Mitrovica Fortress – Architectural Responses to Historical Events

Abstract

This thesis explores the layered relationship between architecture, history, and memory at Mitrovica Fortress, a site inscribed with conflict, identity, and division. Rather than treating the fortress as a static monument, the research reimagines it as a living archive of collective memory, where architecture becomes a mediator between past and future. Through historical analysis, theoretical inquiry, and a site-specific design proposal, the study examines how built form can engage with contested histories and foster cultural renewal. It challenges conventional preservation by advocating for approaches that honor intangible heritage, personal narratives, and community voices. At the core of this work is a deeply personal connection to the fortress, an emotional and intellectual journey that transforms it from a distant ruin into a symbol of resilience and hope. The proposed intervention, an underground cultural and recreational center carved into the hillside, activates the site for youth, culture, and collective healing. Respecting the landscape and historical fabric, the project offers an adaptive reuse strategy that bridges communities while preserving memory. This thesis presents- architecture not only as a tool for conservation but as a catalyst for reconciliation, a means to confront the past, reconnect the present, and reimagine the future.