Mythology as a Driver of Creative Economy in Waterfront Regeneration: The Case of Savamala in Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

This article explores the impact of mythology on urban planning within the creative economy framework. In an urban environment, mythology provides new potentials and introduces the possibilities of built heritage as well as its prose and narrative forms, historical contexts, and social relations. Activists, artists, and other cultural workers promote the culture of freedom of expression in this authentic space. Their bottom-up approach allowed Savamala to become one the most interesting quarters of Belgrade. Meanwhile, the Belgrade Waterfront project is nearing completion and the question whether it will preserve the cultural heritage of Savamala arises. This article investigates the role of mythology in Savamala’s riverfront regeneration, the use of narrative myths and mythical spatial potentials, and the role of mythology in urban planning today.