YARDS OF THE VRAČAR NEIGHBORHOOD IN 2000S: ARCHITECTURAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF NEIGHBORLY RELATIONS

Abstract

This paper is the result of mutual architectural and anthropological research of old yards in Belgrade’s Vračar neighborhood. We tried to determine types of old (court)yards and modes of neighborly relations in part of Vračar which is steadily disappearing because of urbanization and so-called investment building. In the course of the research of old Vračar yards, we paid equal attention to both spatial and social neighborhood. By means of spatial analysis we determined that there are two types of old yards in the examined area – the enclosed and the open type. Research showed that the type of yard does not influence the neighborhood relations, while the entirety of factors related to contemporary urban life in big cities does. One of the most important factors which alters the neighborhood’s landscape and neighborhood relations is the thrust of investment building, and inhabitants of Vračar yards have negative attitudes towards it. In the final part of the paper we emphasize the necessity of greater engagement of anthropologists and architects. Instead of buildings which don’t appropriately relate to urban context and city structure, construction of buildings which are more aligned to principles of quality habitation is needed.