Rising after Fall: Reconstruction of Sarajevos Winter Olympic Games herritage site, Olympic Hotel Igman

Abstract

As a former member of the National Team and Olympic Team (by representing her country in Mediterian Games) of Bosnia and Herzegovina in rhythmic gymnastics, and today a coach to children in this sport, the author herself always viewed the Olympic Games as a symbol of achievement for both country and individuals. As an architecture student, she started to perceive the Olympic legacy in Sarajevo as a powerful symbol of unity and happy days but also traumatic ones. Growing up in a city that went through the longest siege in modern history, she learned to see architecture as a living narrative, telling stories of identity, brightest moments and struggles. Sarajevo’s history is ingraved as a timeline into its streets and buildings. From the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods through Yugoslavia and its post-war years, these eras, along with milestones such as World War I, World War II, the 1984 Winter Olympics, and the 1990s war, have shaped its identity as a multi-ethnic city where East meets West, multi-religious city often called the “Jerusalem of Europe.” This thesis focuses on the 1984 Winter Olympics, the largest event in history of former Yugoslavia. It will explore how this event transformed Sarajevo’s architecture and urban fabric: vertically, with its skyline rising toward the mountains; horizontally, through the development of infrastructure, tourism, and economy; and temporally, as it left behind a cultural legacy and the everlasting title of an Olympic city. In the project, I draw parallels with other Olympic cities to highlight missed opportunities and envision what Sarajevo’s trajectory could have been without the interruption of war. The core of this thesis is the Olympic Hotel Igman, a symbol of Sarajevo’s dual historical narrative: a symbol of both Olympic pride and brotherhood, and war’s devastation, a collapse not just of architecture but of the nation itself. investigate the potential of reviving Hotel Igman as a functional and symbolic space, that will bring peace to peoples souls. By preserving and adapting the building, It aims to create a venue that serves professional athletes, promotes recreational activities, educates and fosters community connections, all while respecting its architectural heritage. Spaces like Hotel Igman can bridge divides, inspire unity, and provide a sense of safety. Architecture can be seen as a living organism, mirroring human life. The question then arises: should it die with its memory, or should it get chance for rebirth? Reconstructing Hotel Igman seeks to reconnect residents with their vibrant past, reminding them of the unifying power of sports and their city’s resilience. Through architecture, we can rebuild not only structures but also the bonds that unite communities.