Before
destruction Formal
characteristic:The
University Library building, originally constructed as a private home,
underscores Mostar's official identification with the neoclassical style in the
Austro-Hungarian period. However, in turning to prototypes in villa architecture
the building's designer, Miloš Komadina, creates a more residential, accessible building type.
Cut stone pillars and balustrades, large, aligned windows with classical
moldings, deep cornices, stone balustrades and hanging keystones fit this house
clearly within the Neoclassical mould. The main entrance is marked by a large,
deep porch onthe north faade, which gives onto the
street, suggesting more private, gracious accommodations within. The depth of
the porch allows for a broad second floor terrace, framed by a stone balustrade.
On the ground floor, a large central hall with a grand stone staircase
reinforces the palatial aspects of this villa, lending it a kind of ceremonial
authority. The public spaces of the house were clearly intended for official
entertaining, as a part of the daily life of a client who was also the city
mayor and the main developer of that time.
The
building has stone foundations and supporting walls 60 cm wide. Its ground floor
construction above the basement level is composed of socalled Prussian vaults.
The first and second floors rely on wood frame construction, partition walls are
constructed with bricks, and iron beams were used for the support of staircases.
The hip roof was built in wood frame construction, and covered by French tiles.
Ownership
history:Family
home of Mujaga Komadina, Mayor of Mostar and prominent developer. The building
had varied functions over time: a club for cultural activists, a youth center,
and finally the University Library.
Site history:The
enormous changes in city planning which accompanied Austro-Hungarian hegemony in
Mostar included reconstruction of the older quarters of the city and strong new
city planning initiatives along the lines of Western European capitals. As a
part of a new transportation network on the west bank of Neretva River, the 1882
Czar Franz Joseph Bridge issued from Musala Square to join the east and west
banks of the city.
Eventually,
roads that served as both North-South and East-West axes of a new city grid were
constructed; several of these intersected at a point on the West bank, a
gracious circular convergence of streets called the Rondo (planned in 1897). The
Rondo and its perimeters provided a new residential center which could be
designed entirely in the new bourgeois styles of the Austro-Hungarian rebuilding
of Mostar. With its gracious and dignified residential and institutional
character, the Rondo could compliment the new business sectors of the rapidly
growing city.
After
destruction The
development of the Rondo neighborhood was planned by Miloš Komadina. Several
houses were built as part of the plan, which gave a unique character to the
area. Among these was the large villa which would later become the University
Library. The building was designed as a large private home for the family of
Mujaga Komadina, who was at that time the Mayor of Mostar. The house was
developed according to a functional scheme, with two floors, a solid basement
and an attic floor used for service staff.
The
building served a number of public and private functions until it became the
University Library. It sustained significant damage during the first battle of
Mostar, from April to June 1992. After repairs in the same year, the building
was again heavily damaged during the Second Battle of Mostar in May 1993. Since
that time, the state of the building has become progressively worse, in
particular because it is unprotected from damage due to weather.
Assumptions for reuse:The
University Library could profitably retain its original function as a library
with the installation of updated computer technology and on-line capabilities
not previously available in Mostar. If there is enough evidence and
documentation regarding the original interior elements like stairs and ceilings,
use of similar features would be desirable. Bullets and shells damaged the
faades of the building. They should be repaired using the original materials;
it would be proper to retain a maximum of the original fabric.
Proposed intervention:The
building has lost its roof but interior walls still exist. Missing floors - and
the roof need to be reconstructed. Structural assessment of the building by an
engineer and reinforcement of the bearing walls is essential. Corroded I-beams
should be replaced and protected against corrosion. The cracks in the walls must
be filled and stitched. The damaged plaster and exterior decoration should be
carefully repaired. All the windows and doors need to be renewed according to
their original form and material. Broken balustrades and cornices must be
reconstructed with the same structural and formal details.
Before
destruction
Formal
characteristic: The
University Library building, originally constructed as a private home,
underscores Mostar's official identification with the neoclassical style in the
Austro-Hungarian period. However, in turning to prototypes in villa architecture
the building's designer, Miloš Komadina, creates a more
residential, accessible building type.
Cut stone pillars and balustrades, large, aligned windows with classical
moldings, deep cornices, stone balustrades and hanging keystones fit this house
clearly within the Neoclassical mould. The main entrance is marked by a large,
deep porch on
the north faade, which gives onto the
street, suggesting more private, gracious accommodations within. The depth of
the porch allows for a broad second floor terrace, framed by a stone balustrade.
On the ground floor, a large central hall with a grand stone staircase
reinforces the palatial aspects of this villa, lending it a kind of ceremonial
authority. The public spaces of the house were clearly intended for official
entertaining, as a part of the daily life of a client who was also the city
mayor and the main developer of that time. 