Miljana Zekovic | University of Novi Sad (original) (raw)

Papers by Miljana Zekovic

Research paper thumbnail of Indeterminacy in architecture - case study of the Miseluk project

Facta universitatis - series: Architecture and Civil Engineering

In the absence of an established city planning strategy, the initial post-war urban development o... more In the absence of an established city planning strategy, the initial post-war urban development of the SFRY was founded on the principles of CIAM?s ?Functional City?, which soon proved inadequate in responding to individual user needs and in reflecting the collective interests of the young socialist state. This paper positions the search for a new spatial expression of the young socialist state within the global architectural discourse of the second half of the twentieth century, which shifted towards more variable, open and indeterminate architectural models employing various forms of user participation. The characteristics of a new approach in Yugoslav architectural and urban planning practice are examined through the case study of an unrealised project for the Miseluk zone in Novi Sad developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The aim of this paper is to analyse the socialist response to a dominant theme of architectural discourse that is once again gaining traction in the theo...

Research paper thumbnail of Transformative power of spatial memory: an interdisciplinary approach to space as performance

‘The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place... more ‘The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place in the abandoned school of Nova Strašnicka Škola, in Prague, under the aegis of PQ 2019. It was mentored by three architects, two directors and a dramaturg and playwright, sharing different approaches to explore and develop performances based on the specific properties of the space. The workshop was prepared in advance, based on discussions and the sharing of ideas and concepts. Each mentor was allowed to present their approach with the participants and the end result was an interdisciplinary exhibition. This interdisciplinary approach promoted the discussion of different spatial methodologies and raised the awareness of the participants to the different physical, material, sensorial, phenomenological, emotional and performative approaches to space. In this article, we propose to systematize and present some of the different methods employed in the workshop. We will briefly give the the...

Research paper thumbnail of Construction Technology in Serbian Context-Dealing with a Challenge

Contemporary architectural practice shows redefined position of construction technology, which be... more Contemporary architectural practice shows redefined position of construction technology, which becomes interwoven into essence of design process, known as concept. Strong relation between construction industry and architects becomes evident in day-by-day update of available construction technologies and demonstration of new materials application. In our context, the position is opposite, and what once was strong and highly developed construction industry, resulting in prefabrication and related design process, now is fragmented and underdeveloped sector. In such conditions, practice shows several anomalies regarding application of construction technology, which we define as light modernized, mutant and quasi-modern. Coping with the issues presented, we anticipated strategy that will primarily affect education of future practitioners, since the turbulent market realms are out of reach at the moment. Stretching the education between construction and design, we will seek for integral l...

Research paper thumbnail of The National Theatre in Subotica , Serbia-enveloping the building after 20 years

This paper refers to an issue of the current and obsolete in the architectural design process of ... more This paper refers to an issue of the current and obsolete in the architectural design process of complex programs in specific situations. As an extraordinary example we present a project of National Theatre building extension in Subotica, Serbia. The project of adaptation, reconstruction and designing annex of the building of National Theatre in Subotica is currently the biggest investment in the field of culture in the Republic of Serbia. Narodno pozorište Narodno kazalište – Népszínház is an institution with the long tradition of corresponding with the multiethnic society of its inhabitants through performances in all three different languages (Serbian, Croatian and Hungarian). In the last decade of the 20 century, the condition of the building was assessed as critical, and the idea about reconstruction, adaptation and extension was anticipated. After the open public competition in 1990 the joint project was developed by two highest ranked teams. In 2008 construction process was i...

Research paper thumbnail of Liminal space in art: the (in)security of our vision

Research paper thumbnail of Transformative power of spatial memory: an interdisciplinary approach to space as performance

Theatre and Performance Design

The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place ... more The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place in the abandoned school of Nova Strašnicka Škola, in Prague, under the aegis of PQ 2019. It was mentored by three architects, two directors and a dramaturg and playwright, sharing different approaches to explore and develop performances based on the specific properties of the space. The workshop was prepared in advance, based on discussions and the sharing of ideas and concepts. Each mentor was allowed to present their approach with the participants and the end result was an interdisciplinary exhibition. This interdisciplinary approach promoted the discussion of different spatial methodologies and raised the awareness of the participants to the different physical, material, sensorial, phenomenological, emotional and performative approaches to space. In this article, we propose to systematize and present some of the different methods employed in the workshop. We will briefly give the theoretical framework of each exercise undertaken by the participants, and discuss their potentialities as tools for exploring, transforming and performing spatial events, allowing space to be seen as a performative agent, an inspiration, a tool or an event.

Research paper thumbnail of Repositioning Strategies of Site-specificity: Extreme 1

Beginning with the second half of the 20 th century until today, site-specificity has been used t... more Beginning with the second half of the 20 th century until today, site-specificity has been used to mark a specific relation of an artwork with the site of its realisation or representation. Having been qualitatively easily applicable to a wide range of artistic practices, and used in different contexts for more than half a century, it has become the most commonly used term to refer to almost any possible relationship of an artwork and space it occupies. Inspiring and intriguing in its nature, the concept of site-specificity has evolved to such an extent, that it is possible to recognise two conflicting but interrelated processes: while suggesting diverse approaches to site-specificity, its development consequently leads to defining different categories of site-related qualities within the term. At the same time, this process often unfolds towards questioning the meaning of the term itself, due to its vast and uncritical application. This research aims at marking the strategies of site-specificity, through proposed specific typology of approaches within this phenomenon. The main objective of the work is to address this issue from the standpoint of architectural theory and spatial design practices. Thus, the crucial criteria for establishing such a typology refers to the role of space in chosen examples, with a specific focus on methods and procedures that led to their development. From recognising the practices of minimalist sculpture and the strategies of spaces writing over each other, to considering the possibilities of site-specific theatre, this research offers a theoretical construct of yet another extreme of the site-specific phenomenon, deeply rooted in architectural practice and education.

Research paper thumbnail of CONQUERING SPACE:  EXPERIMENTS IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

This paper analyses three levels of change in understanding space, spatial concept and spatial de... more This paper analyses three levels of change in understanding space, spatial concept and spatial design process applied directly through Architectural Design and Ephemeral Architecture courses at the 3rd year of the BA programme in Architecture . These levels of change are presented through three distinct but mutually supportive and complementary methods/strategies, applied in architectural design education in several projects featured in the aforementioned courses.

Research paper thumbnail of LIMINAL SPACE IN ART: THE (IN)SECURITY OF OUR OWN VISION

By introducing term 'Liminal Space' into theory and philosophy of architecture (referring to the ... more By introducing term 'Liminal Space' into theory and philosophy of architecture (referring to the spatial category necessary for the understanding and complete experience of the spectator facing the work of art or the artistic/performative event) we raise questions of needs, typologies and functions of concrete physical means used as a framework of its constitution. The idea of this research is also to emphasize the importance of a rather complex approach in presentation, perception and reception of the work of art or the artistic/performative event through a comprehensive way of merging of these activities, perceived mainly as separate components until now. Therefore the famous triad of questions from domain of architectural design: what (do we design?), with which means and in which ways?, and for whom?, applied onto understanding of the work of art or the artistic/performative event, offers a completely new answer -the artistic vision's placement through an overall scene design, with the use of the ephemeral architecture means, represents a basis for the creation of the spectator's own Liminal Space, through which he develops his own individual experience and interpretation. This paper aims at defining a new terminology considering proposed claim, partly through the existing theoretical framework, but also through the analysis of the exemplary work of Árpád Schilling and Krétakör production for the Prague Quadrennial 2011 (which took place at the abandoned and devastated printing hall complex in Prague, once the central spot of the Communist regime). Highlighting the reuse of the forgotten industrial heritage, this research points at qualities of these places and their potentials to become the new homes for the art.

Research paper thumbnail of KULTURNI CENTAR NOVOG SADA I STUDENTSKI KULTURNI CENTAR - STANJE I POTENCIJALI PROSTORA ZA KULTURU NOVOG SADA

Cilj ovog rada je da istraži, analizira i vrednuje postojeće prostore namenjene kulturi u Novom S... more Cilj ovog rada je da istraži, analizira i vrednuje postojeće prostore namenjene kulturi u Novom Sadu, a zatim da uspostavi jasan odnos ka umetničkoj produkciji dve institucije kulture - Kulturnog centra Novog Sada i Studentskog kulturnog centra Novog Sada, njihovom trenutnom stanju i razvojnim prostornim i programskim potencijalima.

Artistic and Curatorial Practice by Miljana Zekovic

Research paper thumbnail of Shared Pedagogies: 4 experimental workshops in interdisciplinary pedagogy (27-28 June 2015)

'Shared Pedagogies' is a series of practical workshops testing the possibilities for interdiscipl... more 'Shared Pedagogies' is a series of practical workshops testing the possibilities for interdisciplinary approaches to teaching - whether in architecture schools and training centres, art and design colleges or university drama departments.

Bearing in mind that developments in architecture, scenography and theatre/performance - and in the attendant professional practices of these disciplines - are significantly conditioned by the ways in which they are taught, these 4 workshops ask:

How are architecture, performance, dramaturgy and scenography being taught now? And, how might we teach them in future?

The discipline of architecture is already recognising the value of performance in the education of architects, enabling students to test and develop concepts and designs through prototyping and embodied inhabitation and to form more nuanced understandings of architecture/user relationships. Performance as pedagogical method helps break down architecture’s presumed autonomy, and critiques its dominant working methods. We aim to take these explorations further still.

We also aim to discover how architecture theory, tools and techniques might offer critical constructional tools for performance pedagogy and for training in theatre design. How might an awareness of architectonics (including, for example, studio exercises in form-making or a renewed stress on materials and textures) enrich theatre and performance pedagogy, generating new insights into play structure, choreographic and scenographic practices, devising processes or site-specificity – and what might be gained by working in this way?

Articles by Miljana Zekovic

Research paper thumbnail of WSD2013 Architecture: Instructions on how to use the Space

Interviews by Miljana Zekovic

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable Architecture Competition

A short interview with Ian Garrett and Miljana Zeković regarding the sustainable theatre competit... more A short interview with Ian Garrett and Miljana Zeković regarding the sustainable theatre competition, held in 2013 for the purposes of the World Stage Design.

Research paper thumbnail of Indeterminacy in architecture - case study of the Miseluk project

Facta universitatis - series: Architecture and Civil Engineering

In the absence of an established city planning strategy, the initial post-war urban development o... more In the absence of an established city planning strategy, the initial post-war urban development of the SFRY was founded on the principles of CIAM?s ?Functional City?, which soon proved inadequate in responding to individual user needs and in reflecting the collective interests of the young socialist state. This paper positions the search for a new spatial expression of the young socialist state within the global architectural discourse of the second half of the twentieth century, which shifted towards more variable, open and indeterminate architectural models employing various forms of user participation. The characteristics of a new approach in Yugoslav architectural and urban planning practice are examined through the case study of an unrealised project for the Miseluk zone in Novi Sad developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The aim of this paper is to analyse the socialist response to a dominant theme of architectural discourse that is once again gaining traction in the theo...

Research paper thumbnail of Transformative power of spatial memory: an interdisciplinary approach to space as performance

‘The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place... more ‘The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place in the abandoned school of Nova Strašnicka Škola, in Prague, under the aegis of PQ 2019. It was mentored by three architects, two directors and a dramaturg and playwright, sharing different approaches to explore and develop performances based on the specific properties of the space. The workshop was prepared in advance, based on discussions and the sharing of ideas and concepts. Each mentor was allowed to present their approach with the participants and the end result was an interdisciplinary exhibition. This interdisciplinary approach promoted the discussion of different spatial methodologies and raised the awareness of the participants to the different physical, material, sensorial, phenomenological, emotional and performative approaches to space. In this article, we propose to systematize and present some of the different methods employed in the workshop. We will briefly give the the...

Research paper thumbnail of Construction Technology in Serbian Context-Dealing with a Challenge

Contemporary architectural practice shows redefined position of construction technology, which be... more Contemporary architectural practice shows redefined position of construction technology, which becomes interwoven into essence of design process, known as concept. Strong relation between construction industry and architects becomes evident in day-by-day update of available construction technologies and demonstration of new materials application. In our context, the position is opposite, and what once was strong and highly developed construction industry, resulting in prefabrication and related design process, now is fragmented and underdeveloped sector. In such conditions, practice shows several anomalies regarding application of construction technology, which we define as light modernized, mutant and quasi-modern. Coping with the issues presented, we anticipated strategy that will primarily affect education of future practitioners, since the turbulent market realms are out of reach at the moment. Stretching the education between construction and design, we will seek for integral l...

Research paper thumbnail of The National Theatre in Subotica , Serbia-enveloping the building after 20 years

This paper refers to an issue of the current and obsolete in the architectural design process of ... more This paper refers to an issue of the current and obsolete in the architectural design process of complex programs in specific situations. As an extraordinary example we present a project of National Theatre building extension in Subotica, Serbia. The project of adaptation, reconstruction and designing annex of the building of National Theatre in Subotica is currently the biggest investment in the field of culture in the Republic of Serbia. Narodno pozorište Narodno kazalište – Népszínház is an institution with the long tradition of corresponding with the multiethnic society of its inhabitants through performances in all three different languages (Serbian, Croatian and Hungarian). In the last decade of the 20 century, the condition of the building was assessed as critical, and the idea about reconstruction, adaptation and extension was anticipated. After the open public competition in 1990 the joint project was developed by two highest ranked teams. In 2008 construction process was i...

Research paper thumbnail of Liminal space in art: the (in)security of our vision

Research paper thumbnail of Transformative power of spatial memory: an interdisciplinary approach to space as performance

Theatre and Performance Design

The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place ... more The Quest: Performing with the Ghost’ was an interdisciplinary four-day workshop that took place in the abandoned school of Nova Strašnicka Škola, in Prague, under the aegis of PQ 2019. It was mentored by three architects, two directors and a dramaturg and playwright, sharing different approaches to explore and develop performances based on the specific properties of the space. The workshop was prepared in advance, based on discussions and the sharing of ideas and concepts. Each mentor was allowed to present their approach with the participants and the end result was an interdisciplinary exhibition. This interdisciplinary approach promoted the discussion of different spatial methodologies and raised the awareness of the participants to the different physical, material, sensorial, phenomenological, emotional and performative approaches to space. In this article, we propose to systematize and present some of the different methods employed in the workshop. We will briefly give the theoretical framework of each exercise undertaken by the participants, and discuss their potentialities as tools for exploring, transforming and performing spatial events, allowing space to be seen as a performative agent, an inspiration, a tool or an event.

Research paper thumbnail of Repositioning Strategies of Site-specificity: Extreme 1

Beginning with the second half of the 20 th century until today, site-specificity has been used t... more Beginning with the second half of the 20 th century until today, site-specificity has been used to mark a specific relation of an artwork with the site of its realisation or representation. Having been qualitatively easily applicable to a wide range of artistic practices, and used in different contexts for more than half a century, it has become the most commonly used term to refer to almost any possible relationship of an artwork and space it occupies. Inspiring and intriguing in its nature, the concept of site-specificity has evolved to such an extent, that it is possible to recognise two conflicting but interrelated processes: while suggesting diverse approaches to site-specificity, its development consequently leads to defining different categories of site-related qualities within the term. At the same time, this process often unfolds towards questioning the meaning of the term itself, due to its vast and uncritical application. This research aims at marking the strategies of site-specificity, through proposed specific typology of approaches within this phenomenon. The main objective of the work is to address this issue from the standpoint of architectural theory and spatial design practices. Thus, the crucial criteria for establishing such a typology refers to the role of space in chosen examples, with a specific focus on methods and procedures that led to their development. From recognising the practices of minimalist sculpture and the strategies of spaces writing over each other, to considering the possibilities of site-specific theatre, this research offers a theoretical construct of yet another extreme of the site-specific phenomenon, deeply rooted in architectural practice and education.

Research paper thumbnail of CONQUERING SPACE:  EXPERIMENTS IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION

This paper analyses three levels of change in understanding space, spatial concept and spatial de... more This paper analyses three levels of change in understanding space, spatial concept and spatial design process applied directly through Architectural Design and Ephemeral Architecture courses at the 3rd year of the BA programme in Architecture . These levels of change are presented through three distinct but mutually supportive and complementary methods/strategies, applied in architectural design education in several projects featured in the aforementioned courses.

Research paper thumbnail of LIMINAL SPACE IN ART: THE (IN)SECURITY OF OUR OWN VISION

By introducing term 'Liminal Space' into theory and philosophy of architecture (referring to the ... more By introducing term 'Liminal Space' into theory and philosophy of architecture (referring to the spatial category necessary for the understanding and complete experience of the spectator facing the work of art or the artistic/performative event) we raise questions of needs, typologies and functions of concrete physical means used as a framework of its constitution. The idea of this research is also to emphasize the importance of a rather complex approach in presentation, perception and reception of the work of art or the artistic/performative event through a comprehensive way of merging of these activities, perceived mainly as separate components until now. Therefore the famous triad of questions from domain of architectural design: what (do we design?), with which means and in which ways?, and for whom?, applied onto understanding of the work of art or the artistic/performative event, offers a completely new answer -the artistic vision's placement through an overall scene design, with the use of the ephemeral architecture means, represents a basis for the creation of the spectator's own Liminal Space, through which he develops his own individual experience and interpretation. This paper aims at defining a new terminology considering proposed claim, partly through the existing theoretical framework, but also through the analysis of the exemplary work of Árpád Schilling and Krétakör production for the Prague Quadrennial 2011 (which took place at the abandoned and devastated printing hall complex in Prague, once the central spot of the Communist regime). Highlighting the reuse of the forgotten industrial heritage, this research points at qualities of these places and their potentials to become the new homes for the art.

Research paper thumbnail of KULTURNI CENTAR NOVOG SADA I STUDENTSKI KULTURNI CENTAR - STANJE I POTENCIJALI PROSTORA ZA KULTURU NOVOG SADA

Cilj ovog rada je da istraži, analizira i vrednuje postojeće prostore namenjene kulturi u Novom S... more Cilj ovog rada je da istraži, analizira i vrednuje postojeće prostore namenjene kulturi u Novom Sadu, a zatim da uspostavi jasan odnos ka umetničkoj produkciji dve institucije kulture - Kulturnog centra Novog Sada i Studentskog kulturnog centra Novog Sada, njihovom trenutnom stanju i razvojnim prostornim i programskim potencijalima.

Research paper thumbnail of Shared Pedagogies: 4 experimental workshops in interdisciplinary pedagogy (27-28 June 2015)

'Shared Pedagogies' is a series of practical workshops testing the possibilities for interdiscipl... more 'Shared Pedagogies' is a series of practical workshops testing the possibilities for interdisciplinary approaches to teaching - whether in architecture schools and training centres, art and design colleges or university drama departments.

Bearing in mind that developments in architecture, scenography and theatre/performance - and in the attendant professional practices of these disciplines - are significantly conditioned by the ways in which they are taught, these 4 workshops ask:

How are architecture, performance, dramaturgy and scenography being taught now? And, how might we teach them in future?

The discipline of architecture is already recognising the value of performance in the education of architects, enabling students to test and develop concepts and designs through prototyping and embodied inhabitation and to form more nuanced understandings of architecture/user relationships. Performance as pedagogical method helps break down architecture’s presumed autonomy, and critiques its dominant working methods. We aim to take these explorations further still.

We also aim to discover how architecture theory, tools and techniques might offer critical constructional tools for performance pedagogy and for training in theatre design. How might an awareness of architectonics (including, for example, studio exercises in form-making or a renewed stress on materials and textures) enrich theatre and performance pedagogy, generating new insights into play structure, choreographic and scenographic practices, devising processes or site-specificity – and what might be gained by working in this way?

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable Architecture Competition

A short interview with Ian Garrett and Miljana Zeković regarding the sustainable theatre competit... more A short interview with Ian Garrett and Miljana Zeković regarding the sustainable theatre competition, held in 2013 for the purposes of the World Stage Design.