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The Epicenter of Culture

The Epicenter of Culture
Type:
Student Project
Organization:

University of Belgrade
Faculty of Architecture

Year:
2017
Scope:

Master’s Thesis
Architectural Design

Overview:

This master’s thesis reimagines the bombed site of the National Library of Serbia, a location rich in historical significance, from ancient Roman baths to the remnants of the library itself. The project’s goal is to blend the site’s historical ambiance with a modern architectural and urban intervention that honors both past and present.

 

Instead of reconstructing the library or preserving its remains as ruins, the design repurposes original bricks from the destroyed building as central elements for a new complex. These bricks embody the core concept, forming a dynamic sequence that begins with a staircase descending to the ancient Roman layer, creating an underground level. The sequence then ascends as a memorial wall alongside neighboring structures, establishing a powerful connection to history.

 

The new design transforms the site into a public square, with a multi-story cultural space above and an underground level that extends to the ancient ruins below. This dual-level approach preserves historical traces while fostering a vibrant cultural hub. The reimagined complex honors the memory of the destroyed library, transforming a place of suffering into a place of creation – a new hotspot and the epicenter of the city’s cultural life.

Comments:

I love when students work on small structures but tackle big themes. This is a big theme, one of the most significant and open wounds of this city. I must admit that I am personally impressed by the way you approached the solution. Very measured, very modest, with minimal construction but a great deal of respect for the entire environment. It seems to me that your architecture, in the true sense of the word, is site-specific architecture. Removed from this location, it essentially ceases to exist; this architecture is impossible to replicate, which is why I believe you have achieved a good result. A dignified, moderate approach, full of respect for what that environment already is, and at the same time, a tremendous desire to somehow heal that space. This is not just a simple band-aid; this is a somewhat more serious architectural intervention. This location demands courage, and I think you have demonstrated exactly the right amount of it. In that sense, my compliments for what you have done. As far as I am concerned, I believe you have created a successful project. This work demonstrates that it is possible to achieve the 'less is more' principle. Students usually want to design the entire planet for their graduation projects, if they could. Your moderation in working within a limited space, with minimal resources but achieving good effects, shows that you have created a good project.

We can only join in such conclusions. Professor Djukanovic has beautifully concluded that this project should indeed be practically supported. I took the liberty of suggesting to the mentor that this is a wonderful vision which, through the analysis you provided with your thesis, has been absolutely brought to completion. In terms of the idea, I believe this is a complete success, especially considering the observations you offered regarding certain authorities who have presented specific perspectives on this position, which is a sensitive and sophisticated one. In my opinion, you have succeeded in this, I must say, unlike them.

Everything is complete, and everything is exactly as the members of the committee have commented. From what I have seen so far, among many student projects and interventions in this area, I believe this is the most mature solution, practically feasible for implementation.

Predrag Milovanovic

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