Transformation of New Belgrade Modern Space in Different Ideological Contexts Changes in the Theory and Practice of Urban Planning

Abstract

Built in the strong ideological context of self‐management socialism as a big housing area according to the principles of Athens Charter and modern urbanism New Belgrade continuously presented a point of interest in terms of its future development. The changes of ideology conditions that ensued after the 1990’s, as a result of both political system (from socialist to democratic society) and economy system transformation (from economic planning to market economy), conditioned specific transformation of the modern space of New Belgrade and its ideological representation. Today, when New Belgrade is undergoing a post‐socialist transition, the issues related to various city planning problems have arisen as a consequence of urban densification and open market economy processes. This paper advocates the stance that it is necessary to explore the development processes of New Belgrade urban structure from the standpoint of the relationship of existing physical structure and changed ideological principles in certain historical moments. The paper researches urban space of New Belgrade from the period of construction of New Belgrade as the large residential area to its current interpretation as a commercial and business center in terms of interaction between political ideology and architectural – urban practice. The acent is on the transitional periods that are set as the turning points of different theoretical and ideological models. The main problem is the change in ideological representation of New Belgrade that appeared on the level of urban structure and its future direction of urban development.