Reviving Yutopia

Abstract

This thesis explores the cultural and architectural significance of abandoned socialist-era hotels in the former Yugoslav region through the frameworks of vernacular architecture and critical regionalism. These buildings, once symbols of modernity and collective ambition, now stand as contested sites where memory, identity, and material decay intersect. By analyzing their layered histories and examining selected case studies, the research investigates how architectural identity in Yugoslavia was shaped by the tension between international modernist ideals and regional vernacular traditions.

Vernacular architecture, rooted in local material practices and cultural rituals, provides a lens to reconsider how interiors embody place and community. Critical regionalism offers a complementary perspective, advocating for designs that resist placeless globalization by grounding themselves in tectonic and cultural specificity. Together, these concepts highlight the importance of materiality and symbolism in shaping spatial experiences that are both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.

The study introduces the notion of Yutopia as a critical lens to reinterpret Yugoslav architectural monuments, utopian aspirations that have become fragmented through abandonment, yet still hold potential for renewal. Through comparative analysis of regional and global precedents, this thesis argues for an approach to interior architecture that honors vernacular heritage while engaging critically with modernity. The findings contribute to broader discussions on cultural continuity, architectural identity, and the role of design in negotiating between history and the present.