2.2 Architecture and its contribution to Tourism

These components strees the idea of architecture beeing the main contributor in the tourism development of a country in many layes. It is just the place to think that it’s architecture obligation, to offer quality of space, functional and well-oriented space, as well as caring for security or hygenic factors to make to guests a very positive experience. Therefore, by enroaching in space, architecture and designers have the ability of either improving or destroying it, thus depriving space, as a primary provider of the tourism offering, of its original value8 .

The concept of Urry (1990), “the tourist gaze” emphasizes the dynamics related to the tourist experience, organization of social components and the physical context.

“The contemporary tourist space is configured by four main groups representing the key elements for tourism blooming. Attractions, Accessibility, Accommodation and Amenities requires a national and local strategy for contributing to the growth of tourism” (Istrefaj, 2018)

2.2 Architecture and its contribution to Tourism

Architecture is without a doubt, a powerful tool in the tourism industry. “It’s by making use of the composition, space, structure, functional and aesthetic aspects of architecture where most countries have initiated to establish a specific form of tourism” (Istrefaj, 2018).

In this context we can define architecture role in “shaping” several divisions in types of tourism by reinforcing its role as driving-force on Tourism Configuration. One of the most complex architectural configuration and the nearest one to the public access are the accommodation structure. Their varieties in size and architecture, facilities offer and other recreational spaces complete a panorama which guests are usually searching to pass holidays or vacations. From small cabins to 5* hotels; from luxury resorts, to theme

8 Ivana Medica, Pavlo Ruzic, Tomislav Ruzic - Architecture as a tool for Branding in Rural Istrian Tourism Destination

parks; there is quite a wide specter of choice which is oriented by a lot of factors, commodities, facilities and even good marketing work, but of course, the presence of architecture is one of the most attractive indicators in the choice.

“Tourism always stands within the cultural and economic politics of its environment and the historical development of the tastes and habits of the everincreasing number of tourists. At the End of the day, the preferences of the tourists and how they are changing, must be understood and this requires sustained social and cultural analysis. Expressed more directly still, tourism is a co-creation of tourists, entrepreneurs and designers and this threesome needs to be understood together” (Lasansky, McLaren 2004).

Architecture and society are developed almost at the same time and still live in a symbiotic relation. As soon as humanity established the first principles of society, the need for architecture has become irreplaceable. Enriching the functionality component of architecture with the quality of life, possibility to offer different experiences, expands. This happens because architecture is not just about functionality, but it represents the These qualities of architecture are successfully used also in the Tourism Development. The concept of architecture as “[…] among others that architecture is simultaneously a site, event and sign. It is both the structure in the traditional sense of the world, as well as the way in which that structure is deployed” (Rossi, 1984).

In this context we can define architecture role in “shaping” several divisions in types of tourism by reinforcing its role as driving-force on Tourism Configuration.

2.2.1 Interpreting architecture as component of Accommodation Touristic Structures

In the context of understanding the contribution of architecture in the tourism sector, it is essential to identify: “Architecture is part of every tourism component with its direct or indirect contribution to this industry. In much the same way, we understand places by the architecture that defines them” (Hornstein, 2011).

During this Research The Term “Accommodation Touristic Structures”, will be referred to buildings that provide sleeping accommodation, services and facilities for spending vacations or holidays, represented by Hotels generally. “Accommodation or lodging is, by a long way, the largest and most ubiquitous sub-sector within the tourism economy. With few exceptions, tourists require a location where they can rest and revive during their travel through, or stay within, a tourism destination” (Cooper et al. 2008, 344.)

Accommodation is key component in the tourism industry and a basic requirement for the travelers. The discourse of the influence factors of architecture as part of accommodation is related with 3 main concepts evolved in accommodation structures, related to the a) design, b) affiliation with other sites or infrastructure and the c) the model of management.

Provision of services since it consists of primer interest during a holiday or a vacation and good use of time is very valuable. “Some of the most fundamental works in psychology confirm that spatial structure and spatial behavior are interdependent” (Krolikowski, C. & Brown, G., 2008).

Figure 7: Components of Accommodation Touristic Structures. Source: Author