4. De-modernization of the Architectural and Engineering Profession in Serbian Society at the End of the Twentieth Century

The Serbian architectural profession was established over a period of two hundred years, during which it was internationally praised for architectural pieces of extraordinary quality. Serbia’s architectural education became an internationally recognized brand in the twentieth century. Members of the Yugoslav architectural society participated in public life and were equally respected and admired in a way similar to journalists, writers, actors, movie directors, and painters. The end of the century brought conflicts and economic crisis in the Balkan region. It was a period of interrupted post-socialist transition in which architecture, among other professions, was struggling for existence and losing its authority, social influence, and the solid foundations it was built on. In this chapter, we analyze the architectural profession at the end of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first century, taking into account its historic development patterns in order to understand its values, capacity, and accomplishments, and to envision its future. We will analyze various aspects, and context, of the profession and demonstrate both its positive and negative trends over time. The first aspect addresses the nature of the profession, its concepts, boundaries, organization, and relationships between its various specializations as well as relations with other complementary professions. We will try to recognize and evaluate its historical and contemporary identity. The second aspect addresses the relationships between the profession and society, government, civic groups, and public and educational institutions in which professionalism presents a governmental or societal goal. Finally, we will look at whether there is still trust in the profession, in and outside Serbian society.