Albania Economia
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Architect Andrea Michelini, CEO and co-founder of MAU Architetture, winner of the UNDP competition, discusses the regeneration of the Cerovo Creative Hub, a sustainable and multidisciplinary project. This ambitious initiative involves the expertise of Italian, Albanian, and Montenegrin teams, combining diverse skills to revitalize the cultural and economic heritage of the region.
What motivated you to participate in the UNDP international competition for the regeneration of the Cerovo complex?
The complexity of the project motivated us to form a multidisciplinary and international team, which includes Italian, Albanian, and Montenegrin excellences from MAU Architecture and F&M Ingegneria. The Cerovo Creative Hub is a key regeneration initiative to revitalize the cultural and economic heritage of the region and to re-establish the relationship between humans and nature. We have presented a thorough analysis of the economic and procedural feasibility, making the project sustainable in all its aspects.
What was the main idea behind the conversion of the military complex into a creative hub?
Cerovo was meant to become a multidisciplinary space capable of promoting creativity and innovation. We envisioned flexible spaces where sustainability, network access, collaboration, and innovation were central. Our goal was to create a socially inclusive, economically diverse, and regenerated place, perfectly integrated with the urban and cultural context of Bijelo Polje.
Which modern architectural principles and materials have you implemented to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability?
We have used prefabrication and modularity to create exhibition, production, and public spaces. The complex employs renewable technologies and bioclimatic greenhouses, achieving very high energy efficiency. Cerovo is an industrial archipelago immersed in nature, celebrating the culture, art, and heritage of Montenegro with a contemporary architectural language.
What is the expected impact of this project on the local community and tourism?
The creative hub will contribute to the economic and cultural development of the region, generating new opportunities for artists and local entrepreneurs. The project is perfectly aligned with other government initiatives, such as the tourist development of ski resorts and the Đalovića Cave speleological complex. It will be a landmark for cultural tourism, attracting visitors and supporting the enhancement of the local heritage.
What did winning the first prize of the UNDP international competition mean to you?
Winning the competition was a great honor. The project prevailed over teams from 17 countries, demonstrating that our innovative approach to cultural and sustainable regeneration was fully appreciated. This recognition allows us to realize the vision of a future in which creativity and local culture are drivers of development.
For more details on the competition and the winning project, you can consult here:
