Andrijana Đukić

Project Location 
Herceg Novi, Montenegro 

Topic 
Urban Regeneration Neighbourhood, Public space 

Program 
Mixed use - Cultural & Social Aggregation, Art Gallery, Culture Centre, Exhibition 

Adriatic Interpretative Center 

Answering to questions: what is void in architecture, its spatiality or non-spatiality and scale? Recognizing these voids in the city and acting on them, creating new spatial identity.

 Hidden routes, cultural heritage and natural peculiarities of the Adriatic are the topics that will inspire the project of the Interpretive Center. The project of the building or complex on two spatial polygons of the coastal and continental part (Herceg Novi and Kolašin) is based on the research of contemporary and unconventional programming solutions for this type of content. In the morphological sense, the relationship between land and water surfaces is examined, the shaping of the object and the soil as a kind of place from which new ways of learning about the Adriatic Sea, the Mediterranean and the cultures developed on its coasts and islands are opened. 

The main idea is capturing genius loci of the place through architecture, using both tangible and non-material aspects to interpretate Mediterranean scenery. Through studying stone as the main building element of the landscape, different structures and textures are observed, as well as the processes that construct them. As a key topic, the process of crystallization is studied, which by acting on the cavities in the stone simultaneously changes the visual and tactile features, giving it a new value. The work focuses on the translation of this process into architectural action, with the emphasis on the reinterpretation of the unique experience of the crystals.The crystallization of the void is interpreted as an architectural action on the void and the creation of a new, different spatial experience and identity of the same. The void of the citadel crystallizes through the reconstruction and creation of a new function with the aim of its revitalization and reintegration into city life. Architectural activity is concentrated in the citadel itself and its immediate surroundings. The circular form envelops the citadel, placing it in the center, emphasizing its importance. At the same time, directing the user’s movement to go out, on and under the water, enhancing experience of the Adriatic. The remains of the fortification form a spatial framework of action within which, through the provision of the necessary infrastructure, a multipurpose space is created. The reconstruction of the walls is done as the reinterpretation of the existing one, so the glass prisms are arranged like a stone stack of walls, creating the former outline and unique atmosphere. Through the play of repetition and light, a visual effect similar to that which defines crystals is created. In addition to the multimedia exhibition space, the center includes: summer stage, souvenir shop, cafe, info hall, as well as accompanying technical rooms. The interpretative Center od Adriatic is designed to provide the user a comprehensive experience, not only of Adriatic, but the cultural heritage represented by the Citadel.