Kosovo's Architectural Heritage as a Source for Sustainability and Innovation in Contemporary Architecture

Session

Architecture and Spatial Planning

Description

The architectural heritage of Kosovo represents a diverse historical, cultural and identity wealth, where different layers of civilizations are intertwined, from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Arbëro, Ottoman periods to Albanian vernacular architecture. Fortifications, traditional buildings, such as churches, mosques, towers, bazaars and urban complexes, testify to an early experience of sustainable architecture, which was based on the use of local materials, adaptation to the climate and harmony with the landscape. Today, when urban development and modernization often threaten the authenticity of heritage, there is a need to rethink these values as a source of inspiration for contemporary architecture. This paper analyzes the potential of Kosovo’s architectural heritage to contribute to innovation and sustainability in spatial planning. Through concrete examples from different cities, it will be discussed how traditional elements – natural ventilation, the use of organic materials, the organization of public spaces – can be integrated into modern architectural practices. It also addresses the importance of preserving and adapting heritage for the sustainable development of cities, seeing it not only as a cultural obligation, but also as an innovative strategy for the future.

Keywords:

Architectural heritage, sustainability, innovation, spatial planning

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.23

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

Kosovo's Architectural Heritage as a Source for Sustainability and Innovation in Contemporary Architecture

UBT Kampus, Lipjan

The architectural heritage of Kosovo represents a diverse historical, cultural and identity wealth, where different layers of civilizations are intertwined, from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Arbëro, Ottoman periods to Albanian vernacular architecture. Fortifications, traditional buildings, such as churches, mosques, towers, bazaars and urban complexes, testify to an early experience of sustainable architecture, which was based on the use of local materials, adaptation to the climate and harmony with the landscape. Today, when urban development and modernization often threaten the authenticity of heritage, there is a need to rethink these values as a source of inspiration for contemporary architecture. This paper analyzes the potential of Kosovo’s architectural heritage to contribute to innovation and sustainability in spatial planning. Through concrete examples from different cities, it will be discussed how traditional elements – natural ventilation, the use of organic materials, the organization of public spaces – can be integrated into modern architectural practices. It also addresses the importance of preserving and adapting heritage for the sustainable development of cities, seeing it not only as a cultural obligation, but also as an innovative strategy for the future.