Sinisa Cvijic | Graz University of Technology (original) (raw)

Papers by Sinisa Cvijic

Research paper thumbnail of Facsimile Reconstruction of Villa Bozic with the Application of Energy Efficiency Measures

The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Ba... more The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Banja Luka, with the application of energy efficiency measures. The villa was built in 1912 by the prominent Croatian architect Rudolf Lubynski. It was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1969 and completely demolished in 2002. The proposal to reconstruct the entire villa in its original form takes into account its historical value, the possibility to change its use and use modern materials to reduce its energy consumption. The methods proposed concern the installation of thermal insulation, LED lighting and geothermal heat pumps. Relevant computer software was used to simulate the results of the proposed energy consumption scheme. The results obtained taking into account the proposed energy efficiency measures are compared with those obtained without their application.

Research paper thumbnail of Urban Regeneration as an Instrument of Identity Preservation: A Case Study of Trebinje’s Krš District

Archives for Technical Sciences, 2016

Established in the first half of the 18th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first ... more Established in the first half of the 18th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first settlement to grow upoutside the town walls. It grew up spontaneously in response to the local natural environment and under amixture of Mediterranean and Oriental influences. Since the second half of the 20th century, the district has faceddilapidation, a process that has not been countered yet, despite its recognised value as a cultural asset and thequality of its ambience.In this paper the present state of the district of Krš is analysed, along with the possibility of its adequateprotection relative to the applicable spatial and town plans, town planning ordinance and international charterson the protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. Also considered is the formulation of a special strategythat would help regenerating the area under consideration as well as safeguard its intangible cultural heritage andgenius loci.

Research paper thumbnail of Cultural and historical heritage: An asset for city branding

Spatium, 2013

Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are a... more Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are all confronted with the need to stand out and compete against one another. City branding reads as and plays an important role in this struggle for recognition. The identity of a city is generated over a long period, as it undergoes historical change, resulting in cultural diversity as the product of a specific environment. This paper discusses the possibility of using the cultural and historical heritage of Trebinje and its identity as an asset to create its city brand. Trebinje is a small city situated in the vicinity of Dubrovnik, a major tourist destination with a rich cultural and historical heritage and an excellent city brand. Dubrovnik may be seen as jeopardising the development of Trebinje?s authentic identity; on the other hand, the strong historical ties between the two cities can actually be used as an asset to develop Trebinje?s city brand. The material and non-material herita...

Research paper thumbnail of The cultural and historical heritage of towns Trebinje and Jajce: A resource for the growth of tourism

... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух ... more ... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух места (легенда о Сафикади, легенда о Тезеју која је везана за Атину или легенда о Ромулу и Рему везана за настанак града Рима).(Djokic A. Radivojevic A., Roter ...

Research paper thumbnail of The cultural and historical heritage of towns Trebinje and Jajce: A resource for the growth of tourism

... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух ... more ... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух места (легенда о Сафикади, легенда о Тезеју која је везана за Атину или легенда о Ромулу и Рему везана за настанак града Рима).(Djokic A. Radivojevic A., Roter ...

Research paper thumbnail of Principles of the Restoration of Cultural – Historical Centers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Cities

Research paper thumbnail of URBAN REGENERATION AS AN INSTRUMENT OF IDENTITY PRESERVATION: A CASE STUDY OF TREBINJE'S KRŠ DISTRICT

Archives for Technical Sciences, 2016

Established in the first half of the 18 th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first... more Established in the first half of the 18 th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first settlement to grow up outside the town walls. It grew up spontaneously in response to the local natural environment and under a mixture of Mediterranean and Oriental influences. Since the second half of the 20 th century, the district has faced dilapidation, a process that has not been countered yet, despite its recognised value as a cultural asset and the quality of its ambience. In this paper the present state of the district of Krš is analysed, along with the possibility of its adequate protection relative to the applicable spatial and town plans, town planning ordinance and international charters on the protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. Also considered is the formulation of a special strategy that would help regenerating the area under consideration as well as safeguard its intangible cultural heritage and genius loci.

Research paper thumbnail of Moderna stambena arhitektura: Banjaluka, 1929-1941 (Modern Residential Architecture: Banja Luka, 1929-1941)

This monograph explores the various types of modern residential architecture built in Banja Luka ... more This monograph explores the various types of modern residential architecture built in Banja Luka in the period between 1929 and 1941. Based on the premise that the studied period coincided with the existence of the Vrbas Banate, it probes the social and economic conditions in the Banate that led to the appearance of modern residential buildings in Banja Luka, its administrative seat.
Several research methods were used to identify examples of residential buildings designed and built in the spirit of architectural modernism, and the analytical method applied to classify them into three main types of housing. The main classification criteria were the architectural structure, spatial organisation and number of housing units in a house or building. Under the given classification, there is a special focus on the relation of the houses and buildings to their surroundings and their position on the plot. Following the initial classification, the buildings were sorted according to secondary criteria. The monograph offers an analysis of the plan concept and organisation of housing units, as well as the impact of modernism on the design and organisation of space. Also examined is the influence of modern aesthetics on the treatment of various architectural elements such as façades, form of balcony, type of roof, windows and sidelights.
The monograph also explores the impact architecture schools and centres of modernist architecture had on the emergence and development of modern residential architecture in Banja Luka. How these ideas reached Banja Luka is also explained: it was either through architects from other cities who worked in Banja Luka, or through local architects who brought new ideas from the schools of architecture they were trained at. A special part of the monograph contains the biographies of architects and engineers who were the main protagonists of the story of the appearance and development of modern housing in Banja Luka.
In its concluding chapter, the monograph sheds light on the process of acceptance of architectural modernism in Banja Luka's residential architecture, which happened gradually and unsystematically. It also provides a detailed explanation of the ways in which the new ideas were embraced, as well as of the interrelation between modern residential architecture created in Banja Luka and the overall development of Central European modern architecture. Finally, it explains the importance of this period for the history of architecture as it developed in the city of Banja Luka.

Research paper thumbnail of CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE  – AN ASSET FOR CITY BRANDING

Spatium, 2013

Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are a... more Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are all confronted with the need to stand out and compete against one another. City branding reads as and plays an important role in this struggle for recognition. The identity of a city is generated over a long period, as it undergoes historical change, resulting in cultural diversity as the product of a specific environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Принципи обнове културно-историјских језгара градова Босне и Херцеговине (Principles of the Restoration of Cultural–Historical Centres of Bosnia and Herzegovina Cities)

Зборник Пете регионалне конференције о интегративној заштити , 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Fascimile Reconstruction of Villa Bozic with the Application of Energy Efficiency Measures

The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Ba... more The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Banja Luka, with the application of energy efficiency measures. The villa was built in 1912 by the prominent Croatian architect Rudolf Lubynski. It was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1969 and completely demolished in 2002.

Research paper thumbnail of Kulturno-istorijsko nasleđe kao potencijal razvoja turizma na primeru gradova Trebinja i Jajca(The Cultural and Historical Heritage of towns Trebinje and Jajce-a Resource for Growth of Tourism)

Arhitektura i urbanizam, 2009

This paper considers the possibility of including cultural heritage in cultural and tourist devel... more This paper considers the possibility of including cultural heritage in cultural and tourist development policies. The tourist potential of historically and artistically significant urban entities will be described and assessed in the paper, with a focus on the cases of Trebinje and Jajce two Bosnian and Herzegovinian towns with preserved historical town cores. The two towns were both founded in the Middle Ages and have developed to this day, with their urban areas continuously expanding and being built up. Their spatial and cultural historical complexes are diverse and multilayered, with various natural and man-made structures dating back to different epochs. They are the greatest cultural monuments and a testimony of the past, of the physical and spiritual development of these communities. Trebinje is an old town located at the intersection of various influences and interests, with a rich and long history which has altered not only the appearance and contents of its town core, but also its significance and its functional impact on the broader surroundings. The Old Town, a surviving historical complex, which originated in the Middle Ages and developed considerably under Turkish rule is one of Trebinje's tourist resources. Nowadays, tourism is becoming one of the world's most important industries, its appeal coming from the natural cultural and historical values of towns and cities. Due to that, the natural cultural and historical values of Trebinje and Jajce can be preserved only if their economic potential is also taken into account.

Book Reviews by Sinisa Cvijic

Research paper thumbnail of Monograph Review "Moderna stambena arhitektura: Banja Luka 1929-1941"

Journal Papers by Sinisa Cvijic

Research paper thumbnail of Focusing a city branding strategy on a luminary: A case study of Trebinje and Jovan Dučić

International conference on Contemporary Theory and Practice in Construction STEPGRAD 2024, 2024

Trebinje is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage associated with influential histo... more Trebinje is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage associated with influential historical figures who have played a role in its physical construction and contributed to its identity. Legends about these people are a part of the city's rich intangible cultural heritage and they can provide a solid basis for city branding. This paper examines the possibilities of using a renowned person-more specifically, the poet, diplomat, art collector and patron Jovan Dučić-for branding Trebinje. The focus of the study is the tangible and intangible heritage associated with Jovan Dučić and covering all the crucial aspects of focusing the city branding strategy on a luminary.

Research paper thumbnail of CULTURAL AND THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPES IN THE ROLE OF HEALTHY CITIES

Spatium, 2024

Fast global changes affect cities from both economic and social standpoints. The COVID 19 pandemi... more Fast global changes affect cities from both economic and social standpoints. The COVID 19 pandemic has completely reshaped urban life and led to a greater respect for social connectedness, mental health and well-being. During the pandemic, people went to parks, green areas and picnic areas more regularly, which showed the importance of the availability of public areas for exercising, stress relief and social interaction. In addition to improving the environment, green areas are crucial for rest and relaxation from the fast pace of urban life. This paper explores the potential of specific areas to encourage citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle and increase their well-being, focusing on the cultural landscape of the historic Srpske Toplice (Gornji Šeher) neighborhood in Banja Luka, a segment of urban and architectural heritage that has preserved elements of local traditional architecture and culture.

Proceedings by Sinisa Cvijic

Research paper thumbnail of CREATIVE INDUSTRIES FOR RURAL SETTLEMENT REGENERATION: A CASE STUDY OF VILLAGE MEDNA

"PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES 2024 CONFERENCE PROCEEDING OF THE 9th INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES", 2024

While creative industries are typically associated with big cities, recent EU research shows that... more While creative industries are typically associated with big cities, recent EU research shows that famous creative hotspots are located in rural areas. Creative industries serve an essential role in helping rural economies. Culture can play an important part, and so can offering creative courses in rural areas that are far from universities and cultural hubs. Rural areas boast a combination of natural and architectural heritage, which gives them an advantage in terms of quality of life and economic potential. Yet, most rural areas in Europe have been faced with economic, social and
environmental problems, resulting in their devastation. The village of Medna is located in the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad, the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This area has been continuously inhabited since pre-Roman times,
as evidenced by many archaeological sites, the medieval stećci tombstone graveyards and the Prizren fortress. Also, the Roman Salona–Servitium road passed through the area. The village boasts fine examples of vernacular architecture, an important element of the local cultural identity. It is also known for its honey products and fruit brandy (plum, pear, apple). The area is faced with depopulation, a lot of the building heritage has collapsed or is derelict, and the extraction of ore in the village is leading to an ecological crisis. This paper deals with the possibility of rural regeneration of the village of Medna by identifying its potential and proposing innovation economic activities to ensure sustainable development. It presents a project done with architecture students of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil
Engineering and Geodesy at Banja Luka University. The case study of village Medna focused on the excellence of the preserved local cultural and natural heritage to identify the local resources – the area’s distinctive elements and characteristics – for creative economy stimulation. The Medna regeneration strategy involves raising the awareness of the local population about the value of the local heritage and disseminating this information to the wider community.

Research paper thumbnail of Facsimile Reconstruction of Villa Bozic with the Application of Energy Efficiency Measures

The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Ba... more The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Banja Luka, with the application of energy efficiency measures. The villa was built in 1912 by the prominent Croatian architect Rudolf Lubynski. It was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1969 and completely demolished in 2002. The proposal to reconstruct the entire villa in its original form takes into account its historical value, the possibility to change its use and use modern materials to reduce its energy consumption. The methods proposed concern the installation of thermal insulation, LED lighting and geothermal heat pumps. Relevant computer software was used to simulate the results of the proposed energy consumption scheme. The results obtained taking into account the proposed energy efficiency measures are compared with those obtained without their application.

Research paper thumbnail of Urban Regeneration as an Instrument of Identity Preservation: A Case Study of Trebinje’s Krš District

Archives for Technical Sciences, 2016

Established in the first half of the 18th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first ... more Established in the first half of the 18th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first settlement to grow upoutside the town walls. It grew up spontaneously in response to the local natural environment and under amixture of Mediterranean and Oriental influences. Since the second half of the 20th century, the district has faceddilapidation, a process that has not been countered yet, despite its recognised value as a cultural asset and thequality of its ambience.In this paper the present state of the district of Krš is analysed, along with the possibility of its adequateprotection relative to the applicable spatial and town plans, town planning ordinance and international charterson the protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. Also considered is the formulation of a special strategythat would help regenerating the area under consideration as well as safeguard its intangible cultural heritage andgenius loci.

Research paper thumbnail of Cultural and historical heritage: An asset for city branding

Spatium, 2013

Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are a... more Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are all confronted with the need to stand out and compete against one another. City branding reads as and plays an important role in this struggle for recognition. The identity of a city is generated over a long period, as it undergoes historical change, resulting in cultural diversity as the product of a specific environment. This paper discusses the possibility of using the cultural and historical heritage of Trebinje and its identity as an asset to create its city brand. Trebinje is a small city situated in the vicinity of Dubrovnik, a major tourist destination with a rich cultural and historical heritage and an excellent city brand. Dubrovnik may be seen as jeopardising the development of Trebinje?s authentic identity; on the other hand, the strong historical ties between the two cities can actually be used as an asset to develop Trebinje?s city brand. The material and non-material herita...

Research paper thumbnail of The cultural and historical heritage of towns Trebinje and Jajce: A resource for the growth of tourism

... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух ... more ... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух места (легенда о Сафикади, легенда о Тезеју која је везана за Атину или легенда о Ромулу и Рему везана за настанак града Рима).(Djokic A. Radivojevic A., Roter ...

Research paper thumbnail of The cultural and historical heritage of towns Trebinje and Jajce: A resource for the growth of tourism

... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух ... more ... аутентичности настављају да живе и да се преносе будућим генерацијама стварајући одређен дух места (легенда о Сафикади, легенда о Тезеју која је везана за Атину или легенда о Ромулу и Рему везана за настанак града Рима).(Djokic A. Radivojevic A., Roter ...

Research paper thumbnail of Principles of the Restoration of Cultural – Historical Centers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Cities

Research paper thumbnail of URBAN REGENERATION AS AN INSTRUMENT OF IDENTITY PRESERVATION: A CASE STUDY OF TREBINJE'S KRŠ DISTRICT

Archives for Technical Sciences, 2016

Established in the first half of the 18 th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first... more Established in the first half of the 18 th century, the district of Krš in Trebinje was the first settlement to grow up outside the town walls. It grew up spontaneously in response to the local natural environment and under a mixture of Mediterranean and Oriental influences. Since the second half of the 20 th century, the district has faced dilapidation, a process that has not been countered yet, despite its recognised value as a cultural asset and the quality of its ambience. In this paper the present state of the district of Krš is analysed, along with the possibility of its adequate protection relative to the applicable spatial and town plans, town planning ordinance and international charters on the protection of cultural and natural heritage sites. Also considered is the formulation of a special strategy that would help regenerating the area under consideration as well as safeguard its intangible cultural heritage and genius loci.

Research paper thumbnail of Moderna stambena arhitektura: Banjaluka, 1929-1941 (Modern Residential Architecture: Banja Luka, 1929-1941)

This monograph explores the various types of modern residential architecture built in Banja Luka ... more This monograph explores the various types of modern residential architecture built in Banja Luka in the period between 1929 and 1941. Based on the premise that the studied period coincided with the existence of the Vrbas Banate, it probes the social and economic conditions in the Banate that led to the appearance of modern residential buildings in Banja Luka, its administrative seat.
Several research methods were used to identify examples of residential buildings designed and built in the spirit of architectural modernism, and the analytical method applied to classify them into three main types of housing. The main classification criteria were the architectural structure, spatial organisation and number of housing units in a house or building. Under the given classification, there is a special focus on the relation of the houses and buildings to their surroundings and their position on the plot. Following the initial classification, the buildings were sorted according to secondary criteria. The monograph offers an analysis of the plan concept and organisation of housing units, as well as the impact of modernism on the design and organisation of space. Also examined is the influence of modern aesthetics on the treatment of various architectural elements such as façades, form of balcony, type of roof, windows and sidelights.
The monograph also explores the impact architecture schools and centres of modernist architecture had on the emergence and development of modern residential architecture in Banja Luka. How these ideas reached Banja Luka is also explained: it was either through architects from other cities who worked in Banja Luka, or through local architects who brought new ideas from the schools of architecture they were trained at. A special part of the monograph contains the biographies of architects and engineers who were the main protagonists of the story of the appearance and development of modern housing in Banja Luka.
In its concluding chapter, the monograph sheds light on the process of acceptance of architectural modernism in Banja Luka's residential architecture, which happened gradually and unsystematically. It also provides a detailed explanation of the ways in which the new ideas were embraced, as well as of the interrelation between modern residential architecture created in Banja Luka and the overall development of Central European modern architecture. Finally, it explains the importance of this period for the history of architecture as it developed in the city of Banja Luka.

Research paper thumbnail of CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE  – AN ASSET FOR CITY BRANDING

Spatium, 2013

Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are a... more Achieving wider recognition is part of the development agenda of contemporary cities, which are all confronted with the need to stand out and compete against one another. City branding reads as and plays an important role in this struggle for recognition. The identity of a city is generated over a long period, as it undergoes historical change, resulting in cultural diversity as the product of a specific environment.

Research paper thumbnail of Принципи обнове културно-историјских језгара градова Босне и Херцеговине (Principles of the Restoration of Cultural–Historical Centres of Bosnia and Herzegovina Cities)

Зборник Пете регионалне конференције о интегративној заштити , 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Fascimile Reconstruction of Villa Bozic with the Application of Energy Efficiency Measures

The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Ba... more The paper examines the reasons for carrying out the facsimile reconstruction of Villa Božić in Banja Luka, with the application of energy efficiency measures. The villa was built in 1912 by the prominent Croatian architect Rudolf Lubynski. It was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1969 and completely demolished in 2002.

Research paper thumbnail of Kulturno-istorijsko nasleđe kao potencijal razvoja turizma na primeru gradova Trebinja i Jajca(The Cultural and Historical Heritage of towns Trebinje and Jajce-a Resource for Growth of Tourism)

Arhitektura i urbanizam, 2009

This paper considers the possibility of including cultural heritage in cultural and tourist devel... more This paper considers the possibility of including cultural heritage in cultural and tourist development policies. The tourist potential of historically and artistically significant urban entities will be described and assessed in the paper, with a focus on the cases of Trebinje and Jajce two Bosnian and Herzegovinian towns with preserved historical town cores. The two towns were both founded in the Middle Ages and have developed to this day, with their urban areas continuously expanding and being built up. Their spatial and cultural historical complexes are diverse and multilayered, with various natural and man-made structures dating back to different epochs. They are the greatest cultural monuments and a testimony of the past, of the physical and spiritual development of these communities. Trebinje is an old town located at the intersection of various influences and interests, with a rich and long history which has altered not only the appearance and contents of its town core, but also its significance and its functional impact on the broader surroundings. The Old Town, a surviving historical complex, which originated in the Middle Ages and developed considerably under Turkish rule is one of Trebinje's tourist resources. Nowadays, tourism is becoming one of the world's most important industries, its appeal coming from the natural cultural and historical values of towns and cities. Due to that, the natural cultural and historical values of Trebinje and Jajce can be preserved only if their economic potential is also taken into account.

Research paper thumbnail of Focusing a city branding strategy on a luminary: A case study of Trebinje and Jovan Dučić

International conference on Contemporary Theory and Practice in Construction STEPGRAD 2024, 2024

Trebinje is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage associated with influential histo... more Trebinje is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage associated with influential historical figures who have played a role in its physical construction and contributed to its identity. Legends about these people are a part of the city's rich intangible cultural heritage and they can provide a solid basis for city branding. This paper examines the possibilities of using a renowned person-more specifically, the poet, diplomat, art collector and patron Jovan Dučić-for branding Trebinje. The focus of the study is the tangible and intangible heritage associated with Jovan Dučić and covering all the crucial aspects of focusing the city branding strategy on a luminary.

Research paper thumbnail of CULTURAL AND THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPES IN THE ROLE OF HEALTHY CITIES

Spatium, 2024

Fast global changes affect cities from both economic and social standpoints. The COVID 19 pandemi... more Fast global changes affect cities from both economic and social standpoints. The COVID 19 pandemic has completely reshaped urban life and led to a greater respect for social connectedness, mental health and well-being. During the pandemic, people went to parks, green areas and picnic areas more regularly, which showed the importance of the availability of public areas for exercising, stress relief and social interaction. In addition to improving the environment, green areas are crucial for rest and relaxation from the fast pace of urban life. This paper explores the potential of specific areas to encourage citizens to adopt a healthier lifestyle and increase their well-being, focusing on the cultural landscape of the historic Srpske Toplice (Gornji Šeher) neighborhood in Banja Luka, a segment of urban and architectural heritage that has preserved elements of local traditional architecture and culture.

Research paper thumbnail of CREATIVE INDUSTRIES FOR RURAL SETTLEMENT REGENERATION: A CASE STUDY OF VILLAGE MEDNA

"PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES 2024 CONFERENCE PROCEEDING OF THE 9th INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES", 2024

While creative industries are typically associated with big cities, recent EU research shows that... more While creative industries are typically associated with big cities, recent EU research shows that famous creative hotspots are located in rural areas. Creative industries serve an essential role in helping rural economies. Culture can play an important part, and so can offering creative courses in rural areas that are far from universities and cultural hubs. Rural areas boast a combination of natural and architectural heritage, which gives them an advantage in terms of quality of life and economic potential. Yet, most rural areas in Europe have been faced with economic, social and
environmental problems, resulting in their devastation. The village of Medna is located in the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad, the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This area has been continuously inhabited since pre-Roman times,
as evidenced by many archaeological sites, the medieval stećci tombstone graveyards and the Prizren fortress. Also, the Roman Salona–Servitium road passed through the area. The village boasts fine examples of vernacular architecture, an important element of the local cultural identity. It is also known for its honey products and fruit brandy (plum, pear, apple). The area is faced with depopulation, a lot of the building heritage has collapsed or is derelict, and the extraction of ore in the village is leading to an ecological crisis. This paper deals with the possibility of rural regeneration of the village of Medna by identifying its potential and proposing innovation economic activities to ensure sustainable development. It presents a project done with architecture students of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil
Engineering and Geodesy at Banja Luka University. The case study of village Medna focused on the excellence of the preserved local cultural and natural heritage to identify the local resources – the area’s distinctive elements and characteristics – for creative economy stimulation. The Medna regeneration strategy involves raising the awareness of the local population about the value of the local heritage and disseminating this information to the wider community.