New Adriatic Atlas is an interdisciplinary project that explores hidden layers of human intervention in the Adriatic Sea through research, cartography, design, and artistic interpretation. Developed in Montenegro and Serbia, it builds on earlier research and transforms it into a publication and digital resource that makes complex spatial, environmental, and cultural data accessible to wider audiences.
The project began with a kick-off meeting in Podgorica in December 2024, where partners aligned on methodology, roles, and activities. This was followed by an extensive research phase focused on collecting and structuring data on protected areas, marine traffic, infrastructure, hazards, cultural heritage, and geography. The scope of the research expanded significantly, resulting in a comprehensive and detailed dataset.
Two workshops in Podgorica defined the project’s interdisciplinary approach. The first focused on aligning research, design, and narrative formats, while the second refined the visual identity and communication strategy. These sessions established a shared working framework between researchers, designers, and artists.
At the core of the project is the development of maps that function as both analytical and narrative tools, revealing the Anthropocene footprint across the Adriatic. The artistic interpretation of maps evolved alongside the research, resulting in a cohesive Atlas that integrates cartography, illustrations, and texts into a unified publication. The inclusion of essays ensures that the Atlas functions not only as a visual and cartographic object, but also as a critical publication addressing historical, cultural, environmental, and socio-political dimensions of human intervention in the Adriatic. By combining site-specific analysis, historical research, critical theory, and literary reflection, these essays provide multiple entry points into the Atlas and support its ambition to operate simultaneously as a research publication, an artistic object, and a platform for critical dialogue.
The Atlas was launched in Podgorica in December 2025. Printed copies were distributed to academic institutions across the region, while the online platform discoveradriatic.me was expanded with new datasets and georeferenced content, ensuring long-term accessibility and continued development.
By combining research, design, and artistic interpretation, New Adriatic Atlas introduces a new way of understanding the Adriatic as a shared space shaped by environmental, cultural, and historical processes. The findings of this project, both on and beneath the surface of the Adriatic, are available to all interested stakeholders, especially students, academics, architects, and art enthusiasts, as well as the wider public. Presented in the Atlas, they aim to raise awareness, inspire future research and artistic work, and foster dialogue on heritage preservation and sustainable development in the Western Balkans.
Implementing partners: APSS Institut (Montenegro) and Modern in Belgrade (Serbia).
“New Adriatic Atlas” project is supported by the British Council through the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” project, funded by the European Union. CC4WBs aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.