Tatjana Babić (1970) is an architect and an associate professor at the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad. She graduated from the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade, and obtained her master`s and doctoral degrees at the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad. She is engaged in researching contemporary architectural practices, with an emphasis on exploring the potential of the creative educational process aimed at connecting people and creating a community of active citizens. During the teaching process, she designed and led a number of research projects involving more than 100 students. Together with colleagues, she organized several projects aimed at professionals and the general public. The results of these studies were presented at several representative professional exhibitions.
Aleksandra Pešterac (1984) is an architect. She received her doctorate from the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad, where she is currently an assistant professor leading courses in the field of scene architecture. Within the Department of Arts and Design, she is the Scene Design Chair. As an architectural designer, she participated in the development of several projects. She has published papers at international conferences, as well as in national periodicals. She is the co-author of several award-winning projects in the field of architectural design. She is a renowned author and mentor, regularly taking an active role in exhibitions and workshops.
Project description in English
The project "Kibic Walk" was realized as part of the Regio Earth festival, in the oldest part of Novi Sad - in the Almaška neighborhood. The project's goal, which included a temporary installation and a walk, was to introduce festival participants and all interested citizens to the specific ambiance and poetics preserved by the genius loci of old Novi Sad. Furthermore, it was important to highlight the activities of the "Almašani" nonprofit association, which from 2005 until today, through a series of actions and projects, preserved and protected this neighborhood from disappearance.
Walking through the winding streets, looking at the architecture of the buildings, entering individual courtyards, and talking with the residents, participants had the opportunity to learn about the history of the area and the life of the people who inhabited it. During the 300 years of its existence, certain parts of this neighborhood have disappeared. To acquaint visitors with the missing fragments of the past, exhibition boards – “kibicari” - were placed at deliberately selected points in space. The design of the “kibicar” was created by the transformation of the traditional architectural element of the house - the kibicfenster. This once-common architectural feature served as a point from which one could observe the street while being invisible from the outside. Nowadays this relic of history has a different role - allowing the observer to witness fragments of space in the area that are missing today. Selected photographs printed using the graphic technique - transferred on natural canvas, were placed within the “kibicar” creating a display of authentic spaces, stories, and images from the layers of the past of this city neighborhood.
The walk concluded at Svilara Cultural Station, where all "kibicari" formed a spatial installation, attracting curious passers-by and fostering a dialogue with the community. All of the “kibicars” were placed in a unique spatial installation and sparked the curiosity of passers-by who this time had the opportunity to see the whole story of many lost fragments from the past of the Almaška neighborhood. This installation symbolized the neighborhood's extension and highlighted the association's efforts over two decades to preserve and revitalize the area. The project not only celebrated the authenticity of Almaška neighborhood but also emphasized the community's ongoing struggle to maintain its historical essence amidst modern challenges.
