LINA Conference: Community-Led Architecture

The platform’s third annual conference will take place on October 3 and present a new generation of LINA fellows, along with local and international speakers. It marks the beginning of a year of collaborations between LINA members new generation of fellows that form the platform’s Architecture Programme.

Community-Led Architecture
Throughout history, certain cities have flourished because citizens, united around shared values and goals, rather than governments or corporations, have taken the lead in developing the city. The 2024 LINA Conference: Community-Led Architecture highlights the importance of the role of communities in the development of the city and their contribution to the promotion of architectural innovation. 

It is no coincidence that we are addressing this issue in Sarajevo, a city known for its resilience and inclusiveness. Unlike most European cities, where systematic urban development is carried out with government support and control, Sarajevo’s growth has been driven by the empathy and mutual support of its people. Throughout history, and even today, neighbours and friends have proven to be far more reliable than governments. Bosnia is a true bottom-up place with important lessons about resilience and sustainability, and Sarajevo stands out as a great example of a city built on empathy and collective spirit.

These communities have proved crucial to the survival of the city, even as they have been the target of violence and oppression. As key guardians of cities, communities around the world continue to be targeted by violence, leaving devastation in their wake. While it may take years to rebuild physical structures, it takes decades of effort and compassion to rebuild shattered communities.

The power of community is underlined by Sarajevo’s rich history, including its Olympic legacy, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The city continues to inspire with its architectural achievements based on the spirit of community. The 2024 LINA Conference will look at these projects not only as architectural achievements, but also as the heritage of the community. At the same time, we want to reveal their fragility, vulnerability and long-term processes of renewal that go beyond physical reconstruction.