Aleksandra Đukić
New Belgrade: visions, plans and realizations 1950-2014The paper explores the urban plans and projects for New Belgrade from 1948
on. New Belgrade is conceived as the new administrative centre of the federal
state after WW II, reflecting the ideological and technological aspirations of
the recently established socialist system. Its unique position in the topology of
Belgrade enables a totally modern design. It is composed of nine mega-blocks
and bases on a grid which follows the modernistic ideas of Le Corbusier. Like
many other residential developments in the socialistic countries the new city
is mainly a residential one with some administrative activities. Simultaneously,
the streets and places for social interaction are over-sized, which only stimulates
the alienation of the potential users.
During the last two decades New Belgrade is experiencing an urban
metamorphosis which has an impact on the character of the mega blocks and
public spaces. Following the guidelines of the master plans from 1948 to 1990,
the blocks are conceived as mono-functional residential ones. However, a
process of a specific urban reconstruction starts during the 1990s, tackling the
sensitive issues of the modernist architectural legacy, challenging the purity
of the original conception and introducing some new patterns of behavior and
urban needs.
The 21st century is bringing significant changes in the physical and functional
structure of New Belgrade. The density is increasing, new commercial activities
are introduced and it is becoming one of the major construction sites in
Belgrade. The original mega-blocks typology is modifying by positioning new
buildings along the existing boulevards and changing the previous character of
the public spaces. Nowadays, the open modernist mono-functional assemblies
are upgraded into a mixed-use development and some green spaces disappear
under new buildings.
Abstracts