Hydrobiological Institute Ohrid
Buildings/The Hydrobiological Institute was built in 1935 at the initiative of the biologist Sinisa Stanković and has since been the only institution of its kind in the country. It is located outside the city but close to Biljanini Izvori and Petrino on one side, and to the lake on the other. The Studenchishta Canal was purposefully excavated for the institute to provide a direct connection to the lake, and concrete fish ponds–spawning pools in the yard and on the ground floor–are connected to the canal.
The building was constructed on marshy ground, with massive stone walls. It features a strictly symmetrical composition with a central protruding section and two side wings, a plan that is repeated on all floors. The façade displays decorations and secondary architectural reliefs around the windows and terraces, as well as wooden carpentry, which in some places has been closed off with plastic shutters.
Construction year 1935
Investor / Owner State Institution
City / Municipality Ohrid
/ Ohrid
Address Naum Ohridski St. No. 50
Floors B+2+A
Original typology
Current purpose
Protection status not protected
- Building chronology (project, construction phases)In 1934, construction of the building began. In 1935, the building was completed and began operating.Number of floorsB+2+AProgram description (floor plan details)On the ground floor, there is a fish hatchery. The first floor contains space for scientific work and administration. On the second floor, there is living space for scientific staff (to this day, part of the second floor serves as a guest apartment for visiting researchers, while the rest has been repurposed as office space). The attic is used for storage.StructureThe building was constructed on marshy ground, with massive stone walls.RoofMulti-pitched roof covered with tiles and a parapet (attic) made of brick on part of the eastern façade.FaçadeThe building has a symmetrical composition with a central protruding section and two side wings, a layout that is repeated on all floors. The façade features decorations and secondary architectural reliefs around the windows and terraces. The exterior finish is plaster.CarpentryThe building has wooden exterior and interior carpentry. The windows are rhythmically arranged on the façade. The most frequently repeated window type is a double-leaf window, divided into two sections by a horizontal mullion.Interior / Communal spacesTerrazzo floors, plastered ceilings, and walls coated with oil paint on the lower half; wooden carpentry; terrazzo stairs with decorated iron railings and a wooden profiled handrail.Interior / Private spacesParquet floors.ContextThe Hydrobiological Institute was built at the initiative of the biologist Sinisa Stanković, who was educated in Belgrade and Grenoble. In 1934, he received permission to build the institute, which was positioned in a strategic location-on one hand, far from the city, and on the other, close to Biljanini Izvori from Mount Petrino and to the lake. The Studenchishta Canal was purposefully excavated for this institute to provide a direct connection to the lake, which is the main focus of its work. At that time, the only other building in the vicinity was a han (inn) from the Ottoman period.
- RoofMulti-pitched roof covered with tiles and a parapet (attic) made of brick on part of the eastern façade.FaçadeThe building has a symmetrical composition with a central protruding section and two side wings, a layout that is repeated on all floors. The façade features decorations and secondary architectural reliefs around the windows and terraces. The exterior finish is plaster.CarpentryThe building has wooden exterior and interior carpentry. The windows are rhythmically arranged on the façade. The most common window type is a double-leaf window, divided into two sections by a horizontal mullion. Some of the windows also feature PVC shutters.Building surroundingsGreenery, asphalt and cement slabs, iron fence, concrete fish ponds–hatcheries.Interior / Communal spacesTerrazzo floors, plastered ceilings, and walls coated with oil paint on the lower half; wooden carpentry; terrazzo stairs with decorated iron railings and a wooden profiled handrail.Interior / Private spacesParquet floors and linoleum in the offices.Exterior conditionsatisfactoryInterior conditiongoodExterior authenticitygoodInterior authenticitysatisfactoryModificationsTwo additions from 1956 were built onto the southern façade of the original building, as well as a prefabricated freestanding structure-a closed hatchery. PVC shutters have been added to certain exterior openings. In the interior, there have been changes to the furniture and carpentry in parts of the building, and plastic partitions have been added at the entrances to the floors from the staircase core for better thermal performance.
- not protected
- historical societal/social emotional technical The historical and social significance of this institute lies in its pioneering role, being the first of its kind in the country and remaining the only institute of this type to this day. The institute is responsible for all freshwater bodies in the country, especially Lake Ohrid, which is recognized as a UNESCO natural heritage site. Additionally, the institute is mentioned in the preamble of the first session of ASNOM due to its importance for the state (according to employees). Its technical value lies in the fact that the building was constructed practically on marshy terrain, in close proximity to the lake. By driving stone blocks into the ground, the structure has managed to endure to this day. According to users, during earthquakes, noticeable swaying of the building can be observed, which is a characteristic of good seismic design.
- Recommendation to the owners: The value of the building should be respected when installing elements directly on the façades, and if changes are made, they should be aimed at preserving its authenticity. Restoration and conservation should be carried out, primarily on the façade and carpentry, which have been visibly damaged over time, while preserving the authentic appearance.
- Publication marking the 50th anniversary of the Institute. Publication marking the 80th anniversary of the Institute.