May this year was special. Typically sunny and warm, but also full of surprises because for two days, Belgrade became the center of Europe for the architectural profession. An idea that a small group of enthusiasts from the magazine Arhitekta had been working on for over six months finally became a reality. The first Arhitekta Forum was held, a professional gathering where seven esteemed, multiple-award-winning European architects came together, ready to share their knowledge and experience with the regional audience.
Over two days, May 7th and 8th, nearly 900 architects, students, and construction professionals had the opportunity to gain insight into the work processes of top architectural firms, the challenges and obstacles they face, as well as personal views and opinions on various aspects of design practice. The first Architect Forum was graced by the presence and participation of Mr. Sergei Tchoban (Tchoban Voss Architekten), René van Zuuk (René van Zuuk Architects), Martin Lesjak (Innocad), Zoltán Neville (Coldefy), Michiel Riedijk (Neutelings Riedijk Architects), Sir Peter Cook (Cook Belacevic Haffner & Partners), and Ho-Yin Ng (AL_A). Coming from five different countries, with experience dating back to the mid-20th century, the lecturers engaged in interesting, appealing, and inspirational discussions and presentations, addressing the theme – “Next Level.”
The initiative launched with the organization of the Forum aims to bring the methodological and design practices of successful foreign architectural firms closer to the regional audience. Based on the reactions and feedback received, the guiding idea, as well as the format and selection of participants for the entire event, were correctly determined. The fact that the first step was successfully taken obliges the organization to plan the next Architect Forum in the near future. To everyone’s satisfaction, the first steps in that direction have already been made.
