General Topics Importance of place:

Use of context, place and local architecture as a platform for an innovative, upgrading architectural approach

New Philosophy and Paradigm Change in Architecture

/current situation and possibilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina/
Doc.Dr. Denana Bijedi1,
Doc.Dr. Emina Hadi, MSc.Geod. Slobodanka Kljuanin2

Abstract:
Current situation in Bosnian architecture is characterized by postwar reconstruction (as
consequences of war destruction during 92-95), as well as by uncontrolled construction in society
that went through parallel emergency reconstruction and transitional processes.
Mayor needs for various kinds of built spaces are reflected in illegally built neighborhoods,
uncontrolled urban development and the use of cheap building technologies. This extremely
changed ambient values and architectural image of Bosnian and Herzegovina represents additional
obstacle for further development.
All above reflects directly to current architectural practice, and indirectly to architectural
educational processes in our country. Namely, dealing with architecture in unsettled transition
society lead all stakeholders to face numerous, often unexpected problems. In the same time, global
processes related to environmental degradation, and needs to its sustainability, are directing efforts
done within academic community to put in focus environmental responsibility and consciousness,
which must be constantly present during architectural delivery processes. This refers equally to
educational process and to practice.
Reaching environmental responsibility, within given local framework, is great temptation
and inspiration for whole academic community. In that sense, it is of utmost importance that
academic and professional communities implement new approach to programming, designing,
construction and use of built environment. The necessity of paradigm change in architecture,
besides the highest level of conventional architectural skills, requires high level of consciousness on
consequences that built structures have on all aspects of economic, social and environmental
sustainability.
In seeking path towards environmentally sound approach to architecture, the conclusion has
been made: Numerous eco-efficiency strategies developed all around the world are noble and
desired, but in long term they cannot succeed to provide answer to global sustainability, because
such strategies are developed within the same system of thinking that brought up the problem.
Therefore, environmentally responsible and sustainable approach to architectural delivery
processes cannot be based, only, on imposing limits to environmental degradation in sense of
providing guidelines standards or normative. The solution could be found in changing the role and
use of philosophy in architectural research and practice as well. Only holistic approach, i.e.
transition from fragmentation towards integration of whole process, followed by definite paradigm
change can lead us to excellence, built environment soundly integrated to surrounding.
Creation of multidisciplinary partnerships, teams of truly equal partners that share same
philosophy and ethical responsibility, are key issues that could lead us towards reintegrated, sound
relations between natural processes and human activities. Disseminating information on
environmental problems, and possible solutions among architectural practitioners and academicians
is crucial for reaching desired paradigm change.

Key words:

architectural delivery process, architectural design, architectural structure, building

construction, environment, sustainability, philosophy, ethic, multidisciplinary partnerships

1
Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo
2
Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sarajevo