Strast prema prošlosti i imperativ funkcionalnosti - međuratna beogradska rezidencijalna arhitektura Aleksandra Deroka

Milica Madanović

doi:10.5937/saj1901043m

Abstract

The name and the achievements of Aleksandar Deroko shine brightly in the constellation of Serbian architectural history. Deroko actively contributed to the Serbian twentieth-century architecture as a distinguished professor at the University of Belgrade, a prolific author, esteemed scholar, designer, and a highly driven heritage enthusiast. However, though recognised by his contemporaries and successors alike, Deroko's design activity has not yet been thoroughly examined. Exploring residential buildings designed for Deroko's Belgrade clientele, this paper widens the knowledge of his architectural production. Deroko's well-known passion for architectural history and extensive research of the Serbian vernacular buildings serve as a starting point for the study of his residential structures in Belgrade. Was Deroko's design process influenced by his deep appreciation for architectural past, and by the results of his findings? Or has he only adopted the formal characteristics of historic styles and vernacular architecture in his work? If so, to what extent? Discussing five structures built in the interwar period - house of Colonel Elezović, the Rakić villa, the Simić villa, the Marinković villa, the Stakić villa and the architect's personal villa - the paper traces transformation of Deroko's architectural inspiration, from typical academic historicist eclecticism to vernacular construction.

Highlights

Architect, scholar, University lecturer, heritage worker, painter – to list only a few of his interests – Aleksandar Deroko left an indelible mark on the Serbian twentieth century architecture.1 His active nature, inquisitive mind, and unpretentiousness resulted in a unique charisma, adored by the students and respected by his peers
Focusing on the residential structures designed between the world wars for his Belgrade clientele, this paper contributes to the study of Deroko’s design activity
The second part of the paper focuses on Folklorism – a specific style which emerged in Serbian architecture of the twentieth century

Summary

Introduction

Scholar, University lecturer, heritage worker, painter – to list only a few of his interests – Aleksandar Deroko left an indelible mark on the Serbian twentieth century architecture.1 His active nature, inquisitive mind, and unpretentiousness resulted in a unique charisma, adored by the students and respected by his peers. The third part of the paper discusses Deroko’s interwar writings on the Balkan vernacular construction, which served as the main source for interpreting his designs for residential architecture of that period. As a researcher of architectural heritage, Deroko curiously explored buildings’ structural qualities, construction processes, materials, etc.

Results

Conclusion