Integrating New Structures with Historical Constructions - A Transparent Roof Structure above the Centrally Designed Atrium

The architecture initiated during the time of the Austro-Hungarian period was distinctly expressed both in Sarajevo and in the whole region of Bosnia-Herzegovina. A substantial number of these buildings was assessed for their historical, architectural, ambient and aesthetical values and, as such, represent the valuable historic heritage of these regions. Standing among them in its impressive dimension and being of a great national value is the palace of the former Provincial Government, which was designed by Josip Vancaš in Vienna (1884). The aim of the present paper is to emphasize the importance of atrial and open spaces integrated into the volume of the building. These spaces can be used to synthesize and functionally transform spaces into controlled and contextually selected forms, contemporary shapes and materials by applying functional creativity without endangering the ambience and historical values of the building. On the contrary, by closing the courtyard and atrial spaces, it would be possible to ensure a buffer zone between the interior and the exterior as well as to create a micro-climate and eliminate processes that generally occur in façades facing such spaces. These spaces could be synthesized and functionally transformed into useable, controlled and contextually selected forms by creatively applying contemporary shapes and materials without endangering the ambiance and historic values of the building. The view towards the sky through a diagonal lattice would present an association to the “lattice window” or “mušebak”, creating a comfortable microclimate. Several different structural concepts were studied. The aim of the paper was to evaluate structural concepts in terms of feasibility and energy efficiency measures pay off. There are numerous examples of transparent roof extensions introduced when rehabilitating the existing cultural-historical buildings, the extensions known for their power in terms of quality and quantity or the harmonious bond between the old and the new. The atrium roof structure will be supported on the walls of existing building. Since the roof structure would be on the interior of the building footprint it is important to consider manageable erection process.