Construction Tradition in Bosnia and Herzegovina: From the Bosnian House to Skyscrapers

Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country rich in history, culture, and tradition, has developed a variety of architectural styles over the centuries. One of the most fascinating aspects of its architectural heritage is the transition from traditional structures, such as the Bosnian house, to modern skyscrapers. This evolution is not only a reflection of technical progress and material development, but also of the cultural and social changes that have occurred throughout history.

When it comes to traditional Bosnian houses, they were known for their simplicity and functionality. Today, as they are almost completely out of use, they remain only as traces of the past, symbolizing a connection with nature but, above all, with tradition. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina is undergoing rapid urbanization, marked by the construction of modern skyscrapers.

As a Civil Engineering student, I have the opportunity to study how these concepts are applied in practice. What fascinates me most about construction in Bosnia and Herzegovina is how tradition and modern construction technologies can be integrated, which is the focus of this blog. The use of natural materials in traditional Bosnian houses made them both environmentally sustainable and naturally resilient.

At university, I learned how these principles were also applied in modern construction, which motivated me to explore how to combine tradition and innovation.

While designing contemporary buildings, I noticed a huge difference in the technology and materials used. Working with modern materials, such as steel and glass, I learned how much construction has changed, but also how important it is to incorporate sustainability into projects, just as old Bosnian houses did. However, we can always improvise our contemporary buildings using natural materials that were used in Bosnian houses, but with the application of new modern techniques. In this way, we achieve a significant effect in merging tradition and innovation.

Modern skyscrapers and high-rise buildings have become symbols of modern society and urbanization. The construction of such buildings is not just a response to the growing need for business and residential spaces but also a reflection of the contemporary era in which we live.

It is clear that modern construction must address the challenges of globalization, rapid urbanization, and evolving human needs.

Amina Mehinović

Civil Engineering

Faculty of Polytechnic

University of Zenica

Bosana scholarship recipient 2021/22