Diverse professional and general discussions are focused on
transformation processes of contemporary urban territories. All
major architectural exhibitions in the world tangle the problem of the
relationship between architecture and spatial development, turning
away from internal architectural issues towards the re-affirmation of
the role of architecture in shaping of contemporary spaces.
The return to these topics opens the question about the merits of
architecture and whether it can, if not control the contemporary
processes that form the cities, then at least influence them.
In that light, our Salon is an unusual event, one of the rare national
architecture exhibitions without pre-determined topics, an exhibition
that not only disregards contemporary concerns, but it also still
represents a selection from architectural production. Is such an
exhibition a format adequate for this contemporary moment in time?
More than other places, the Croatian territory reflects the historical
dynamism of its creation. The position of Croatia at the clash-point
of large geo-political systems has dramatically conveyed even the
slightest tectonic disruption onto the Croatian territory, changing the
role of Croatian cities, and thereby also directing their development.
Spatial and historical discontinuity is clearly visible in their structure.
In that environment, the development of cities has less been
a consequence of elaborate collective policies, and more of a
series of individual practices. The same position determines this
contemporary moment, when architecture is coming about in the
unstable equilibrium of rules, public, profit, and individuality. The
Croatian space is still not being shaped by articulated spatial
policies, but rather by individual innovative properties of particular
projects.
Insofar an exhibition representing a cross-section of production still
has a clearly defined role.
The historical experience of living in an unstable environment can be
invaluable in new contemporary circumstances, where the European

territory now also passes through the process of re-defining borders
and development strategies. The recognition of tendencies and
trends within the Croatian framework is important for a discussion
on the development of the contemporary territory and the attempt at
definition of architectural policies.
The answer to contemporary challenges of the Croatian territory
in new geographic circumstances can by no means by a result of
uncritical and simplified application of global models, but exclusively
of local innovative practices.
In this respect, the recognition of architectural production, however
sensitive and feeble it might look in relation to its environment, is
a cultural issue of major importance. To what measure Croatia will
be able to retain its recognisability, i.e. create and accomplish a
new one, depends on the degree to which it will be able to preserve
the sensitive balance that enables the activity of a dynamic and
innovative architectural scene.
:
Saša Randić
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------