BDES1020 'Continuous City' <Katherine Williams>

Abstract

Dubrovnik’s prosperity has always been based upon maritime trade, and was established as one of the major ports of trade in the Adriatic Sea. In the Middle Ages as the Republic of Ragusa, it became the only eastern-Adriatic city-state to rival Venice, thus earning its nickname, “The Pearl of the Adriatic”. The existing Maritime Museum in Dubrovnik is currently in a run-down state, and has little space available for exhibition. The idea of this project was to re-create the museum on a site closer to the docks, where Dubrovnik’s history is most centred, as well as a place that both locals and visitors can visit and co-exist with different purposes. The building has 6 separate levels, each of which will incorporate displays which are sunken into the thick walls and in bays and hanging pieces which span the area across the ceiling. As a very historical-focused function, it was important to keep the construction materials within the traditions of the city. The walls are made of stone quarried from the local area, and terracotta tiles which blend with the traditional style of the city. Oddly-shaped stone bricks create a “wavy effect” on the exterior, which mirrors the waves of the sea just across the docks. The tower of arches on the corner is the most central piece of the design, giving the area a definite foothold and allowing for a partly-shaded courtyard in which people can either pass through or remain. Additionally, because the museum will be on a central street of Dubrovnik, a small restaurant which serves the local Mediterranean food and wine will be included, with areas for seating also available. At night, the bottom level can be opened out and converted into more area for more seating.