Freehand Drawing in Representing the Vernacular Architecture of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro

Abstract

The Sveti Stefan luxury hotel complex in Montenegro attracts guests for its historic and cultural qualities. Endangered as vernacular heritage due to its inaccessibility to the general public, the interior of Sveti Stefan is slipping into oblivion as a result of the lack of control by the Montenegrin authorities over cultural heritage. The collection of drawings presented in this paper evokes the relationship between the island’s vernacular architecture and its natural environment. The use of freehand drawing rather than digital imagery can reflect the spontaneously created quality of non-pedigreed architecture, conjuring up its ambiance. By highlighting the beauty of Sveti Stefan through pencil drawings we aim to influence the preservation of its vernacular character.

Keywords

• Cultural heritage
• Anonymous architecture
• Architectural space
• Vernacular architecture
• Genius loci