Exploring Yugoslav Modernism: Dr. Adnan Zoranić's Book on Sarajevo's Residential Architecture

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the IUS Architecture study program hosted a promotion for a book titled “Residential Architecture in the Period of Late Modernism in Sarajevo – Spatial Concepts of Apartments and the Architecture of Collective Housing Buildings in the 1970s and 1980s in Sarajevo.” The book, authored by Associate Professor Dr. Adnan Zoranić, explores the architectural innovations of Sarajevo during the late modernist period, focusing on the spatial concepts of apartments and the architecture of collective housing.

Dr. Zoranić's work examines whether the research and architectural practices developed in the Yugoslav era, which prioritized human scale and needs, and leveraged technologically advanced prefabricated construction systems, have a universal applicability that can be adapted to modern contexts. The book posits that the quality and scope of these past achievements provide a robust foundation for contemporary architectural practices, allowing for thoughtful upgrades and adaptations to meet current and future needs.

The book emphasizes the value of the positive examples and accomplishments from Yugoslav modernism, suggesting that these should inspire ongoing architectural efforts. It advocates for architecture as a humane and forward-thinking profession, countering the trend of it being merely a tool for implementing the often dubious desires of investors.

The promotion featured reviews and discussions led by Associate Professor Dr. Tomasz Malec and Assistant Professor Dr. Adi Ćorović. Their insights underscored the significance of Dr. Zoranić’s research and its potential impact on future architectural endeavors in Sarajevo and beyond.