The topic of the master thesis is the Austro-Hungarian fortification architecture in the vicinity of Boke Kotorska in Montenegro, with an emphasis on the problem of its neglect. This fortification system, once very important and carefully planned, is today almost completely forgotten by the state authorities. With the exception of a small number of fortifications that have been revitalised, the remaining ones are slowly disappearing and being forgotten.
After analysing the state of all these fortifications and trying to answer the questions of what a fortification is and what are its basic elements, I have turned the focus of this thesis to the fortification and the specific approach to its revitalisation. The abandonment and emptiness of the Goražda Fortress create a relaxing environment. It is this absence of civilisation that has, in a way, preserved the fortress to this day. Therefore, any intervention in Goražda must honour its history and be aimed at preserving it, and therefore be minimally and permanently responsible, in order to preserve all its layers.
In order to keep the fort intact, preserved and peaceful, the idea of building a new structure in its vicinity, conceptually its complete opposite, was born. Given that the very location of the fortress, with its views, ambience and silence, dictates a therapeutic programme, I conceived the construction of a Zen centre in this very place where mountains and the sea meet, where Goražda represents the mountain, a place of silence and solitude, and the new building the sea, a place of gathering.
The play of contrast between these two objects, in terms of materiality, form and purpose, is repeated within the fort itself, where the new renovation elements are carefully positioned to form a path through the fort, creating a perfect harmony between the old and the new.
Both the new pavilion structure and the rehabilitation works are carried out in a completely reversible manner, in order to further emphasise the importance of the fortress and its natural surroundings.
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