Fontana:
Fontana (Фонтана) is an urban neighbourhood of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. It is located in Belgrade's municipality of Novi Beograd. Fontana sprawls around the intersection of Pariske Komune, Narodnih heroja, and Otona Župančiča streets, in the north-central section of the municipality. It roughly comprises (entirely or partially) Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 5 that were mostly built in the 1960s.
The object of this cache entry is the cultural centre "Fontana" by architect Uroš Martinović which at the time of its construction in 1967 was the unofficial centre of New Belgrade. What was intended as a cultural centre for the new imagined city is now very dilapidated and in need of renovation. The building is listed as a cultural monument, as it is considered to be a representative of modern Serbian architecture however due to its current state, you would likely pass it without giving it a second glance.
*** read the log entry re sliding coordinates ***
In March 2008, the city government announced complete reconstruction of Block 1, including the shopping complex Fontana. Reconstruction was scheduled to be finished by the end of 2008, and was to include the building of a public underground garage, renovation of the children playgrounds, green areas, fountain and ground level of the "Fontana" centre. The reconstruction didn’t occur. The centre currently houses a cinema, supermarket and small independent shops.
About the architect:
Uroš Martinović joined the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade in 1951, and two years later became assistant and later assistant professor habilitation in 1957. In 1960 he received the title of associate and full professor in 1971. Besides being a teacher and lecturer, he was active as a historian and theorist of architecture. Martinović was primarily engaged in architectural and urban design. During his working life he served as dean of the Faculty of Architecture (1964-67), member of the University Council, the President of the SAS (1964-68), director IAUS-a (1980-83) as well as other professional engagements. Martinović authored over fifty architectural and urban projects, half of which were realised. Martinović was awarded the October Award of Belgrade for his contribution to the design and construction of New Belgrade (1968), Republic Award of the daily "Borba" (1968), Seventh July Award for Lifetime Achievement (1987), as well as the Grand Prize for Architecture SAS s (1985). Martinović was the author of dozens of articles in professional journals and newspapers and five books. At the time of its establishment in 1995. He was a member of the Initiative Committee of the founding of the Academy of Architecture of Serbia.