DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - <David Whitworth>

Abstract

Dubrovnik is a small city experiencing growth in tourism and international attention as a world heritage site. I felt that Dubrovnik as a city needed to address the changes that it has recently encountered. There is much to be gained economically in the short term by being seen as the latest Mediterranean ‘hot spot’ – but if the newfound interest in the city is not sustained by sensitive innovation and development, what gave the city its character, charm and appeal could easily be overridden. The project I have proposed for my site in Dubrovnik seeks to deal with this issue by engaging with the new visitors to this ancient city in an exciting and unique way. The project is conceived as a design store – a place to showcase the talent of local craftspeople and designers. A design store highlights the uniqueness of the city and its creative inhabitants, showcasing local talent and acting as a sophisticated form of souvenir – to remember the city and also allow visitors to engage with the ideas and inspiration of the locals – both in terms of tradition and creative innovation. Rather than arriving and finding the same international chain stores and hotels as everywhere – the design store intends to display what is unique about this location and destination, while also providing employment and opportunities for locals themselves. The construction and cladding seek to reflect the role of the store, in the construction method of lattice steel loosely resembling woven baskets, used to collect, and the cladding reflecting the idea of a fishing net, dragging odds and ends from the sea, curios and collectibles.