How does architecture shape reality – and where does its true power lie? These are the questions raised by Milena Katić, Project Director at Zabriskie, during her lecture “Between the Salon and Practice”, held as part of the 47th Salon of Architecture in Belgrade – the most important architectural exhibition in Serbia.
Milena Katić also served as a member of this year’s professional jury. The Salon is organized by the Museum of Applied Arts, in partnership with ASAP (Association of Serbian Architectural Practices), the Association of Architects of Serbia (UAS), and the Women’s Architectural Society (ŽAD).
In her lecture, Milena reflected on the gap between the exhibition narrative and the realities of architectural work – between what is presented at the Salon and what defines the everyday practice of architecture, particularly in the real estate sector.
“High-quality architecture does not emerge outside of practice – it is born within it, through teams, processes, and responsibility toward space, time, and the people who inhabit it.”
– Arch. Milena Katić
Between Practice and Pressure – Where Does Value Lie?
The lecture addressed the concept of architecture’s “dark matter” – the often invisible layers of process, decision-making, and collaboration that shape the built environment. Special focus was given to the architectural team as a key driver of spatial transformation and value creation – both for users and investors.
Drawing from her experience as Project Director at Zabriskie, Milena shared insights into building effective and creative teams, and emphasized the importance of co-authorship and collaboration in achieving long-term value in architecture. As the co-author of several award-winning projects, including the Grand Prix at the 46th Salon of Architecture for the InGrid Schneider Electric Hub, she highlighted architecture’s potential to respond not only to aesthetic and technical demands, but also to the economic, energy, and social challenges of contemporary design.
See the complete lecture video
47th Salon of Architecture: Under Pressure
This year’s Salon provided a platform for reflecting on architecture under pressure — temporal, market, and societal — and revealed that within these very constraints, architecture can find relevance, resilience, and new directions for growth.
Photo: MPU / Dragana Udovičić