The contemporary border crossing is most often designed to be highly functional and practical. Its existence acts alone in the mission of confirming a country’s sovereignty and relationship with its neighbors. Inadvertently, it shows the ideals, desires and goals of a country and its representatives, though not of its people. In the case of Serbia and Kosovo, it presents not only a controversial topic, but one that many fear and avoid. This project aims to face this topic directly, analytically and respectfully, in hopes of reaching a long-desired understanding, equality and balance.

In order to understand the two countries’ relationship, one has to understand not only their history, but the history of the region. The Balkan peninsula, a point between the Eastern and Eestern worlds, has faced centuries of turbulency, unrest, and drastic border changes. Though this has brought development, it’s also caused tension and heavy conflicts. In light of this, a whole different history, full of cooperation, a common culture and togetherness, became forgotten. The people of Kosovo and Serbia share similarities which have been twisted by history, all but one that will never change: the wish for peace. The essence of this project lies in understanding and respecting history and, as a person coming from Serbia, doing my part in encouraging the establishment of respect, equality and balance.

Conducting interviews has allowed for an understanding of the functional and emotional aspects of the existing BCP (border crossing point) at the project site in Merdare. It is the main BCP, on a route connecting the two capitals, Belgrade and Pristina. As it is the only route in the region that is not a highway, resolving this was important in order to turn Merdare into a BCP up to European functionality and capacity standards. Due to this, the existing BCP infrastructure requires an expansion.

While the functional aspect of the project’s design is a necessity, it has no power without acting on emotions. According to the interviewees‘ experiences, moments leading up to reaching the BCP are full of fear, anxiety and stress, turning these areas into emotional epicenters, calling for an intervention. Reaching an equilibrium between the two sides requires embracing the duality that this border brings: ephemerality and eternality. The former lies in the borderline, in the sense of it presenting an object of restraint and fear. It is materialized through tall, wooden beams, strung along the line, meant to dissolve over time, and take the negative emotions with it. The latter lies in permanent reminders of the common past, as well as an opportunity for a common future. It is represented by two concrete, circular forms, equal in strength, allowing users to take a look inward, as well as towards the other side, keeping an intact visual connection.

Through design, the aim is to reach a harmony of emotions, structural equality, and inspire change, making this project a turning point in our countries’ and people’s future.