T. Mrđenović: Integral urban design concept as an instrument for waterfront regeneration
INTEGRAL URBAN DESIGN CONCEPT AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR WATERFRONT REGENERATION
Dr Tatjana Mrđenović
Abstract
The ‘global network society’ leads to crisis of urban paradigms. According to Baudrillard and Castells the paradigm of identity becomes a vehicle for social and urban development. The power of identity puts us in a network of global relationships. According to Castells being out of the network is synonymous with living in a local cage without opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the bright side of globalization. The paradigm of identity discusses this phenomenon at different levels: personal, social that spreads to urban development. Castells claims that phenomenon of frustrating identities is caused by the globalization process. Therefore, we need to develop (create) ‘project identity’ making us more sustainable in the flow of constant change. ‘Project identity’ is a process of personal and local urban community development; based on vision, goals, scenarios and strategies; always taking into account the potential and limitations of local context. In relation to the constant changes the process should be iterative and integrated. This means iterative cyclical growth with the expansion of cognition of individual and plural values. Integration includes various rationalities, identities, interests and levels of governance towards added value, using creativity and imagination to overcome barriers in communication.
Savamala presents one of the most important grounds for this kind of research. Its complexity; conflict between different spatial dimensions and positional features are of great importance for the development of a wider urban area; regarding its historical significance in the Belgrade’s development: proximity to downtown; the river; educational – business and commercial center. This complexity requires a reconsideration of its future identity. The topic of a workshop “Integrated urban design in regeneration Savamala” is one of the beginnings in creating a project identity. Integrated urban design has been used as a method in which is possible to create added value using creative milieu for communicative action. This process, in addition to creativity and imagination, integrates top-down and bottom-up approach in creating sustainable places. Openness of the method put its outcomes in further cycles of iteration in pursuit of an active participation of wider stakeholders in the way of giving suggestions and feedback on the proposed vision, goals, and strategies. The paper will discuss problems in regards to lack of integrative instruments and methods for waterfront regeneration, using the workshop as a case for testing the approach. The hypothesis is that integral urban design widens cognition of future place, with greater possibility to integrate differences into coherent whole. Research aims to enlighten the problem using art and creativity in considering urban issues. Expected result of the research is to define main principles of integrative urban design concept as an instrument for waterfront regeneration.