Residential architecture in the context of the urban morphology of Šid - the case of the Gustav Sturm house

This paper examines the development of bourgeois residential architecture in Šid from the late 18th to the mid-20th century, focusing on the architectural, urban, and socio-economic processes that shaped the town's spatial identity. Based on historical plans, newspaper advertisements, and scarce surviving documentation, the study analyzes the transformation of the traditional Vojvodinian house into a Central European-influenced bourgeois dwelling. Special attention is given to the growth of local craftsmanship, and the implementation of new communal systems-particularly the electrification of 1922-which contributed to the modernization of interior layouts and everyday domestic life. Through the case study of the adaptation of Gustav Sturm's house, the paper illustrates how local builders and owners incorporated contemporary aesthetic and functional standards while maintaining elements of traditional spatial organization. The research also highlights the limitations caused by the lack of preserved sources, making every surviving plan and document a valuable testimony to the architectural evolution of Šid. In the context of modern-day urban degradation and the increasing destruction of historic environments, the paper emphasizes the essential role of heritage professionals and cultural advocates in safeguarding the architectural legacy of small towns and preserving their local identity.