Unbreakable bonds: Serbian architects and the military (19th-21st century)

Abstract

From the 19th century uprising period to the present day, Serbia has witnessed a controlled militarization of urban areas as part of its defense policy, with the army showcasing its fighting spirit and emphasizing its crucial role in the public security system. During peacetime, this process unfolds gradually and inconspicuously as 'peacetime protective' measures, but escalates during political crises and wars. The devastating war conflicts, resulting from geopolitical and regional crises that often spilled into Serbia's territory over the last two centuries, have had adverse effects on both military and civil infrastructure. Beyond architecture, which holds significant communicative importance, this militarization has also impacted other aspects of visual culture. Military facilities, as a means of controlling public spaces, have assumed a prominent position in Serbian cities' symbolic topographies, often occupying main squares. Their construction is coordinated with the strategies of the Ministry of the Army's (or Defense) strategies, general urban plans and Serbia's spatial development. However, conflicts between architects and military institution managers often arose during implementation, with architects striving for adherence to planned solutions and artistic visions, while clients sought adaptation to current security needs. Despite developing in a more modest form compared to major world powers, Serbia's militarization of public spaces continues to merit critical examination. Beyond the architecturally-urban perspective dominant in scientific historiography, military complexes warrant a more comprehensive analysis from a security standpoint and as a legacy of a distinct military visual culture, influenced by military hierarchy dynamics and the country's changing geopolitical position. Thus, increased openness of military institutions to research their architectural past and improved collaboration between architectural and military historians could effectively address existing knowledge gaps.