Institute for Persons with Special Needs, Special Institution Demir Kapija - (The Royal Hospital in Demir Kapija)
Buildings/The Memorial Outpatient Hospital in Demir Kapija was built between 1936 and 1938 by Yugoslav railway workers as a tribute to the "Knight King Alexander I the Unifier." The building was part of the modernization of the southern regions of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and aimed to improve healthcare and living conditions for the local population. The hospital was one of the most modern healthcare facilities in that part of the monarchy.
Architect Đorđević designed the hospital in line with the contemporary architectural trends of the time, which had been present since the late 1920s. Above all, the hospital is rationally shaped with clean geometric forms, abandoning the historical and aesthetic principles of previous architectural styles.
Architect Časlav Jordanović Đorđević
Year of design 1938
City / Municipality Demir Kapija
/ Demir Kapija
Address Kiril i Metodij St.
Floors B+GF+1
Original typology
Current purpose
Protection status not protected
- Building chronology (project, construction phases)The building was designed in 1936. The building was constructed in 1938.Number of floorsB+GF+1Program description (floor plan details)The basement was designated for kitchens, laundries, and storage rooms. The ground floor featured the main entrance hall, a pharmacy, and a doctor’s office, while the first floor accommodated the patients. During construction, an additional building was added to house patients, and two villas were built for the doctors and staff. A flat terrace was planned for the roof.StructureThe building is constructed using a massive system. The foundations are made of compacted concrete, while the walls of the ground floor, upper floors, and attic are built from solid brick with lime mortar. The building has a reinforced concrete inter-floor structure. The roof was finished as a flat terrace.RoofRoof finished as a flat, tiled terrace.FaçadeThe façade is plastered with cement-lime mortar. The horizontality of the building is interrupted by the cubic form of the main volume, which "balances" the bay window projections of the wings. The window openings are arranged in a horizontal glazed strip that features a different façade finish.CarpentryThe exterior carpentry is wooden, with windows featuring vertical divisions.Building surroundingsThe hospital is a free-standing building situated within a large garden intended for use by the patients.Interior / Communal spacesThe interior of the building was equipped with the most modern medical and sanitary equipment. It featured central heating, plumbing, and sewage systems, and the interior was richly furnished with marble.
- RoofМulti-pitched roof with a roofing tile finish.FaçadeA new building is being added to the rear side of the façade, which is connected to the existing structure via an enclosed corridor.CarpentryThe exterior carpentry has been replaced with white PVC fittings. In some areas, the original carpentry has been kept.Building surroundingsThe entrance steps have been preserved, with ramps and planters positioned on both sides. In recent times, additional auxiliary structures have also been built on the parcel.Exterior conditionsatisfactoryInterior conditionsatisfactoryExterior authenticitysatisfactoryInterior authenticitysatisfactory
- not protected
- architectural and aesthetic authorship
- Recommendation to the owners: The value of the building should be respected when installing elements directly on the façades, and if changes are made, they should be aimed at preserving its authenticity.
- Antešević, N. (2015). ABOUT ARCHITECTURE OF INFIRMARY HOSPITAL IN DEMIR KAPIJA IN MEMORY OF "THE KNIGHTLY KING ALEKSANDAR I UNIFIER". Matica srpska journal for fine arts, 43, 225–242. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1790438569?sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals