The southern Montenegro municipality of Ulcinj has announced radical new plans to ensure a sustainable, eco-friendly future for its beautiful coastline and heritage.
The southern Montenegro municipality of Ulcinj has announced radical new plans to ensure a sustainable, eco-friendly future for its beautiful coastline and heritage. They are turning to the acclaimed Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who was hailed by Time Magazine as one of its Top 100 innovators for the 21st century, and who was honored this spring at the MIPIM international real estate awards in Cannes for his sustainable vision for the tsunami reconstruction project in Kirinda, Sri Lanka.
The intention of the authorities is to prevent over-development, to avoid a concrete high-rise future for their region, to ensure that their architectural and natural heritage is preserved, and to establish a plan for sustainable, eco-friendly growth that will attract tourists and businesses that share that vision.
The property consultants Colliers International Southeast Europe are acting as the advisors for the project. There is a history of co-operation between Shigeru Ban and Colliers International Southeast Europe - the Regional Director of Colliers International Southeast Europe, Philip Bay, was the initiator of the Kirinda project and has now encouraged the celebrated Japanese architect to be involved in a new vision for Ulcinj.
Shigeru Ban said, "This area of southern Montenegro is one of the most beautiful in Europe and it's very important that it remain that way. I'm very excited about helping the authorities here in creating a sustainable vision for the future of Ulcinj."
Gezim Hajdinaga, President of the Municipality of Ulcinj, said, "It's very important for our town at this stage of its development to have the opinion of a world architectural expert like Shigeru Ban. I want to thank Philip Bay, whom I consider a friend of this town, for making this happen. We believe the expertise of Shigeru Ban will be valuable not only for the whole region but also for architects here who can find inspiration for their work in the fact that Shigeru Ban came to visit."
Philip Bay, Regional Director of Colliers Southeast Europe, added, "It is an enormous honor to work with an architect like Shigeru and such a progressive municipality as Ulcinj. I think together we can ensure that the area takes the right road of development."
Colliers International Southeast Europe has been named Consultant of the Year for Southeast Europe the last two years.
The Kirinda project was awarded an historic two prizes at the MIPIM awards this spring, winning not only "best residential" award but also a special tribute and serving as the inspiration for a new Green Building award.
