Monastery Crkvina and monastery Tvrdoš, Trebinje, Federation Bosnia and Herzegovina - complex reconstruction and development

Abstract

Trebinje with its surrounding towns and villages of the most southern part of Herzegovina, their location, terrain, nature and climate, form a specific Mediterranean oasis. These particular characteristics are evident in the dynamic and rational organization of habitats, lively silhouette of their urban morphology, organic buildings stemming from the rocky and slopped terrains and their “right to view”. Architectural and spatial patterns of Mediterranean and close-by Adriatic seas are recognizable in the towns of this area, on all spatial and social levels – from house and courtyard, to neighbourhoods and public spaces. Specific characteristic of these towns is their spatial and functional symbiosis with their surroundings, context and larger area around. Main references and incentives in working through this project was the Orthodox Monastery Hilandar (Atos), the monasteries and old villages of Herzogovina, old forthified towns of the region, traditional houses and architectural heritage of the region - as a whole. All the references are jewels of highest environmental and architectural wealth. They are full of inspirational ideas for their clients, decision makers, creative individuals, architects and builders. They are also great examples of site specific architecture, improvement of the found built environment, ways of building and shaping architecture, choice and use of materials, finishes and construction, choice of colour, light and shade, symbolism and architectural style. A special incentive for every creative individual surely is the architectural heritage and the building tradition of this region. Specific natural, social, historic and cultural conditions, as well as the different needs of people, gave rise to specific forms of compact villages and tightly packed groups of buildings.