Belgrade mail

The Initiator, the Artist, his Advocate and the Urbanist a platform for culture and city-making Project Description: Somewhere in-between chaos and order, in the absence of a solid, stable regulatory urban planning system, many Balkan cities today rely on vigorous self-organization. Solving problems through self-organisation created specific “yes, we / I can” culture showing great vitality, creativity and resilience in the times of crisis, causing positive impact on the economic, social and spatial development of neglected urban neighbourhoods. Still, potentials of this energy are not being fully utilized, because of a lack of a strong platform to showcase local knowledge and offer support in finding the common ground with the institutions.

BELGRADE

How can the benefits of this cultural phenomenon be disseminated throughout the typical Balkan city? What is the strength of the local self-organising micro networks? How can local neighbourhood interests be consolidated into manifesto for future development?

What should institutions do?

In the quest for answers, this project assumes four keyperspectives - The Initiator, the Artist, his Advocate, and the Urbanist- so as to determine a course of action. Starting in three culturally distinctive neighborhoods of Belgrade, Tirana and Skopje, the projects engages a full range of actors (international young urban professionals, local artist collectives, and institutional representatives) and strengths the culture of self-organizing micro networks through the development of an online “ideas and resources meeting place”, the organization of three IAAU workshops and the promotion of the IAAU platform at relevant local and international cultural festival.

TIRANA

Partners:

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION FOR HOUSING AND PLANNING Frederiksholms Kanal 30, st.mf. - DK-1220 Copenhagen K - Denmark - Tel. + 45 3056 9686 - info@ifhp.org - www.ifhp.org

SKOPJE

BELGRADE

IAAU in Belgrade 3-7 June 2014

On Savamala, Belgrade

Urban game

Much like other cities ravaged by political and cultural changes spanning over centuries, Belgrade is a place where decay and progress go hand in hand. The two extremes blend and spread throughout the city, and can be seen at every corner, on every façade. Some say that it can even be felt, and that this force somehow moves, like jazz. Belgrade is a score of an eclectic mix of notes, creating a rhythm, a pace that may not seem like music to most; yet, to those who recognize the beauty of chaos, it is not just music, it is more.

The workshop will be based on gameplay/ interactivity principles that will simulate coalition building around urgent issues of Savamala, such as re-use of vacant and derelict spaces, infrastructural changes, economic and social (self) sustainability, improvement of environmental conditions, etc.

Based on the “what if…” triggers and role-play formulas, the urban game will use collective intelligence (including all possible conflicts, competition and lobbies) to come up with co-created scenarios and define possible future programmatic content of the whole neighbourhood.

Savamala is a district in central old Belgrade on the east bank of the river Sava, crippled by years of mismanagement and neglect; a playground for delinquents, and overshadowed by bridges and volumes of passing traffic, Savamala fails to excite and invite its passers-by to stay the day. Not many get to see its architectural gems, hidden underneath sheaths of time. Long ago, the district was the center of trade, culture and history, only to lose its appeal at the turn of the century when the ruling bodies redirected their attention towards expansion, leaving it to fend for itself. The historic Kalemegdan fortress looms over the area, but fails to lead its visitors to the old warehouses, rundown residences, and forgotten craft shops.

A city of significance for two empires, a seat of socialist and post socialist regimes, Belgrade does not show signs of stopping as changes sway the place even today. Change is norm, not the aberration. It is a city of never-ending, pace-shifting rhythm. It is a modern-day Fitzgeraldian city of demise and rebirth. And it may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but for jazz lovers- it is more.

The game will compel participants to balance their collaborative and competitive behavior against each other in order to make Savamala flourish. In a “safe” environment, the participants will be able to exercise and speculate about the best ways, strategies and instruments to develop Savamala.

INFORMATION The participants are expected to cover their travel cost to and from Belgrade as well as any other expenses during their stay.

Applications Applications should contain a short CV. The application should be sent to: urbego@ifhp.org Deadline for applications is 15 May 2014 Successful applicants will be informed by 18 May 2014.

For further information please contact urbego@ifhp.org

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION FOR HOUSING AND PLANNING Frederiksholms Kanal 30, st.mf. - DK-1220 Copenhagen K - Denmark - Tel. + 45 3056 9686 - info@ifhp.org - www.ifhp.org