Post-War Architectural Damage as Living Memory and Symbol of Unity: Case Study of Vukovar, Croatia

Abstract The Battle for Vukovar was the largest and deadliest battle of the Croatian War for Independence in the early 1990s, and remains a significant symbol of the Homeland War in the Balkan region. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 people lost their lives during the 87-day siege. The city, known for its famous Baroque urban complex, was almost completely destroyed, and as a result, Vukovar has become a symbol of war and later, liberation. During the siege, soldiers used the Water Tower as a symbol of freedom and unity by placing the Croatian flag on top of it. The Water Tower has become an important symbol in this regard. Despite being hit 640 times with missiles and artillery, the tower never collapsed, making it a symbol of resilience. Post-war reconstruction has a long-standing tradition in Europe. To respond to contemporary challenges while emphasizing the continuity and identity of a country and place, it is important to consider commemorative spaces. Lessons from the not-so-distant war after the breakup of Yugoslavia may be valuable for planned activities in Ukraine. The study involved a literature review, case studies, and comparative and inductive methods, which led to the conclusions. The research goal of this paper is to contribute to the scholarly understanding of post-war urban regeneration processes, using Vukovar as a case study to examine the intersection of architecture, history, and community resilience. The study provides insights into the intersection of architecture, history, and community resilience in the context of urban regeneration following war, with implications for the housing environment of Vukovar. The relation between the study and the housing environment lies in the broader context of urban regeneration and reconstruction efforts following the Croatian War of Independence, with a specific focus on the city of Vukovar.