yugoslav modernism in africa and middle east

Since 2008, Yugoslav modern architecture has gained its revival in media, science, arts and popular culture worldwide. It became somewhat a buzz, since the exhibition Toward a Concrete Utopia: Architecture in Yugoslavia, which was on display in New York City’s MOMA. However, the architectural masterpieces of Yugoslav architects that were built outside of Yugoslavia were not given equal attention. Due to the influences and political connections that Yugoslavia cultivated by creating and participating in The Non-Aligned Movement, the federative republic was able to export its architecture and ideology through a number of countries who were members of the movement-African and Middle East countries.

In this article, we present our favorite top 10 architectural masterpieces outside Yugoslavia.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Photo from Pinterest

Architects: Zoran Bojović, Predrag Ðaković, Milorad Cvijić and Ljiljana Bojović, Energoprojekt, Lagos Trade Fair, Lagos, Nigeria, 1976.

THE FINDECO HOUSE, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Photo from Pinterest

Architects: Dušan Milenković and Branimir Ganović, The Findeco House, Lusaka, Zambia, 1974.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, KAMPALA, UGANDA

Photo by Charles Marc

Energoprojekt, International Conference Center at Serena Hotel, Kapmala,Uganda, 1975.

THE BABYLON HOTEL, BAGHDAD, IRAQ

Photo from Pinterest

Architects: Edward Ravnikar, Majda Kregar, Edo Ravnikar and Miha Kerin, The Babylon Hotel, Baghdad, Iraq, 1982.

AL KHULAFA RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX, BAGHDAD, IRAQ

Photo from Designed magazine

Architects: Zoran Bojovic and Ljiljana Bojovic, Al Khulafa Residential Complex, Baghdad, Iraq, 1984.

9th INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ENTEBE, UGANDA

Photo by Shmuel Peled

Architect: Aleksandar Kekovic, 9th International Airport, Entebe, Uganda, 1973.

In 1960, the Government of Ghana decided to construct the Kwame College of Technology. Over the years, the complex underwent an expansion during which a large number of facilities were constructed. Five new buildings have been designed by Yugoslav architects, such as Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, Unity Hall, Africa Hall, Senior Staff Club and College of Architecture.

AFRICA HALL

Yugoslav modern architecture Africa and Middle East
Africa Hall, photo: Lukasz Stanek

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE

Kwame College of Technology
College of Architecture, photo: Anthony Addae

STAFF CLUB HOUSE

Kwame College of Technology
Staff Club House, photo: Lukasz Stanek

VICE-CHANCELLOR’S LODGE

Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, photo: Transnational Arch. Group

If you would like to discover Yugoslav modern architecture in Belgrade you can book a tour here: Yugoslav Modern Architecture tour.

Sources:

https://www.spomenikdatabase.org/post/10-works-of-yugoslav-modernist-architecture-in-africa-the-middle-east