The municipality of Šavnik purchased three entries for 1.000 euros each in a national competition for the conceptual design of a 19-meter-long bridge that crosses the Nevidio Canyon and the Komarnica River and connects it with the municipality of Plužine. The three best entries were selected on this occasion. The construction of the bridge is planned to replace the existing one, with the aim of improving its construction, landscaping the surrounding terrain and valorizing the canyon's tourist potential.
A total of 20 works were submitted to the competition, which lasted from September 11 to December 1, and three works were purchased - by Stanko Kovačević, Vasilije Novaković and Dejan Popović, as well as the work of "Andu Architects". The three best solutions were not selected, so the main prize of 8.000 euros, the second prize of 5.000 euros and the third prize of 3.000 euros were not awarded.
The competition required the design of a bridge in a free architectural form, but while preserving the natural values and visual integrity of the Nevidio Canyon and using durable and environmentally friendly materials such as reinforced concrete, steel and wood, discreet lighting to preserve the natural darkness, a branding concept to make the bridge a recognizable feature of Šavnik and this locality, ideas for a logo, name, color palettes for promotional material and souvenirs, signs and information desks.
At this point, it is planned to cut off the hill because there is a sudden and sharp curve from the direction of Šavnik, which threatens traffic safety, while the bridge would have two wider traffic lanes, pedestrian paths on both sides and a lookout in the middle. This bridge is located on the Pošćenje - Dubrovsko road at the entrance to the Nevidio canyon, where the Komarnica river disappears into a narrow gap and the place where the dramatic change in relief begins and the entry into an impassable natural gorge.
The competition was open to anyone with a permanent residence or registered office in Montenegro, and the works could be done by individuals or teams. The municipality also recommended the formation of multidisciplinary teams in order to improve the works, which would include experts in civil engineering, architecture, art, landscape architecture and traffic. It was required that at least one member of the team must be an engineer in the architectural and civil engineering profession, and if the work is submitted by an individual, he must have that title, while a professional license will also be required when implementing the competition solution, but not during the competition.
Note: The first version of the text stated that Kovačević won first place and a prize of 8.000 euros, and that according to his calculations, the project would cost 1,1 million euros, that second-ranked Novaković and Popović received 5.000 euros, and third-ranked "Andu Architects" received 3.000 euros.
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