ATLAS OF SUMMER BREAK

Abstract

This thesis explores the perception of public urban space as a playground for children through the author's personal memories of summer vacations spent in the New Belgrade Block 70a. By reconstructing memories through drawings, mental maps, photographs, and text, both real and imaginary spaces that are significant in shaping the author's ideal of space as a playground for free play are defined. This thesis bridges two themes: the relationship with the city and children's imagination. The theoretical research draws upon philosophers and theo­rists of space and architecture who have dealt with public spaces and spaces of child's play. The exploration of the theme of Summer Vacation is based on conceptual, phe­nomenological, sentimental, private, and poetic levels. Understanding summer vacation as a phenomenon that continues to hold importance even in adulthood opens up the possibility of reinterpreting its original function in the period of maturity to create a new experience and percep­tion of space and time, similar to the one experienced during childhood. The aim of this thesis is to rekindle the sense of freedom achieved during summer vacations thro­ugh play, of which creative creation is an integral part.