Paradigm shifts in the design of Romani settlements: field-based validations and uncertainties

Purpose This study aims to address the ongoing lack of professional knowledge regarding Roma housing in Serbia, which limits effective practical solutions. Building on previous research of informal Roma settlements, it focuses on a planned settlement transformed through adaptations by Roma residents. These changes reflect culturally conditioned life patterns and challenge standardized housing models imposed by non-Roma frameworks. The study stresses that understanding housing as a reflection of everyday social practices is essential for supporting spatial justice for the Roma community. Design/methodology/approach The research employs an interdisciplinary theoretical framework and an anthropological approach, treating housing as a complex system of practices and meanings. The fieldwork involved detailed observation, measurement and mapping of spatial changes compared to the original plan, along with prolonged engagement with residents to observe daily routines and spatial interactions. Due to the difficulty, or near impossibility, of obtaining consent for questionnaires or other forms of formal communication, the research was designed as participant observation based on field notes. Findings Results show residents independently transformed the planned settlement to align with their collective lifestyle and culture. All original housing units were significantly modified, revealing a mismatch between resident needs and the standardized housing model based on majority norms. Key spatial elements – courtyard clusters, streets and communal areas – were reconfigured or created to enhance social interaction and community cohesion. These adaptations highlight the importance of culturally responsive housing design. Research limitations/implications One limitation of this study is that it focuses on only one transformed planned Roma settlement in Belgrade (the only one of its kind), which may represent a limited research sample. Furthermore, the fact that Roma in Serbia constitute a heterogeneous group with diverse behavioral patterns suggests that the findings from Belgrade cannot be directly applied or generalized to other urban areas. Future research plans include expanding fieldwork to additional cities in Serbia and conducting comparative analyses, with the aim of achieving a more comprehensive understanding of spatial practices across different Roma communities. Social implications The research methodology and findings open the possibility of shifting existing professional paradigms from mere problem-solving to integrated understanding and design, enabling the development of inclusive and culturally conscious urbanistic and architectural solutions tailored to the Roma cultural context. Originality/value Unlike prior studies relying mainly on theory or surface observation, this research offers systematic, fieldwork-based insights into Roma residents' everyday spatial practices in Serbia. This anthropological approach fills a critical knowledge gap and provides a foundation for future design strategies aligned with real community needs and cultural practices.