N!CE (New! Coastal Ecologies)

Toward an alternate model for the future architecture and Mass Tourism infrastructure along the European Mediterranean Coast. Croatian coast as a case study.

Abstract

New! Coastal Ecologies (N!CE) Research is positioned within the
cross-section of spatial and social studies, focused on leisure, culture,
and architecture. It addresses the concerns of two main stakeholder
groups in coastal landscape development. One group is focused on
maximizing growth and revenue within the tourism industry, while
the other challenges the profit-centric approach, recognizes the
carrying capacity of tourist destinations, and is aware of the decline
in authenticity, identity, culture, and livelihoods. This division mirrors
the paradoxical character of the tourism industry: its inverse relationship between success and the depletion of its resources, the cultural,
and natural habitats.
In an era dominated by the grim realities of climate change and the
global impact of mass tourism stemming from consumption patterns that emerged after WWII, there is a growing need for a shift in
perspective. This research advances the notion that tourism need not
be viewed as an inherently destructive force. On the contrary, there
are alternative tourist developments and architectural typologies for
tourism that take into account the benefit of ecological values and
are beneficial for the local and global communities.
An illustrative instance is the Josic-Candilis-Woods seaside holiday
resort in Port Leucate-Le Barcarés, constructed in 1965, being part of
the broader framework of French governmental planning to enhance
tourism infrastructure along the French coastline. Similarly, the (former) Yugoslavian government played a proactive role in fostering the
creation of holiday resorts along the Croatian coast, foreseeing the
emergence of inventive public and private leisure spaces designed to
complement the natural surroundings. Delving into examining these
constructive paradigms, which progressively waned with the rise of
neoliberal capitalism, can serve as a valuable reference for crafting
alternative coastal scenarios.

From the Brazilian “Costa de Sol” to the French “Côte
d’Azur,” coastal landscapes globally share differences and
similarities, facing the common threat of destruction from
mass tourism infrastructure. The Croatian coast, one of
the coasts surrounding the “Mare Nostrum,” as the ancient
Romans referred to the Mediterranean Sea, is positioned as
the focus of research exploring prospective landscapes and
tourism dynamics of coastal destinations worldwide.