The serial vision method in vernacular architecture research of the cultural heritage of Sveti Stefan

Formerly a medieval fortification and a fishing village, the island of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro has functioned as a luxury "town hotel" for the past seventy years. Although declared a cultural heritage of national importance in 1960, its long-term lease to a foreign tenant, modifications to the vernacular environment, insufficient institutional involvement, and recent management practices indicate improper treatment. This study offers a view of Sveti Stefan in which its cultural and historical values, integrated into a complex vernacular ambiance, outweigh its economic importance. Using the Serial Vision Method, the author documents the spatial condition of a chosen path through a sequence of images, emphasizing the vernacular character of the cultural habitat. The method is integrative (providing a historical overview that complements the freehand drawings), practical (highlighting the problems that threaten the island's authenticity), educational (showing potential as a learning tool for architectural students), and economical (requiring only basic equipment and modest financial resources). Observation of the delineated path 1-1 revealed the most significant modifications of the vernacular environment in terms of excessive greening, insufficient maintenance, and general commercialization. The Serial Vision of Sveti Stefan serves as a reference for improving the current state of the cultural heritage, offering a temporary alternative to the island's restricted access.