Ever since the early 20th century, residential architecture at the foot of Medvednica has been the standard against which architectural production in Zagreb is profiled and evaluated. The environment, which is a subtle combination of countryside and the city, makes this area a highly sensitive proving-ground for evaluating the implementation of general architectural standards, as well as the creative potential of architects and their clients. Recent architecture in Zagreb has been failing this test, being deplorably incompetent and alarmingly devastating. Stories of architectural success in this part of the city have become an exception and scandals have become a rule.