ZGRADONAČELNIK Davor Trupković

Guest Davor TrupkovićHosted by Tin BašićMay 3, 2026

Davor Trupković

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

The moment someone mentions renovating a building and then adds "conservators" to the same sentence, a common reaction is dread. Homeowners and developers often anticipate a complicated, costly process, fearing that protecting cultural heritage means sacrificing modern efficiency or budget. Yet, is this perception accurate, or is it a symptom of misunderstanding? Davor Trupković, the chief conservator at the Ministry of Culture and Media, offers a different view. He suggests that many of the perceived hurdles arise not from the rules themselves, but from poor communication and late engagement in the process. He argues that heritage status, far from being a burden, can be a distinct advantage, even a financial one. This conversation peels back the layers of a complex issue, inviting you to reconsider the role of preservation in urban development. You'll walk away thinking about how historical identity shapes public sentiment, and how integrating old and new can be less about compromise and more about finding the right approach.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

The widespread fear that renovations involving conservators will cost "three times more" often stems from poor communication and late engagement in the process. The chief conservator argues that if you involve experts early, the procedure is "almost identical" to that of non-protected buildings.

Many owners in historical city centers have "capitalized well" on their location, using monument rent to fund significant renovations. This suggests that the perceived restrictions of heritage status often come with benefits, including greater structural resilience, as evidenced in earthquake-prone areas.

After the Petrinja earthquake, residents told the European Commission, "We don't want another city; we want our Petrinja." This reveals a deep public attachment to the historical character of their towns, often overriding purely functional rebuilding priorities. What people want isn't just a structure, but the continuity of their past.

The chief conservator acknowledges a core problem within his profession: "We cannot have the same criteria for barrack 5C in Heintlova and for Eltz Castle." This internal critique points to the need for clear, tiered conservation guidelines, rather than relying on individual interpretations, to ensure predictable and fair outcomes.

When asked about modern materials like PVC windows versus original wood, Trupković explains that while modern wood frames can achieve high energy efficiency, the "thin frames" and specific style of older windows are crucial for individually protected buildings. For heritage properties, preserving visual grammar is as important as functional performance.

The unexpected discovery of 13th-century ruins on a construction site in Dalmatia is a vivid example of how history can literally stop progress. It underscores that developing in heritage-rich regions means always being prepared for the past to re-emerge and reshape present plans.

Just as Croatia has "four and a half million selectors in football," the chief conservator observes, it also seems to have "four and a half million conservators." This highlights the deeply personal and public nature of urban aesthetics, where every citizen feels a proprietary stake in how their shared historical and architectural spaces evolve.

Explore further

ScenariosBusiness challenges CardsEducational cards TimelineTopic evolution