implemented expert questionnaire. The research engages a comparative case study analysis as the primary method and analyses MHN in Germany (as a representative of Western Europe) and in the two ex-Yugoslav countries, North Macedonia and Serbia (as representatives of Eastern Europe). This research has highlighted the main obstacles and challenges for MHN rehabilitation and demonstrated the importance of a multiscale approach to MHN analysis, having in mind that through the distribution of design values at the analysed spatial levels (neighbourhood level, building level, and apartment level) the application of affirmative indicators within different design values group is recognised.
The concepts of collective management of housing and urban spaces are being revisited within the contemporary discussions about community-driven approaches and practices and, in particular, related to the revitalization of residential neighbourhoods. This research identifies the concepts of self-management and social ownership of housing in the post-World War II period in Yugoslavia as an important legacy of Yugoslav urban planning and housing policies. Although they were subsequently neglected, these concepts can contribute to contemporary global discussions about housing affordability and the role of community in ensuring spatial and social equality. New Belgrade mass housing blocks—the main site for testing the new dwelling concepts, in terms of both policies and modernist design—are the object of this research. The article is mainly a theoretical analysis of the issues of common interest and engagement, common good, and common spaces which played a decisive role in its design. The study applies interpretative and correlational research methods in re-theorizing these concepts and their underlying narratives. It traces how the perspectives on the collective practices and spaces evolved over time, revealing a correlation between changed social practices and the spatial deterioration of the New Belgrade mass housing blocks. The study highlights the importance of both collective practices and common spaces for addressing housing issues, emphasizing their instrumentality, and potentiality for rearticulating the dialogue between public and private, engaging citizens in interactive and inclusive decision-making and co-creation of the urban reality.
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The concepts of collective management of housing and urban spaces are being revisited within the contemporary discussions about community-driven approaches and practices and, in particular, related to the revitalization of residential neighbourhoods. This research identifies the concepts of self-management and social ownership of housing in the post-World War II period in Yugoslavia as an important legacy of Yugoslav urban planning and housing policies. Although they were subsequently neglected, these concepts can contribute to contemporary global discussions about housing affordability and the role of community in ensuring spatial and social equality. New Belgrade mass housing blocks—the main site for testing the new dwelling concepts, in terms of both policies and modernist design—are the object of this research. The article is mainly a theoretical analysis of the issues of common interest and engagement, common good, and common spaces which played a decisive role in its design. The study applies interpretative and correlational research methods in re-theorizing these concepts and their underlying narratives. It traces how the perspectives on the collective practices and spaces evolved over time, revealing a correlation between changed social practices and the spatial deterioration of the New Belgrade mass housing blocks. The study highlights the importance of both collective practices and common spaces for addressing housing issues, emphasizing their instrumentality, and potentiality for rearticulating the dialogue between public and private, engaging citizens in interactive and inclusive decision-making and co-creation of the urban reality.
The paper introduces a participatory method for re-generation of the common spaces in residential neighbourhoods, especially in case of post-war mass housing. The method combines regenerative design and co-commitment that are recognized as decisive factors in mass housing revitalisation. The spatial focus of the research is on New Belgrade Blocks (Serbia) that are part of the larger phenomenon of the post-socialist urban heritage. The neighbourhoods that are part of this larger framework are having common attributes and facing similar issues nowadays. Comprehending and managing change in these neighbourhoods requires community-driven actions that would include all relevant stakeholders in the process through co-commitment. The actions, that would be based on regenerative and biophilic design, would ensure both maintenance of green spaces of the neighbourhoods, as well as integration of new nature-based solutions. The approach is enhancing the role of community and highlighting the important values of common spaces in ensuring vitality of mass housing and co-creating healthy and liveable environments. The paper is contributing to contemporary discussions on resilient cities and communities and promoting participatory and integrated urban renewal.
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The paper introduces a participatory method for re-generation of the common spaces in residential neighbourhoods, especially in case of post-war mass housing. The method combines regenerative design and co-commitment that are recognized as decisive factors in mass housing revitalisation. The spatial focus of the research is on New Belgrade Blocks (Serbia) that are part of the larger phenomenon of the post-socialist urban heritage. The neighbourhoods that are part of this larger framework are having common attributes and facing similar issues nowadays. Comprehending and managing change in these neighbourhoods requires community-driven actions that would include all relevant stakeholders in the process through co-commitment. The actions, that would be based on regenerative and biophilic design, would ensure both maintenance of green spaces of the neighbourhoods, as well as integration of new nature-based solutions. The approach is enhancing the role of community and highlighting the important values of common spaces in ensuring vitality of mass housing and co-creating healthy and liveable environments. The paper is contributing to contemporary discussions on resilient cities and communities and promoting participatory and integrated urban renewal.
Urban decay and obsolescence of post-war mass housing is a global phenomenon. Although the reasons for housing deterioration are different, the altered relationship between public and private spaces is essential for the mass housing. The research hypothesizes that strong polarisation of the urban landscape into private and public is firmly influencing urban decay and obsolescence of post-war mass housing neighbourhoods. Taking New Belgrade blocks as the case study, the research investigates this correlation, following the gradual transformation of the urban landscape of modernity in parallel with different factors. Moreover, the research sheds light on the specific Yugoslav housing policy and developed collective self-management of the urban commons from the time of construction. Although these strategies have been neglected over the time, they are valuable for contemporary, increasing discussions on community-driven approaches for comprehending and managing change in urban environment, specifically for residential neighbourhoods. Furthermore, the research is analysing different contemporary strategies and community practices that are reinventing the public-private relationship in the context of mass housing, contributing to the development of a methodology for mitigating obsolescence and causes of housing deterioration. The methodology is revitalizing the important value of common spaces and the role of community and is reusing the modernist idea of co-creation, contributing to inheritance of the modernist concepts. Moreover, if applied, it would increase liveability of urban space and well-being of its residents, contributing to transformation strategies for adaptation to current needs, and therefore ensuring vitality of mass housing as a core typology of the Modern Movement.
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Urban decay and obsolescence of post-war mass housing is a global phenomenon. Although the reasons for housing deterioration are different, the altered relationship between public and private spaces is essential for the mass housing. The research hypothesizes that strong polarisation of the urban landscape into private and public is firmly influencing urban decay and obsolescence of post-war mass housing neighbourhoods. Taking New Belgrade blocks as the case study, the research investigates this correlation, following the gradual transformation of the urban landscape of modernity in parallel with different factors. Moreover, the research sheds light on the specific Yugoslav housing policy and developed collective self-management of the urban commons from the time of construction. Although these strategies have been neglected over the time, they are valuable for contemporary, increasing discussions on community-driven approaches for comprehending and managing change in urban environment, specifically for residential neighbourhoods. Furthermore, the research is analysing different contemporary strategies and community practices that are reinventing the public-private relationship in the context of mass housing, contributing to the development of a methodology for mitigating obsolescence and causes of housing deterioration. The methodology is revitalizing the important value of common spaces and the role of community and is reusing the modernist idea of co-creation, contributing to inheritance of the modernist concepts. Moreover, if applied, it would increase liveability of urban space and well-being of its residents, contributing to transformation strategies for adaptation to current needs, and therefore ensuring vitality of mass housing as a core typology of the Modern Movement.
The Conference and Communication (ConCom) course at the Detmold School of Architecture and Interior Design (TH OWL) introduces students in the master‘s program to scientific work and pursues the goal of establishing a correlation between teaching and research. In particular, it is about conveying current knowledge and new findings in the form of the so-called non-written output (NWO) or non-traditional research output (NTRO). This diverse and low-threshold form of presentation increases the visibility of research findings and promotes their inclusive communication.
In the academic year 2020/21, the ConCom course took up the topic of the 18th Docomomo Germany Conference “Modern Movement and Infrastructure”. The students were asked to interpret the previously researched topic of infrastructure (e.g. building services,nwater towers, power plants, electricity, cinemas, gas stations, kitchens, ...) for an exhibition accompanying the conference at the Bauhaus Dessau and to prepare it as multimedia exhibits – different from the usual poster presentations and papers. Complementing the contributions in the conference, ConCom served as a platform for students to explore Modern Movement’s (MoMo) achievements around the world, but also to explore digital tools and their applicability for communicating research results. On display are websites, apps, films as well as applications of 360 degree images, augmented and virtual reality and as such they are aiming to contribute to the Docomomo Virtual Exhibition - MoMove.
Building on a literature review in the pre-semester, specific topics are selected and worked on in the context of scientific conferences. ConCom tests innovative teaching and learning formats at the intersection of scholarly research and outreach in the field of the built environment, with a particular focus on cultural heritage, digital technology, and their societal impact. This has enabled students to conduct cross-cultural and cross-sectoral research in interdisciplinary and international teams.
...
The Conference and Communication (ConCom) course at the Detmold School of Architecture and Interior Design (TH OWL) introduces students in the master‘s program to scientific work and pursues the goal of establishing a correlation between teaching and research. In particular, it is about conveying current knowledge and new findings in the form of the so-called non-written output (NWO) or non-traditional research output (NTRO). This diverse and low-threshold form of presentation increases the visibility of research findings and promotes their inclusive communication.
In the academic year 2020/21, the ConCom course took up the topic of the 18th Docomomo Germany Conference “Modern Movement and Infrastructure”. The students were asked to interpret the previously researched topic of infrastructure (e.g. building services,nwater towers, power plants, electricity, cinemas, gas stations, kitchens, ...) for an exhibition accompanying the conference at the Bauhaus Dessau and to prepare it as multimedia exhibits – different from the usual poster presentations and papers. Complementing the contributions in the conference, ConCom served as a platform for students to explore Modern Movement’s (MoMo) achievements around the world, but also to explore digital tools and their applicability for communicating research results. On display are websites, apps, films as well as applications of 360 degree images, augmented and virtual reality and as such they are aiming to contribute to the Docomomo Virtual Exhibition - MoMove.
Building on a literature review in the pre-semester, specific topics are selected and worked on in the context of scientific conferences. ConCom tests innovative teaching and learning formats at the intersection of scholarly research and outreach in the field of the built environment, with a particular focus on cultural heritage, digital technology, and their societal impact. This has enabled students to conduct cross-cultural and cross-sectoral research in interdisciplinary and international teams.
Exploratory Talks as a Tool for Co-Diagnosis
Comparative Analysis of Residential Neighbourhoods in New Belgrade & Almere Haven
[Intro] The paper introduces a participatory tool for assessment of the Middle-Class Mass Housing (MCMH) in Europe that was simultaneously applied in two studies, on the two cases New Belgrade (Serbia) and Almere Haven (The Netherlands). The studies were exploring the values, problems and opportunities of these residential neighbourhoods through the eyes of their residents. [Method] A comparative analysis reveals contrasting and complementary aspects of the two cases. Exploratory interviews and surveys were used to collect testimonies of residents, informing the method of assessment (co-diagnosis) in residential neighbourhoods. By applying the same tool and comparing results, the paper contributes to a validation of this method for research on MCMH neighbourhoods in different regions and for different MCMH typologies and scales. [Result] The paper highlights some main themes of residents’ analysis of their neighbourhood’s strengths and weaknesses. Aspects discussed are, among others, deterioration (technical, functional, social), sense of community, place attachment, maintenance and taking care, ownership and appropriation, quality of public spaces and green areas, satisfaction and comfort. Both researches are still in development, but some preliminary conclusions can be sketched. Although both cases were built in the same decades (1970s-80s), they seem to hold opposite architectural and urban characteristics. New Belgrade is composed of modernist blocks with mass housing types in a high-rise urban pattern with mainly collective green spaces. Almere Haven is a suburban low-rise pattern and consists of a wide variety of typologies, materials and a range of private, collective and public green spaces. However, the residents’ opinions and assessments show many similarities, regarding the themes they address and the values and problems they identify. [Value for MCMH] The paper illustrates the diversity of MCMH in two different European regions and projects, identifying the broad scope that is needed to assess MCMH. Moreover, the method of exploratory talks with residents is identified as an important participatory tool within the broader analytical framework for MCMH neighbourhoods.
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[Intro] The paper introduces a participatory tool for assessment of the Middle-Class Mass Housing (MCMH) in Europe that was simultaneously applied in two studies, on the two cases New Belgrade (Serbia) and Almere Haven (The Netherlands). The studies were exploring the values, problems and opportunities of these residential neighbourhoods through the eyes of their residents. [Method] A comparative analysis reveals contrasting and complementary aspects of the two cases. Exploratory interviews and surveys were used to collect testimonies of residents, informing the method of assessment (co-diagnosis) in residential neighbourhoods. By applying the same tool and comparing results, the paper contributes to a validation of this method for research on MCMH neighbourhoods in different regions and for different MCMH typologies and scales. [Result] The paper highlights some main themes of residents’ analysis of their neighbourhood’s strengths and weaknesses. Aspects discussed are, among others, deterioration (technical, functional, social), sense of community, place attachment, maintenance and taking care, ownership and appropriation, quality of public spaces and green areas, satisfaction and comfort. Both researches are still in development, but some preliminary conclusions can be sketched. Although both cases were built in the same decades (1970s-80s), they seem to hold opposite architectural and urban characteristics. New Belgrade is composed of modernist blocks with mass housing types in a high-rise urban pattern with mainly collective green spaces. Almere Haven is a suburban low-rise pattern and consists of a wide variety of typologies, materials and a range of private, collective and public green spaces. However, the residents’ opinions and assessments show many similarities, regarding the themes they address and the values and problems they identify. [Value for MCMH] The paper illustrates the diversity of MCMH in two different European regions and projects, identifying the broad scope that is needed to assess MCMH. Moreover, the method of exploratory talks with residents is identified as an important participatory tool within the broader analytical framework for MCMH neighbourhoods.
Other
(2020)
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Anica Dragutinovic, L.G.K. Spoormans, U. Pottgiesser, M. Cardinali, Svenja-Christin Voß
Two portraits of European Middle Class Mass Housing. As the experts of their living environment the resident’s explain to us what is: valuable, problematic or desirable. We explore everyday neighbourhoods of Almere Haven and NewBelgrade, using resident’s testimonies as a tool for analysis.
This Video and used material is part of two on going PhD projects.
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Two portraits of European Middle Class Mass Housing. As the experts of their living environment the resident’s explain to us what is: valuable, problematic or desirable. We explore everyday neighbourhoods of Almere Haven and NewBelgrade, using resident’s testimonies as a tool for analysis.
This Video and used material is part of two on going PhD projects.
Obsolescence and urban decay are usual attributes of the Modern Movement buildings and areas worldwide, especially of the post-war large-scale housing settlements. Therefore, the question of reuse and improvement guidelines for these settlements is becoming increasingly important. The paper addresses this issue, taking New Belgrade housing blocks as a case study. The current condition of the New Belgrade blocks that, indeed, can be characterised as obsolete and not adequately maintained, even degraded, is nevertheless a perfect platform for reading of the architecture and the space values, and how it was changing during the time. The study aim was reading the unforeseen impulses of modernism: identification and mapping of socio-spatial relations in environment (reactions on and interventions in space that were generated during the time), reading and interpreting them as impulses of the user behaviours and lifestyles, and further proposing future transformation tactics using the mapped elements and principles. The research framework was a workshop-seminar organized by the authors at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade. Using this research tactic, the particular elements and spaces within the blocks were mapped, identified, classified and systematized according to their flexibility to react and accept contemporary impulses of life. The study reveals common spaces of the New Belgrade blocks, or spaces between private and public, as the key elements in managing the urban decay and prompting adaptation, and hence investigates on the potential of their adaptive reuse initiating transformation of the whole area, and further achieving its attractiveness, openness and better accessibility.
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Obsolescence and urban decay are usual attributes of the Modern Movement buildings and areas worldwide, especially of the post-war large-scale housing settlements. Therefore, the question of reuse and improvement guidelines for these settlements is becoming increasingly important. The paper addresses this issue, taking New Belgrade housing blocks as a case study. The current condition of the New Belgrade blocks that, indeed, can be characterised as obsolete and not adequately maintained, even degraded, is nevertheless a perfect platform for reading of the architecture and the space values, and how it was changing during the time. The study aim was reading the unforeseen impulses of modernism: identification and mapping of socio-spatial relations in environment (reactions on and interventions in space that were generated during the time), reading and interpreting them as impulses of the user behaviours and lifestyles, and further proposing future transformation tactics using the mapped elements and principles. The research framework was a workshop-seminar organized by the authors at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade. Using this research tactic, the particular elements and spaces within the blocks were mapped, identified, classified and systematized according to their flexibility to react and accept contemporary impulses of life. The study reveals common spaces of the New Belgrade blocks, or spaces between private and public, as the key elements in managing the urban decay and prompting adaptation, and hence investigates on the potential of their adaptive reuse initiating transformation of the whole area, and further achieving its attractiveness, openness and better accessibility.
Towards a Methodology for Rethinking Modernity
Between Imagined, Realized, and Lived Space
Book chapter
(2020)
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Aleksandra Milovanović , A. Dragutinovic, Jelena Ristić Trajković , Ana Nikezić
The subject of this paper is twofold (1) towards review and revision of extra-curricular learning model in the form of a student workshop as an extended environment and a reflective arena, and (2) towards generating workshop content aimed at examining modernity in contemporary conditions of urban transformation. The paper is structured in three parts. The first part introduces the concept of an architectural workshop with a discussion of general methodological perspectives that shape this approach that takes place through three continuous stages during which students develop the process of analytical thinking, architectural programming and architectural design. The second part of the paper contextually and conceptually position the content of the workshop aimed at examining modernity in contemporary conditions of urban transformation between imagined, realized, and lived space. The third section introduces the content of two student workshops as an illustrative example of the implementation of methodology with specified assignments and substance.
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The subject of this paper is twofold (1) towards review and revision of extra-curricular learning model in the form of a student workshop as an extended environment and a reflective arena, and (2) towards generating workshop content aimed at examining modernity in contemporary conditions of urban transformation. The paper is structured in three parts. The first part introduces the concept of an architectural workshop with a discussion of general methodological perspectives that shape this approach that takes place through three continuous stages during which students develop the process of analytical thinking, architectural programming and architectural design. The second part of the paper contextually and conceptually position the content of the workshop aimed at examining modernity in contemporary conditions of urban transformation between imagined, realized, and lived space. The third section introduces the content of two student workshops as an illustrative example of the implementation of methodology with specified assignments and substance.
The concepts for the minimum dwelling investigated by inter-war modernists were further developed and largely applied in the construction of postwar large-scale housing. As elsewhere in post-war Europe, affordable housing was high on the agenda in Socialist Yugoslavia. The right to a residence was an imperative of the socialist state, which set an enormous housing construction program so that each family could be housed in its own apartment. To meet the huge housing needs, another imperative was to build quickly and cheaply. New Belgrade, a project for the capital of the newly founded socialist state, eventually became the biggest construction field for providing societally owned flats for tens of thousands of inhabitants. The demand for huge amounts of flats, efficient construction and lowcosts dictated the optimization of design, standardization, and rationalization. The paper investigates the design of New Belgrade flats focusing on different aspects of the “minimum” that were applied. It additionally analyses how compared to the interwar concepts the perspective on the minimal needs changed. Furthermore, it compares these standards and needs with the actual ones. The research aims to trace these changing perspectives on minimum, to rethink the modernist minimum dwelling and explore how it relates and reflects the minimum in design today.
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The concepts for the minimum dwelling investigated by inter-war modernists were further developed and largely applied in the construction of postwar large-scale housing. As elsewhere in post-war Europe, affordable housing was high on the agenda in Socialist Yugoslavia. The right to a residence was an imperative of the socialist state, which set an enormous housing construction program so that each family could be housed in its own apartment. To meet the huge housing needs, another imperative was to build quickly and cheaply. New Belgrade, a project for the capital of the newly founded socialist state, eventually became the biggest construction field for providing societally owned flats for tens of thousands of inhabitants. The demand for huge amounts of flats, efficient construction and lowcosts dictated the optimization of design, standardization, and rationalization. The paper investigates the design of New Belgrade flats focusing on different aspects of the “minimum” that were applied. It additionally analyses how compared to the interwar concepts the perspective on the minimal needs changed. Furthermore, it compares these standards and needs with the actual ones. The research aims to trace these changing perspectives on minimum, to rethink the modernist minimum dwelling and explore how it relates and reflects the minimum in design today.
(UN-)sustainability of the concrete mega-blocks in New Belgrade
Potentials of prefabricated modern structures for transformation
Conference paper
(2018)
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A. Dragutinovic, U. Pottgiesser, Els De Vos
In the first post-war years, New Belgrade denoted a concept of a new city on the left bank of the Sava River, opposite to historical Belgrade. Initially, it was planned as a capital of Yugoslavia, a centre of administration, culture and economy. However, its basic purpose changed in the following years. As elsewhere in post-war Europe, affordable housing was high on the agenda. Therefore, New Belgrade was eventually realized as a city of housing mega-blocks, as an answer to the housing needs. In the period that followed, urban development strategies and policies were changing, thus New Belgrade passed through different levels of transformation. Today, the modern blocks are left to decay, while the urban pattern of New Belgrade is being altered once again, now by market-oriented urban practices. This paper investigates the metamorphosis of New Belgrade, and analyses the housing blocks in order to present their values and to contribute to the preservation issue, but also to highlight their current condition and need to be adapted. Furthermore, it aims to rethink the adaptive capacity of applied prefabricated systems: it investigates if their flexibility and modularity can provide adaptability of the structures to today's requirements. The analysis is conducted through a comparison of two buildings in Block 23: two prefabricated systems - panelised and IMS (Institute for testing of materials) skeleton system, layouts and appearance. Their ability to adapt to the contemporary context and needs is recognized as one of the most important criteria in the analysis on how sustainable the mega-blocks are.
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In the first post-war years, New Belgrade denoted a concept of a new city on the left bank of the Sava River, opposite to historical Belgrade. Initially, it was planned as a capital of Yugoslavia, a centre of administration, culture and economy. However, its basic purpose changed in the following years. As elsewhere in post-war Europe, affordable housing was high on the agenda. Therefore, New Belgrade was eventually realized as a city of housing mega-blocks, as an answer to the housing needs. In the period that followed, urban development strategies and policies were changing, thus New Belgrade passed through different levels of transformation. Today, the modern blocks are left to decay, while the urban pattern of New Belgrade is being altered once again, now by market-oriented urban practices. This paper investigates the metamorphosis of New Belgrade, and analyses the housing blocks in order to present their values and to contribute to the preservation issue, but also to highlight their current condition and need to be adapted. Furthermore, it aims to rethink the adaptive capacity of applied prefabricated systems: it investigates if their flexibility and modularity can provide adaptability of the structures to today's requirements. The analysis is conducted through a comparison of two buildings in Block 23: two prefabricated systems - panelised and IMS (Institute for testing of materials) skeleton system, layouts and appearance. Their ability to adapt to the contemporary context and needs is recognized as one of the most important criteria in the analysis on how sustainable the mega-blocks are.
Modernism in Belgrade
Classification of Modernist Housing Buildings 1919-1980
Journal article
(2017)
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Anica Dragutinovic, Uta Pottgiesser, Els De Vos, Michel Melenhorst
Yugoslavian Modernist Architecture, although part of a larger cultural phenomenon, received hardly any international attention, since there are only a few internationally published studies about it. Nevertheless, Modernist Architecture of the Inter-war Yugoslavia (Kingdom of Yugoslavia), and specially Modernist Architecture of the Post-war Yugoslavia (Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under the "reign" of Tito), represents the most important architectural heritage of the 20th century in former Yugoslavian countries. Belgrade, as the capital city of both newly founded Yugoslavia(s), experienced an immediate economic, political and cultural expansion after the both wars, as well as a large population increase. The construction of sufficient and appropriate new housing was a major undertaking in both periods (1919-1940 and 1948-1980), however conceived and realized with deeply diverging views. The transition from villas and modest apartment buildings, as main housing typologies in the Inter-war period, to the mass housing of the Post-war period, was not only a result of the different socio-political context of the two Yugoslavia(s), but also the country's industrialization, modernization and technological development. Through the classification of Modernist housing buildings in Belgrade, this paper will investigate on relations between the transformations of the main housing typologies executed under different socio-political contexts on the one side, and development of building technologies, construction systems and materials applied on those buildings on the other side. The paper wants to shed light on the Yugoslavian Modernist Architecture in order to increase the international awareness on its architectural and heritage values. The aim is an integrated re-evaluation of the buildings, presentation of their current condition and potentials for future (re)use with a specific focus on building envelopes and construction.
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Yugoslavian Modernist Architecture, although part of a larger cultural phenomenon, received hardly any international attention, since there are only a few internationally published studies about it. Nevertheless, Modernist Architecture of the Inter-war Yugoslavia (Kingdom of Yugoslavia), and specially Modernist Architecture of the Post-war Yugoslavia (Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under the "reign" of Tito), represents the most important architectural heritage of the 20th century in former Yugoslavian countries. Belgrade, as the capital city of both newly founded Yugoslavia(s), experienced an immediate economic, political and cultural expansion after the both wars, as well as a large population increase. The construction of sufficient and appropriate new housing was a major undertaking in both periods (1919-1940 and 1948-1980), however conceived and realized with deeply diverging views. The transition from villas and modest apartment buildings, as main housing typologies in the Inter-war period, to the mass housing of the Post-war period, was not only a result of the different socio-political context of the two Yugoslavia(s), but also the country's industrialization, modernization and technological development. Through the classification of Modernist housing buildings in Belgrade, this paper will investigate on relations between the transformations of the main housing typologies executed under different socio-political contexts on the one side, and development of building technologies, construction systems and materials applied on those buildings on the other side. The paper wants to shed light on the Yugoslavian Modernist Architecture in order to increase the international awareness on its architectural and heritage values. The aim is an integrated re-evaluation of the buildings, presentation of their current condition and potentials for future (re)use with a specific focus on building envelopes and construction.