Introduction

The Publication “Architectural Atlas of Montenegro” is an analysis of characteristic typologies and elements of architecture dedicated mainly to shape aspects and materialization of architectural elements, as well as to recommendations for construction. This Atlas provides to investors information on architecture and traditional architecture in Montenegro and gives examples of successful and unsuccessful solutions of architectural elements, as well as recommendations for constructions in typologically characteristic areas of Montenegro.

Considering the fact that the idea of formulation of professional guidelines is based on elements of architecture as regional typological characteristics, these guidelines are not aspiring to suggest any typical or unified project solutions, as administrative instruments limiting creativity in architecture.

When designing new projects, as well as when reconstructing the existing ones, long-standing neglecting of legal regulation is noticed. The result of badly though-out new construction and bad reconstruction of traditional architecture is devastation and erosion of areas and cultural heritage.

Actual treatment of construction heritage and landscape in total, both natural and cultural, supports reaffirmation of local identities and particularities. Modern needs and new technologies impose application of local construction patterns as based principle in relation to tradition, which implies reinterpretation not imitation, with preservation of ambient qualities.

Old houses, examples of traditional construction, individual or in groups, create pictorially and historically valuable ambient. New owners buy old objects mainly because of their location. New functions are given to objects, and then their adjustments are started.

The objects are being overbuilt, extended. Instead of selecting the function in accordance with the limitations of the objects, the contrary procedure happens which leads from given function and capacities towards reconstruction and renewal, which results in aggressive interventions on objects and in space.

In this time when an attractive, various and specific space of Montenegro, the Coast as well as parts of mountain area, are becoming very attractive to investors, the necessity to provide information and guidelines to all participants in the activities related to interventions in space which should contribute to a more qualitative space relation is evident.

Architectural Atlas of Montenegro, GZT, October 2006

This publication was commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Berlin, Germany.

Contents

Introduction

I.— Regionalization of the territory of Montenegro within the context of the topic of publication

II.— Typology of the traditional settlements
2.1. Typology of the traditional settlements by regions
2.2. Typology of the traditional rural settlements by regions
2.2.1. Rural settlements at the Coast and Karst areas
2.2.2. Rural settlements in the area of high mountains

III.— Typology of the traditional houses in urban settlements and in villages and elements of architecture
3.1. Typology and elements of architecture in the frame of Southern region
3.1.1. Typology of the house in urban settlements
3.1.2. Elements of urban settlements architecture at the Coast
3.1.3. Typology of the rural house at the Coast
3.2. Typology and elements of architecture in the frame of Central region
3.2.1. Typology of the urban settlements house in Karst area
3.2.2. Elements of the urban settlements architecture
3.2.3. Typology of the rural house in Karst area and Skadar Lake coast
3.3. Typology and elements of architecture in the frame of Northern region
3.3.1. Typology of the urban settlements house in the area of high mountains
3.3.2. Elements of urban settlements architecture
3.3.3. Typology of the rural house in the area of high mountains
3.3.4. Elements of rural architecture

IV.— Contemporary realizations and recommendations for construction at the level of regions
4.1. Characteristics of contemporary practice and potentials of the study
4.2. Approaches in contemporary interpretation of traditional architecture
4.3. Positive examples of relation with context as recommendations for constructing at the level of regions
4.4. Recommendations for construction — elements for urban-technical conditions