ORIS ACO AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL ARCHITECTURAL CONTRIBUTION, 2015

SMILJAN RADIĆ

The world of Smiljan Radić rests on the duality of its parts. In a personal and persistent artistic concept, he unites phenomena and objects coming from other and different times and locations in order to realize completely authentic figurative sculptures such as The Casa Pite, Yungay Cultural Centre, House for the Poem of the Right Angle or the renowned Mestizo Restaurant. The architectural persona of Smiljan Radić is the exact opposite of the star architect notion. He wishes not to define his creativity in spectacular forms, as he is first and foremost dedicated to enriching the daily life of both individuals and communities inhabiting his public spaces. Forms are not of primary significance, what is important is the atmosphere reaching an eerie effect in the way only the best, the most dedicated can. Using non-material means, he takes into account every step, every sensory reaction of the residents of his spatialized concepts. Smiljan Radić’s research activities resides in the transitional stage of oscillating between an artistic concept and realistic construction, where he undoubtedly becomes an architect who uses all architectural means at his disposal in a confident manner.