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Transformation of urban environments is a complex process that should always be an upgrade of urban conditions, linked with socio-economic factors. Such a process demands a participatory, open approach that is not available in most transitional societies and can in some cases lead to a negative gentrification process. The urban tissue discussed in this paper is a part of an industrial city, mostly built-in the modernist style of architecture as well as its urban matrix. It does contain some historic heterogeneous areas that were once important parts of the city center, but its role has been degraded over time. This is not only about a case study, but rather a model for situations that many cities encounter in their quest to revitalize within a similar urban condition. The city of Zenica has a strong industrial/modernist image that shapes the image with all positive aspects (functionality, quality of public spaces, and architecture) and negative (lack of urban continuity form such as „traditional "streetscapes). The questions posed here would be to explore different urban regeneration scenarios and possible interventions within proposals that can range from upholding and enhancing the existing character with more subtle or invasive approaches, or creating a kind of a new hybrid urban and architectural typology that will emphasize all elements of iconic cityscape to the character of the specific site. A set of key parameters is introduced to objectively assess different models presented and assessed through quantitative and qualitative attributes. This approach to urban rehabilitation of mixed (modern and partly historic) transitory urban tissue, must be done with the awareness of the stratification/layers and capacity of a place. Adaptive reuse and constant upgrade of the existing structures is a shift from an architectural makeover into a responsible intervention scenario that serves to improve above all the dwelling conditions and uphold adequate space use. Urban rehabilitation that deals with stratification looks at the city as a living organism - with its hidden substructures that support life and visible manifestation of built tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercultural impact on architectural discourse and education is currently very evident and beneficial, as we are instantly engaged and intertwined in this contemporary globalized world. However, the beginnings of these intercultural exchanges in previous centuries have had profound effects on European culture and cityscapes, and sometimes intensely influences its outcomes even today. One such encounter is presented in this research, a respectful and meaningful meeting of cultures that resulted in a unique architectural style and educational paradigm. The Austro-Hungarian occupation, followed by the formal annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1878.-1918.) is a period of profound social changes, after centuries of the feudal order, best reflected in architecture and education. Among others, Czech architects have arrived with the new Monarchy to live and work, and each left a personal, stylistically different mark on the architectural mosaic of the country. At the beginning of their careers, they encountered an oriental culture, that they wanted to transform and adapt to Central European spirit and lifestyle. Karel Pařík, as the author of numerous structures, stayed mostly within the domain of interpretations of eclecticism, while Karel Pánek and František Blažek make a step towards new fresh fin-de-siècle style. A synonym for the Art Nouveau movement is Alphonse Mucha, who by painting murals in the pavilion of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, got international attention to the country's Slavic roots and their new European identity. Deep impact is left by Jan Kotěra, an architect that designed a building, a sort of a prelude to early modernism in Sarajevo. Architect Josip Pospíšil, has immersed himself deeply into the essence of the ottoman vernacular building and became one of the pioneers in creating a unique merged Bosnian style. He will be followed by many protagonists of a very recognizable Sarajevo School of Architecture in the second half of the 20th century. Besides successful careers, most of these architects take an active role in cultural, social, and especially in the educational development of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This paper explores this link, initiated by Technical High school in 1889, with Czech architects as lecturers. After the First world war, some of these students continue their education at the Czech High Technical school in Prague. This is a core group of four individuals that established the first Technical University in 1949 with Architecture and Civil Engineering as key departments. The paper explores this multicultural link and emancipation role of the Czech architects on the formation and profiling of specific architectural language and education at the Faculty of Architecture in Sarajevo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In architecture education worldwide, there is an old but perpetual debate on how to integrate practical learning in the academic program. In recent times, introduction of problem-based and project-based learning (PBL) has been highly praised approach because it empowers the students to deal with real-life problems. Like many other higher education institutions which strive to improve their curricula, the Faculty of Architecture University of Sarajevo examines various modalities of integration of practice into formal education. The curriculum has evolved from a predominantly theoretical framework and working with abstract assignments to recognizing and adequately responding to up-to-date topics and real social problems. However, there is a noticeable institutional inertia that impedes the timely response of the academic community to urgent challenges and changes in society. In an effort to eliminate the identified shortcomings and improve the education process, the Faculty of Architecture University of Sarajevo, has undertaken a number of activities in cooperation with partner institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU, resulting with critical assessment of the status quo and developing guidelines for future actions. Following the implementation of the international research project "HERD" 2013-2016, energy efficiency and sustainability topics have been incorporated in several courses. As a result of the capacity building of the teaching staff and their continuous training, the project "Typology of residential buildings in BiH" was successfully implemented. The long-term outcomes of this project are of national relevance, as it assists the government in creating strategies for implementing energy efficiency in the housing sector, while the research results can be easily utilized both by the individuals and society as a whole. Examples of cooperation with the industry also serve as an illustration of possible ways to improve the quality of education and raise the competencies of the students. The aim of this paper is to present the importance and modalities of incorporating the practical component into the process of architecture education and actualization of global topics in the local context. It is also necessary to point out the shortcomings in the existing academic procedures on different levels, and the need of valorisation of extracurricular activities. The previously gained experience and examples of good practice should support all stakeholders involved in the educational process: from academia, the industry and the professionals, to the wider community. Such shared endeavours can significantly contribute to a better learning environment and application of acquired knowledge and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]