Preservation of vernacular knowledge and skills as a form of architectural heritage protection in Serbia

Although intangible heritage is fundamental to a nation’s cultural identity, it is often overshadowed by material legacy. Ensuring a balance between these two forms of heritage is vital for the holistic preservation of cultural identity and historical context. In Serbia, however, there is a clear disparity in the level of protection afforded to each. To highlight this issue, the paper first analyzes the legal regulations pertaining to the Republic of Serbia, noting that intangible heritage has only been recognized as part of the national identity in the last 15 years, with traditional building techniques and vernacular knowledge only mentioned sporadically. Among the entries in Serbia’s National Registry, only one building technique – stone carving, used predominantly in ecclesiastical architecture – is listed. Given the rich and diverse heritage of folk architecture in Serbia, there is a pressing need to enhance research and awareness in this cultural area. This paper begins by examining the most common building techniques in Serbia, emphasizing their complexity and cultural significance. It then evaluates the existing tools and approaches for the valorization and preservation of both folk architecture and the intangible heritage tied to traditional construction methods. The activities of the Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia, the leading institution in this field, are reviewed to provide insight into its contributions. The analysis extends to the role of formal education, exploring the presence of courses on traditional building techniques in secondary schools and higher education institutions. It also considers the contributions of informal education initiatives, led by associations and community groups, to the theoretical and practical understanding of these techniques. Finally, the importance of preserving traditional building methods is underscored, and potential strategies for enhancing their protection in the Republic of Serbia are proposed.