VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)

Abstract

Mina Plančić¹, Tamara Zaninović² (1) University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, Doctoral study Architecture and urbanism, cand. PhD mplancic@arhitekt.hr (2) University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, tmaric@arhitekt.hr Croatian park pavilions are a significant but underexplored type of Croatian cultural heritage. Most of these historical structures were built in urban parks, gardens, and squares from the mid-19th until the mid-20th century. They provided spaces for shelter, leisure, events, rest, and contemplation, built at the intersection of architecture, landscape design, and (urban) social life. Unlike historical urban parks and sqares, many historical Croatian pavilions have not been systematically studied. This research, therefore, focuses on developing a database of open and semi-open historical pavilions. The aim is to define the construction period, preservation, and locations, for further research in defining their urban role and typology. The methodology combines literature review with archival and field research to identify and document historical examples. The resulting database includes 51 pavilions across present-day Croatia, of which 28 are still present on their original locations. Geographically, the majority of 44 pavilions were constructed in central and northern Croatia, with 23 preserved; 30 built within private and city parks, 10 built and 6 existing in spa parks, 4 built and 1 present within castle parks. In the coastal city parks (seafront promenades and cemetery) 7 pavilions were constructed and 4 preserved. As a part of ongoing doctoral research, the database enables future analysis of the social and cultural significance of these structures, particularly their contribution to the identity and experimental quality of open public spaces. The findings also raise questions of heritage evaluation and the potential reconstruction or reinterpretation of lost pavilions within contemporary urban futures.