Contemporary architectural and urban design practice in Belgrade and Serbia through the perspective of urban morphology approach

Abstract

By analysing the contemporary architectural and urban design practice in Belgrade and Serbia the challenges in urban development can be identified and explained through the perspective of an urban morphology approach. The majority of these challenges are as a result of an inadequate relationship between different scales of professional interventions in built environment, as well as, an ineffective relationship between theory and practice. It should be noted that due to these challenges in urban development, the role of architects and professionals involved in urban designing and planning has been questioned. The findings indicate an emerging belief for the need for improved dialogue between professionals in relation to urban development in Serbia, as well as, interaction with wider professional networks. The general issues have already been expanded upon through the discourse of urban morphology and can result in the drafting of guidelines for further improvement of designing and planning practice in Belgrade and Serbia. The principal issues the urban morphology network in Serbia would be faced with are: consolidating up-to-date research and contributions; translating the key references and Glossary present within the Urban Morphology discourse; integrating theoretical and applied knowledge - developing a common morphological language – as a conceptual framework applicable to various typologies and urban tissues; providing a better understanding of the complex phenomenon of urban form; and introducing the morphological dimension to plans, that is, the concept of form into planning.