Hotel Olympia: Uncovering the Past, Building for the Future: the Architectural Story of Olympic Hotel Igman's Rehabilitation and Commemorative Museum

Abstract

The Hotel Igman, located in Sarajevo, Bosnia, has a fascinating history. Built to house world-class athletes during the 1984 Winter Olympics, the hotel was later transformed into a war outpost during the Bosnian War in 1992, leaving it in a state of disrepair. This project seeks to rehabilitate the hotel by renovating its interior to modern standards while retaining the original exterior finishes as a tribute to its past. In addition to restoring the hotel, the project also includes a commemorative museum located up the mountain from the hotel to help the community heal from the scars of war. The museum is designed to blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape with its exterior finishes, while the interior is intended to represent the history of the site and its surroundings through movement and views. The aim of the museum is to not only honor the past but also to provide a space the community to reflect and heal. By restoring the Hotel Igman and adding a commemorative museum, this project serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for a community that has endured the trauma of war. This project aims to pay homage to the history of the Hotel Igman while creating a space for healing and growth for the people of Sarajevo.