Shopping Typologies (Ex-) Yugoslavia
Their role and reciprocal relation by exemplary cases in Croatia
C.R.J. Maijstré (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
This body of research attempts to investigate the role of shopping typologies and their reciprocal relation with (ex-) Yugoslav Croatia, through (three) exemplary cases (the neighborhood department store, the city department store and the shopping center) by looking at three themes such as: their creation of centrality, the continuation of the public and the composition of program. The three main cases are Nama Trnsko, robna kuca RI, and Koteks and Gripe sports- and shopping center.
It describes how the various types of shopping-buildings had either an installing or introductory role for the public/city/neighborhood around them; and/or an enhancing or supporting role, enhancing existing movement/centrality within the center/public.
The main discussed themes in existing discourse (within as well as outside of HR) are housing and education, but ideologically the shopping typologies functioned as another trajectory towards modernity. On the architectural level, the types adopted certain ‘traditional’ or typical department store elements, such as the arcade and open plan. Increasingly implementing regional elements. On an urban scale, it would (literally) take the center position in new neighborhoods but (sometimes simultaneously) enhancing circulation flows in the area is not uncommon, as well as offering a mixed program that goes beyond shopping alone.
As a final evaluation, the research shows the typologies have certainly evolved since then. The public character or role of the typologies has partially evaporated, and as urban entities they have become (partially) isolated. Often, what was once a single department store, has now split up into several smaller shops within the original building or have gone (partially) out of use. The shift from socialist to neo-liberal economy (accompanied by a violent transition) has altered the role of the typologies. The question arises, did the typologies as a trajectory to emancipation succeed? Have the fantastic visions of modernist
architects and urbanists given society the physical structure to emancipation?