Semiotics and urban culture: architectural projections of structuralism in a socialist context
Abstract
The paper studies the relations between architecture, urbanism and structural anthropology, and makes a contribution to the interpretation of how the architects of former Yugoslavia translated structuralism into architectural theory and practice as a means of reading and shaping Yugoslav culture in the context of radical socio-political change. In striving for freedom of opinion, expression, communication and action, and autonomy of scientific and cultural practices, the Yugoslav society through its avant-garde cultural role initiated a shift of focus in urban culture towards semiotics, historicity, dialectics, creativity, criticism and a revival of the humanistic values of traditional culture. From this viewpoint, the paper examines the interests in theory and practice of the most influential Yugoslav architects in the context of structuralism: Mutnjakovi, Neidhardt, Grabrijan, Bogdanovi and Delalle. Their theoretical approaches effected a change of functionalist principles and values... and advocated the return of values of the old city centre and vernacular architecture, specifically its vitality, symbolism, historical continuity, environmental values and diverse urban forms.
Keywords:
Humanization / language of urban culture / self-management socialism / semiotic sign / structuralism / vernacular architecture / YugoslaviaSource:
Social semiotics, 2018, 28, 3, 330-348Publisher:
- Routledge
Projects:
- Research and systematization of housing development in Serbia in the context of globalization and European integrations for the purpose of improving housing quality and standards (RS-36034)
- Theory and practice of science in society: multidisciplinary, educational and intergenerational perspectives (RS-179048)
DOI: 10.1080/10350330.2017.1300084
ISSN: 1035-0330