War Museum in Kosovo 1998-1999

Project idea

The main purpose of the War Museum is to provide a place for the wartime experience to live on in dignity, peace, and respect. The research is based on a thorough review of literature and informative sources of buildings with similar characteristics implemented in developed countries. The entire project is divided into two phases: descriptive and graphic. The first phase deals with the research of examples, procedural stages of extension: spatial and organizational, functional. The second phase deals with the ideal project in graphic form. The aim of the museum will be multifunctional. In addition to housing historical objects, the mission of the museum is to preserve and interpret the history of Kosovo during the wartime through the use of design elements and multimedia installations that offer visitors a vivid and enlightening perspective on the past. Every element of the museum's design, including its form, materials, spatial arrangement, and aesthetics, will have cultural and symbolic significance. The museum will portray sacrifice and hardship in a clear manner, drawing inspiration from Kosovo's rich architectural heritage and historical sites. In conclusion, the aim of the War Museum is to preserve historical memory and deepen understanding of what war and conflict mean. The museum not only honors the courageous sacrifices made by those involved in the conflict but also integrates sustainable elements of design and spatial composition.

Project description

In this study, the design of the Kosovo War Museum and the opportunities it offers have been addressed. The architectural design of the museum becomes a factor in preserving culture, which the museum will exploit and display the rich cultural heritage and identity of Kosovo. As a result of the development of tourist sites using the deliberate selection of elements, such as the use of traditional features or symbolic emblems, the museum becomes a visible description of the country's history. During the process of working on the thesis topic, positive factors have been identified that the selection of the location in the central area of the city possesses, and we come to a conclusion that accessibility by visitors is important to be easily accessible, which is achieved precisely in the central area. The location also offers a safe environment as it is surrounded by many key institutions. We have managed to create a museum that meets the visitor's requirements to experience historical events, completes primary as well as secondary functions, and will serve as a model for the chain of buildings of this type. Also, the integration of internal and external spaces has been achieved, through the glass structure where, in addition to the attractive element, it also functions as a visual opening and serves for the experience of space as a whole. After completing all the research and conceptual design of the museum, we come to the conclusion that investing in such buildings, besides the attractive aspect, also serves and positively impacts the distribution of knowledge, promotes the long-standing pain of our nation, and serves as a distinctive and sustainable contribution to the human environment.

Technical information

The structural system for the War Museum is intended to be more complex than current constructions, combining a mixed skeletal structure with a load-bearing structure made of laminated wood and steel. The uniqueness of the design task lies precisely in the structural system, where the laminated wood structure is designed based on the main concept of the migration path, as shown in the initial concept phase. The laminated wood beams, with dimensions of 55x60cm as the main material used, are used to transfer loads to the steel columns with dimensions of 40x30cm. The beams are connected to the steel and reinforced concrete columns through steel connecting joints. To easily handle the load of the glass facade and to prevent excessive distance between the laminated wood beams, steel beams with dimensions of 30x20cm have also been added to eliminate the risk of wood beam deflection. Steel I-profile braces with dimensions of 12x14cm are placed between the laminated wood beams and steel columns to complete the structure and ensure the even distribution of loads. The other part of the building has a structural system consisting of reinforced concrete columns and beams. The columns have different dimensions based on distances and loads, ranging from 50x100cm to 50x650cm. The initial phase involves excavation, soil compaction, and backfilling with gravel. This is followed by the reinforced concrete foundation slab with dimensions of 80x100cm, preceded by a leveling layer of concrete and a protective layer, where all the building loads are transferred from the slab to the ground. For the foundation slab, the mezzanine slab, and the ridge, a thickness of 20cm is considered.