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THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF KOSOVO “PJETËR BOGDANI”
RAPID CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND DOCUMENTATION
R. Eppich a, Bekim Ramku a, Nol Binakaj b
a Universidad Politécnia de Madrid, Spain - rr.eppich@alumnos.upm.es
b Kosovo Architectural Foundation, Prishtina, Kosovo - ramku.kaf@gmail.com, binakaj.kaf@gmail.com
Commission VI, WG VI/4
KEY WORDS: Kosovo National Library, Documentation, Condition assessment, 20th century architectural conservation
ABSTRACT:
The National Library of Kosovo “Pjetër Bogdani” is a symbol of Prishtina, Kosovo and the quest for knowledge. It is simultaneously
an icon of modernity and symbol of the past. Unfortunately, it suffered through the Kosovo war and neglect in times of economic
difficulty. It was also unfortunately featured in the British newspaper The Telegraph in their travel section: “One of the world´s 30
ugliest buildings?” In late 2015 the Kosovo Architectural Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to spirit of creating and preserving
unique architecture, became concerned with the reputation and condition of the Library and contacted the Kosovo Ministry of
Culture, visited the site and initiated a project to raise awareness and document this modern masterpiece. The Getty Foundation and
their Keeping it Modern grant program awarded funding for initial condition assessment, documentation, capacity building and
investigations. This paper discusses the project to document and improve the image and awareness of this important structure and set
priorities for its future.
1. KOSOVO NATIONAL LIBRARY
1.1 Introduction
The building of the National Library of Kosovo was the
culminating expression of our architecture and belief for a
brighter future through education. It’s construction, interior,
materials, landscaping planning and environment demanded
that the articulation of space, its compact structure, shapes,
light and shade, and elevation, should carry associations of
traditional buildings of this region while simultaneously
creating a new architectonic form. The motifs of cubes,
spheres, and columns represent a contemporary application of
the autochthonous architectural inspiration of the people of
Kosovo.
Andrija Mutnjakovic, Architect, On the beginning of
construction of the Library
Few modern buildings connect the past and present as
flawlessly and span multiple cultures as expressively as
Kosovo's National Library in Prishtina. Reflecting on the
region's diverse heritage and distinct cultural spirit, Croatian
architect Andrija Mutnjakovic (b. 1929) sought to create an
authentic national architectural expression when he designed
the building in 1971. Constructed with in-situ cast concrete,
marble floors, and white plastered walls, and topped with 99
translucent acrylic domes, the library is reminiscent of buildings
from Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Despite its unified
historic forms, the structure is unmistakably modern.
Mutnjakovic used new materials to evoke ancient architectural
tropes, most notably the exterior aluminium lattice-wrapping,
which can be interpreted either as a fishnet or a veil pointing to
the area's two predominant religions. Although reception of the
design was mixed when the library opened in 1982, the building
is now regarded as an extraordinary example of late Yugoslav
modernism and a beloved space in the community.
While the building's interiors suffered damage during the
Kosovo War (1998–1999), its exterior escaped the conflict
relatively unharmed. However, over the past several years, the
building has begun to show signs of aging, most evidently
though water ingress that required ad hoc repairs. Moving
forward, a team of conservation specialists will address the lack
of knowledge about the building, studying and assessing its
performance with the support of a Getty grant. They will
analyse every aspect of the building, including consulting with
the architect on historic documents and his own personal
knowledge of the design. Their research will create a
comprehensive record of the building's past and current
conditions and result in the preparation of a nomination for the
protection of the library at the national level. When completed,
the project will serve as a model for modern building
documentation in the region and will be shared with the public
through an exhibition at the library. The project will also raise
awareness for preserving 20th century architecture through a
series of workshops for students and young professionals in the
field.
The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLII-2/W5, 2017
26th International CIPA Symposium 2017, 28 August–01 September 2017, Ottawa, Canada
This contribution has been peer-reviewed.
doi:10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W5-215-2017 | © Authors 2017. CC BY 4.0 License.
215
2. VALUES ASSESSMENT/SIGNIFICANCE
An important part of the study of any historic place is to
understand its values. As part of this project these values were
explored. Members of the community, Ministry of Culture and
architects were involved. These underlying values included
aesthetic, historic, social and scientific, etc. The various aspects
that were investigated included form and design, materials and
substance, use function, location and setting and spirit and
feeling. These were placed into the Nara Grid model based upon
Koen van Balen to generate a platform for discussion and draft
a statement of significance.
Figure 1 –Exterior of the Kosovo National Library
2.1 Significance
The National Library of Kosovo “Pjetër Bogdani” (Biblioteka
Kombëtare e Kosovës) is significant for is numerous underlying
and overlapping values – to many different communities. It is
important to the history of the people of Kosovo as one of the
major repositories of knowledge and as a center of learning for
multiple generations. It is one of the largest resources of
publications in the Albanian language and also shelters historic
materials from four periods: the Ottoman, Yugoslav and
independent Kosovo periods. Its location in the center of the
university campus as well as the center of Prishtina along with
its open spaces has given it high social values as a gathering
place for the people of Kosovo. Many protests and
demonstrations have begun here and it will continue to serve
this purpose. It also has social value for individuals or small
groups as a meeting point to study or visit the city. The library
has a number of historic links given its architectural forms of
cubes and domes to both Byzantine and Islamic religious
buildings but is a reinterpretation of these forms in modern
materials and building techniques. Its solid well-built
construction following the idea gesamtkunstwerk or integral
design serves as an example of the level of complete design and
workmanship possible. The finishes, furnishings, materials and
details were thought of as a work of ideal art that is
comprehensive in all its elements. This integrity and
authenticity are largely intact. This is an important value today
given the often inadequate construction methods employed in
contemporary buildings.
2.2 Conservation Philosophy
Because the Kosovo National Library is an important structure
the following Conservation Philosophy was drafted to serve as a
guide for its conservation. The Conservation Philosophy and
Intervention Principles are written to ensure a professional,
international standard for conservation. They will guide future
work to conserve the aesthetics, values and historic importance
of the monument. They have been drafted to align with
international standards of conservation but adapted for the local
context.
RESPECT FOR VALUES – These have been studied and will
be widely disseminated. One such value is the integrity
including finishes and furnishings. Therefore it is important to
only touch the library as lightly as possible to preserve the
original fabric, authenticity and values. The proper texture,
colour and appearance of any patches on the walls, recovery of
lighting fixtures and retention of original finishes. This includes
reinstallation and conservation of original furnishings.
MINIMUAL INTERVENTION - Only undertake repairs where
absolutely necessary for both short and long term stability,
moisture protection and visitor safety. Any elements that require
replacement must be identified and the causes of deterioration
must be studied and understood and addressed before
replacement. Maintain reversibility in any intervention when
possible and reverse existing inappropriate interventions.
COMPATIBLE MATERIALS - only compatible materials
using the same or similar design motif, colour and properties
should be used.
TESTING - Test all original materials to thoroughly understand
their properties and attributes in order to understand what kind
of new materials should be used. Test all new materials and any
proposed treatments.
DISCERNIBLE INTERVENTION - all interventions will be
slightly discernible form the original materials. This will be
marked and documented in a subtle manner.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS - all work will conform to
all international conservation practices and charters. These are
listed in the Bibliography.
MAINTAIN USE – iconic buildings such as the library that are
used and known are protected. Therefore unused or underused
spaces should be adapted and made available for use. This
includes upgrade facilities including handicapped access and
signage.
SUSTAINABILITY - Prepare for longer term conservation
project including manual for maintenance, list of priority items,
protection of fragile area, etc. Control the water on and around
the roof, basement and site, improve drainage. Remove harmful
vegetation on the plaza and and site particularly around
The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLII-2/W5, 2017
26th International CIPA Symposium 2017, 28 August–01 September 2017, Ottawa, Canada
This contribution has been peer-reviewed.
doi:10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W5-215-2017 | © Authors 2017. CC BY 4.0 License.
216
drainage. Prevent mechanical damage to remaining elements.
Maintenance plan. Write a maintenance and visitation plan.
KNOWLEDGE - Create records and documentation that can be
easily followed and serve as a record of all works. This
includes locating historic documents and the creation of a
bibliography. All work will be communicated and shared with
all stakeholders.
Figure 2 - Historic influences of the Gračanica Monastery and
the Ibrahim Lutfiu Mosque in Kosovo.
3. CONDITION ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTATION
One of the first steps was to collect all historic drawings and
images of the building. The Kosovo Architectural Foundation
visited the architect Andrija Mutnjakovic in Zagreb and
obtained his drawings as well as videotaping an interview with
him. This proved to be very valuable in the initial understanding
of his influences as well as issues that arose during
construction.
The rapid condition assessment was the second step in a much
larger more comprehensive project. The goal of this assessment
was to quickly identify areas that required further more in-depth
study. The second goal was to conduct a workshop and
introduce young architects to the building, its values and
condition assessment. The final goal was to begin to
communicate with directors and decision makers about the
condition of the library. Funding cycles are usually quite long
and the team felt it necessary to be prepared should there be
questions concerning intervention budgets.
This assessment was possible using two different methods:
either by building system such as moisture protection or by
physical spaces. The team chose to describe the condition using
both because division by physical spaces allowed for a more
efficient workshop and use of the participants teams while by
systems it is easier to identify and communicate systemic
problems. Also this helped the young architects the possibility
of seeing all systems within a single space. It will also help
decision makers and funders focus on particular spaces such as
the reading rooms or offices.
The team drafted a form that would unify efforts in
documenting the building and assessing its condition. The form
listed spaces, building systems such as water protection and
heating, ventilation and air conditioning. A particular focus was
on life safety followed by water protection. It was emphasised
how this form was connected to the values explored earlier.
Special emphasis was placed upon disabled access from the
parking lot to a majority of the spaces, the original finishes and
furnishings as well as items that may be at risk in the future.
One additional aspect of this form is that it could be used in the
future to monitor the building by the maintenance workers.
These forms were tested in various portions of the building
before deciding upon a standard form that would work for the
whole. The teams then dispersed to investigate all aspects of the
building. In addition to the form extensive photography was
undertaken following a strict methodology that included the
context, space, photo plan and details of the issued investigated.
These were then referenced into the form for retrieval later.
After several intense days of investigation the forms were
brought together to create a comprehensive condition
assessment report that was then translated and presented to the
Ministry of Culture.
Figure 3 – Sample documentation form that was used for
building condition assessment to identify issues
The documentation revealed that overall the National Library of
Kosovo is in good condition. There are no major structural
issues such as deformation, differential settlement or cracking.
There are minor areas at the bottom of the cantilevers where the
reinforcing bars are exposed and these require treatment.
However there are more serious issues that must be addressed.
This includes water infiltration from the roof. The flat built-up
roof membrane, flashings, copings, scuppers and drains are all
failing. There have been remedial actions over the years but it is
time for the roof to undergo a redesign and new roof to ensure
the building will last for another 40 years. The roof must
The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLII-2/W5, 2017
26th International CIPA Symposium 2017, 28 August–01 September 2017, Ottawa, Canada
This contribution has been peer-reviewed.
doi:10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W5-215-2017 | © Authors 2017. CC BY 4.0 License.
217
undergo a redesign that will add additional insulation, increase
the drainage slope, provide better control of water from the
drain scuppers and provide backup roof drains should there be a
blockage.
There are also serious issues with water infiltration into the
basement and cellars of the building. From the reports that
emerged during the archival research this has been a problem
since the beginning. While excavation of the entire perimeter of
the basement is cost prohibitive there may be other solutions
such as a series of shallow wells or channels to dewater the site.
Such well can also be installed within the building inside the
vertical ventilation shafts. This requires testing and
documentation but could be less invasive and more cost
effective than new water proofing of the basement walls.
In addition the façade must be addressed. This includes cleaning
and repointing of the stone cladding, cleaning the exposed
structural members and the aluminum grid. The original wood
windows and doors must all be cleaned, sanded, sealed, primed
and painted. This will ensure that they remain with the building.
Illumination is also a major concern. Light levels are inadequate
for study in the reading rooms. These investigations recorded
readings of below 20 lux at night in the reading rooms while the
minimum is between 250 and 500 lux. In addition the light
levels in other areas of circulation such as the main stair are also
insufficient. The light fixtures must be preserved as they are an
integral part of the design of the library. These can be preserved
and upgraded with the use of new technologies such as LED
and smart control systems. This will also significantly reduce
energy costs currently estimated at 3000 euros per month.
Furniture, finishes and ornamentation is also a serious concern.
These elements are important as they were designed specifically
for the library. They are at risk because they wear faster and
must be replaced. Furniture is also easy to replace and there are
many instances of new inappropriate furnishings.
The toilets require upgrades and replacement of water closets,
faucets and plumbing. This should be done keeping as much as
possible of the original fixtures and finishes. One or or toilets
must be converted for disabled access.
All of these proposed interventions must be thought out and
prioritized with a search for available funds to begin
immediately. What has been discovered and proposed in this
report are expensive interventions, but less expensive compared
to upcoming further damages should they not be addressed.
Disabled access into the library is also an important
consideration. This includes the parking, enforcement of the
parking and a path including a ramp into the building.
In conclusion, the library is in good condition but the above
issues must be addressed to ensure conservation of this
important monument.
Figure 4 - Section through the library
4. CONCLUSIONS
The National Library of Kosovo “Pjetër Bogdani” (Biblioteka
Kombëtare e Kosovës) is significant for is numerous underlying
and overlapping values. It is at the center of the University,
Pristina and Kosovo for knowledge, research and social life. It
represents the historic architectural forms of the region in new
materials and with new ideas. It also represents an ideal of
integrated architectural design that included finishes, furniture
and artwork. It is a well-used and functioning building
necessary for the social and educational life of the community.
It is also a well-respected building and citizens generally take
pride in such a unique structure. Knowledge of this significance
must be passed on to future generations. Therefore it must be
conserved along with all its individual elements. While this
project is only the first step in safeguarding this monument it is
an important one. The team´s activities have already attracted
the attention of community leaders, users of the library and
university students – an important aspect necessary for the
preservation of often under loved modern architecture.
The methodology that was used to document and explore the
values as well as the physical condition of the structure proved
robust and detailed. The young architects involved in the
process as well as the maintenance workers at the Library
discovered many items at risk and this allowed for a
comprehensive picture to be formed of the condition.
These efforts will help ensure that the National Library of
Kosovo is respected, maintained and conserved well into the
future.
Figure 5 - The main auditorium from above
The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLII-2/W5, 2017
26th International CIPA Symposium 2017, 28 August–01 September 2017, Ottawa, Canada
This contribution has been peer-reviewed.
doi:10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W5-215-2017 | © Authors 2017. CC BY 4.0 License.
218
Modern architecture is one of the defining artistic forms of the
20th century. Set free from traditional structural requirements,
architects and engineers used experimental materials and novel
construction techniques to create innovative forms and advance
new philosophical approaches to architecture. Today this
modern architectural heritage is at considerable risk. The
cutting-edge building materials and structural systems that
define the modern movement were often untested and have not
always performed well over time. Heritage professionals do not
always have enough scientific data on the nature and behavior
of these materials and systems to develop the necessary
protocols for conservation treatment. To address these
challenges, the Getty Foundation developed Keeping It
Modern, an international grant initiative that continues our
deep commitment to architectural conservation with a focus on
important buildings of the twentieth century (Getty
Foundation).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Kosovo Architectural Foundation team would like to thank
The Getty Foundation for providing the financial support and
guidance necessary to conduct this project. Through their
program of Keeping it Modern this project was possible. It
comes at a critical time for the health of the National Library as
there are numerous systems such as the roof, windows, moisture
protection and plumbing that are nearing failure. The team must
thank the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for
their unwavering support and cooperation. We would also like
to thank the managers, librarians and caretakers of the library.
In particular Dr. Fazli Gajralku, Director of the Library for his
cooperation and welcoming the team to every corner of the
library. Special thanks must go to the caretakers of the Library,
Pontor Tknikë; Hizri Bekolli, environmental technician; Remzi
Demolli, electrician and Valdet Hoti, media technician. It was
evident throughout our investigations they take great pride in
the library. Without their daily efforts over the past 30 years the
building would have suffered. The entire staff assisted us in our
efforts to understand the functioning of the building, users,
values and condition from the roof to the sub-basement.
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/ugliest-buildings-in-the-
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APPENDIX
The Kosovo Architectural Foundation is a non-profit, non-
governmental organization based in Prishtina, Kosovo
dedicated to spirit of creating and preserving unique
architecture. KAF initiated and directs the well-known Prishtina
Architectural Week; an annual event attended by thousands of
individuals and world famous architects.
http://www.prishtinaarchitectureweek.com/
Figure 6 - The main atrium
The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLII-2/W5, 2017
26th International CIPA Symposium 2017, 28 August–01 September 2017, Ottawa, Canada
This contribution has been peer-reviewed.
doi:10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W5-215-2017 | © Authors 2017. CC BY 4.0 License.
219