After the catastrophic earthquake of 1963 that destroyed 80 per cent of the city, Macedonian capital Skopje became a symbol of international solidarity (aid for rebuilding came from 82 countries), heralding an era of heroic modern architecture and urbanism. It also presaged globalisation, when for the first time both East and West joined forces to drive forward the reconstruction of a city. Skopje's new masterplan was devised by two planning firms, Doxiadis from Athens and Poliservis from Warsaw, working with the local Institute of Planning and Architecture. Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and Slovenian Edvard Ravnikar won an international competition for the city centre, and a detailed urban plan, the famous 'Variation IX', was drawn up. Emerging from disaster, Skopje seized the opportunity to establish itself as a modern city.
展开▼
