Hisar Fortress Revitalization

Situated within the medieval Hisar Fortress on Hisar Hill above Prokuplje (Sout Serbia) and surrounded on three sides by the Toplica River, the project occupies a site of exceptional historical and natural value. Built in the late 14 c. on earlier Roman and Byzantine remains, the fortress with its oval citadel and ramparts forms a unique heritage ensemble. The citadel plateau forms a unique dialogue with the surrounding landscape, sky, and sunlight. The intervention introduces a multifunctional cultural space while preserving the fortress’s authentic scale, atmosphere, and spatial integrity.

The main concept is ‘lightness’, as any intensive intervention could disrupt the existing values of the site as a significant historical monument. The design aimed to preserve the visual balance of the citadel plateau, allowing new interventions to be noticeable but not overwhelming. On fortress - Conserved and partially reconstructed damaged ramparts and the donjon tower maintaining the delicate site- monument-landscape relationship. On stage - The design fulfills Prokuplje’s long-standing wish for a summer stage. It was essential that the stage is non-dominant, integrating subtly into the citadel plateau. On seating - The natural slope of the citadel guided the layout of the auditorium rows, embedding them into the terrain. New metallic elements were added into the terrain, creating parallel lines that respect the historic ramparts, define the stage area, and create a subtle dialogue with the sky and surrounding landscape.

The intervention creates a subtle synergy between historical and contemporary elements, allowing the observer to perceive the old and the new of the the seven-century presence of Hisar Fortress. The Fortress repair focused on minimal interventions: Conservation and partial reconstruction of walls, ramparts, and the Donjon tower. The reconstructed ramparts now stand slightly taller, reinforcing historical hierarchy and balancing new architectural elements. The stage is modular and removable, the tallest element but visually subtle. Material choice ensures it harmonizes with the surroundings. Its ephemeral presence emphasizes flexibility and minimal impact, while its scale ensures it does not dominate the ramparts. The seating is placed on the grass which covers the citadel plateau and integrated naturally into the terrain. Parallel corten metal elements visually support the plateau, establishing a hierarchy: ramparts first, metallic lines second, and stage last.