BELGRADE INTERNATIONAL: Tracing the Channels of Architectural Exchange and Promotion
BELGRADE INTERNATIONAL: Tracing the Channels of Architectural Exchange and Promotion

Summary/Abstract: During the Cold War capital cities on both sides of the Iron Curtain were important transmitters and mediators of architectural and planning practice. Perceived as an expression of official politics, built environment and its transformations were strongly supported by public authorities and used on two different levels – as a unique display of ‘state-approved’ aesthetic and/or a stage for events and meetings which facilitated professional exchange between institutions, societies and scholars. Belgrade, the capital of ex-Yugoslavia and Serbia, represents an interesting example influenced by a specific geo-strategic position of the country during the Cold War. Stimulated by self-management socialism and backed by a proclaimed cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Yugoslav architectural and planning practice was opened to both Western and Eastern influences which shaped an anticipated urban identity and reflected the ambitions of President Tito. Considering all these elements, the article will present and analyze official and unofficial flows of professional dissemination focusing on the period between 1960s and 1970s, which was an intensive phase for the Yugoslav professionals.

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