Transformation of identity of Savamala district in Belgrade

Abstract

Identity is a feature that helps us distinguish one space from the other (Arthur & Passini, 1992: 87). When it comes to identity of a city it is defined through the character of the space, specific spatial attributes and ambient (Lawson, 2001). Identity of European post-socialist cities, especially timeworn urban city centres underwent huge transformation during the last century. Neglecting of buildings and open public space accompanied with a shift from traditional to modern lifestyle and construction methods lead to complete or partial devastation of old city centres. During the last couple of decades, due to new paradigms in urban planning and design, these areas are under a process of urban renewal, redevelopment or reconstruction. This situation happened in Savamala district, which is located in the centre of Belgrade urban city core, near the Sava riverfront. From the oldest part of the town to the urban hub that it is today, Savamala district underwent complete transformation of identity. Due to a small-scale “bottom up” participatory urban design projects the location of Savamala neighbourhood now represent one of the most important landmarks in Belgrade (Cvetanović et al., 2016), and the crucial element of identity of the city. The aim of this paper is to present and analyse the transformation process of the Savamala district, with the focus on redefining and evaluating the identity of this specific area today. Methodology used in this paper is based on case study research, through content analysis and expert observation methods. The paper includes an overview of the primary sources, from the General plan of Belgrade, originating from 1923, which provided the expansion of the Savamala district and descent of Belgrade to the river. Also, multi-criteria network based on user perspective and background research was implemented and used for identity evaluation. Today, when the question of Savamala reconstruction is a debated and controversial topic, it is of great importance to emphasize the significance of participatory design and the results gathered from this research paper could serve as a base for future development of this area.