Modernist landscape and cultural identity: Memorial sites by Bogdan Bogdanović

Abstract

This study addressed the active role of landscapes as cultural, symbolical and social spaces. The process of modernization of natural landscapes has not always involved intensive construction works and urbanization. Pertinent to this, present study examines the transformation of landscapes from the sociological and cultural perspective and takes into account that landscapes represent spaces of everyday life, socio-cultural constructions, and mental and subjective presentations of the surroundings. Modernization of natural and rural landscapes by thought-out shaping, careful selection of materials and the use of universal symbols can be observed in memorial sites that were designed by Yugoslav architect Bogdan Bogdanović. During 1950`s he has developed original concepts of design and landscape preservation in the process of urbanization, and has generated a powerful and integrated landscape identity. Bogdanović expressed a strong belief that architecture has to be in accord with the landscape and that it has to grow within the natural context not affecting the natural surroundings. Bogdanović’s monuments and compositions have shapes of different origin. However, there is a common aspiration towards organic integration into the landscape, evocation of the local spirit of the place, and emitting specific symbolism. Using semiotic functions, we can understand how Bogdanović gave cultural, historic, political and urban meaning to the space. This paper tackles the ongoing transformation of modernist landscapes in socialist Yugoslavia, focusing on ideological perspective and bringing to surface multiple layers of cultural identity.