Urban Morphology and Urban Design Competitions in Serbia: Between Substantial and Procedural Aspects

Abstract

This research aims to open up a discussion about morphological perspective in the procedural and substantial aspects of urban design competitions, with the specific focus on Serbian context. The research builds on the previous findings concerning treatment of heritage in design competitions, presented on the 2020 ECTP-CEU Young planners' workshop. Research starts from the hypothesis that competitions offer the possibility of obtaining unique solutions, provide a platform for the presentation of new ideas, but also new views on the good, thus reducing the pressures of globalization, neoliberalism, and multiplication of identical and generalized patterns and forms. On the one side, research will offer understanding of the (1) procedural aspect (initiation, submission, evaluation, and implementation of urban design competitions) and (2) substantial aspect (competition brief content, design perspective, evaluation criteria structure) of urban design competitions. On the other side, the research will reflect on authors personal experience, both from the position of a jury member and a competition participant. Analysis of the above-stated elements could provide comprehensive insights into understanding the way how urban morphology can be used both as a method and theory in design process, and as a valuable element in evaluation process. This paper will argue for the need to strengthen the bond between urban morphology and urban design competitions, especially having in mind current urban development in post-socialist countries that are faced with various social and political pressures.