Municipality policy as key factor for the role of architecture and technology in public health

Abstract

The construction of the so-called "social infrastructure" (kindergartens, schools, health centres, hospitals), which is the basis for a "public health" in a broader sense, in many countries is led by the administration (state and municipal). The quality of the built environment largely depends on the quality of financier, in this case embodied in some kind of state/municipal authorities, committees and civil servants. In this paper, an example of the application of up to date high-tech design methods and technologies in the design and construction of public buildings is presented. Belgrade public buildings designed and constructed in the period 2009 – 2013, is shown. The first five projects for construction of energy efficient kindergartens (up to passive house standard) with the use of renewable energy sources and realised through architectural competition, were considered as a passing fad, but such a practice has become standard procedure for the design of the other public buildings, and even the only option for the construction project of 1400 social apartments in Borča. The paper presents these projects, and, in particular, highlights the necessary processes and procedures established to ensure that these projects would be implemented.