Architects of Serbia: The current contractors of the Railway Station have not passed the test of time

The current generation of contractors who reconstructed the building of the Railway Station in Novi Sad allowed the canopy to collapse - the members of the Association of Architects of Serbia assessed in a statement regarding the tragedy that happened on Friday.

"Exactly sixty years ago, architect engineer Imre Farkaš, together with his team of engineers and builders, in very limited financial, technological and weather conditions, managed to build this magnificent modernist building, which has stood the test of time."

Unfortunately, sixty years later, our generation of engineers and contractors, with a very generous budget, advanced technology and enough time, failed to pass this test, allowing the facility owned by the Republic of Serbia, reconstructed with funds and under the authority of the authorities of the Republic of Serbia to become a danger to the safety of the citizens of Novi Now, unfortunately, it has led to this tragic death of 14 people," their statement reads.

Photo: Tanjug/Vladimir Porašić

That's why the Association of Architects of Serbia demands from "competent institutions to urgently and without delay conduct independent criminal and professional investigations that must end with the prosecution of all responsible persons".

They believe that it is the only way to "protect the architectural and engineering profession from collective degradation".

"In order for this to happen, we appeal to all our colleagues who will be involved in this investigation to act according to the highest ethical and moral standards of the profession, but also of humanity."

We also appeal to all public officials to refrain from passing blame and wait for the outcome of the investigation."

They hope that the tragedy in Novi Sad will "change established negative practices and raise the level of responsibility."

Otherwise, they believe that "on the one hand, excessive formal regulation, and on the other hand, essential deregulation in the field, constant marginalization of the profession, as well as corruption and negligence" led to the tragedy.

This Association is the umbrella association of architects in Serbia, and includes the Association of Architects of Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, Zrenjanin, Valjevo and the Association of Vranje Architects.