The Evolution of the Boka Kotorska as a Sustainable Ecological Entity

Abstract

Purpose
This study focuses on the development of the Boka Kotorska region of Montenegro. As such it attempts to analyse the viability of sustainable growth in the region and the potential role of vernacular architecture and ecology as contributory components to achieving genuine sustainable growth within the region. The development of the tourist industry within the region is a key element within the overall strategy for sustainable growth. This has obvious implications for the urban development of the case study area as uncontrolled deregulated expansion threatens the future viability of sustainable growth. By analysing this case study we aim to highlight the key areas of concern relating to sustainable spatial development.

Design/methodology/approach
We propose and approach that reviews the fundamental elements to the establishment of viable sustainable spatial development within the Boka Kotorska that adopts qualitative analysis of contemporary sustainable practice and traditional conventions. This provides the elements for discussion and possibility of creative solutions to the goal of ecologically inspired design models.

Originality/value
This paper seeks to address some of the fundamental issues relating to the often disjointed relationship between rhetoric and design practice. The study identifies the potential for this region to act as a benchmark of enlightened practice and also critically, highlights many of the issues associated with lost opportunities. The spatial design stakeholders are committed to genuine sustainable innovation. However, the adopted methodologies are often a source of dispute and open to interpretation and occasionally misrepresentation. Accordingly, our findings can be viewed as contribution to viable design strategies and implementation through identifying tangible benchmarks for a more ecological approach to spatial and architectural urban growth.

Practical implications
The objective of a more ecologically inspired approach to an enlarged tourist sector contrasting with over developed neighbouring states, exists against the backdrop of governmental goals of attracting direct foreign investment and the aspiration of future EU accession. Accordingly, the analysis of case studies on a micro scale highlighted in this paper should be observed as a foundation for sustainable economic growth at a macro level. Consequently the primary focus of macro development should be based on the practical adoption of micro level innovation methodologies and design templates.