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Paper short abstract

Urban undergrounds, whether recognized or overlooked, are integral component of the urban fabric. This paper examines the use of basements and shelters in New Belgrade neighbourhoods under varying circumstances, both in everyday life during peacetime and in crisis situations.

Paper long abstract

New Belgrade is a district of Belgrade developed on a former floodplain as a state-led urbanization project that embodied the ideals of socialist modernity and intended to serve as the capital of the envisioned future Yugoslav socialist state (Blagojević 2007, Kulić 2013). Since it was established during the Cold War, the political and social principles guiding its construction incorporated specific security objectives. These were expressed both above and below ground, through representative and public architecture; among the others through underground spaces such as basements and atomic shelters.

This study investigates how those underground spaces in New Belgrade are used, focusing on management practices and inhabitants’ perceptions, and explores the purposes they serve, if any. I draw on narratives from inhabitants of selected neighbourhoods, reflecting on their experiences from socialist Yugoslavia and the 1990s wars, including the NATO bombing, to the recent conflict in Ukraine.

Research reveals that underground places are not only buried and wasted (García, Pike 2025) but are also integrated into urban life both in everyday routine and crisis situations. For instance, basements, which generally serve as storage, may be adapted as service premises or venues for residents’ council meetings. Similarly, atomic shelters can be leased for commercial purposes, such as hosting a gym.

Research for this proposal was conducted within the project entitled 'Komshiluk in a Big City? Neighbourly Relations in New Belgrade' (NCN Miniatura, 2023/07/X/HS2/00085). The findings are derived from field research conducted in 2024. The research methodology was based on in-depth interviews and participant observation.