Transformation of Island Iconography under the Influence of Industrial Architecture – Impact of Oil Industry on Adriatic island of Krk

On the island of Krk, the oil processing industry played a transformative role, not only in the transformation of the island's landscape, but also its symbolic capital. Due to the development of industry, the urban landscape changed significantly, and industrial architecture suddenly became an important element of the symbolic representation of the entire island. The analysis of Omišalj on the island of Krk reveals the complexity inherent in the construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction of urban iconography. For centuries, the Adriatic islands have cultivated a distinctive harmony between vernacular architecture and the natural landscape, shaped by traditional livelihoods with which local communities closely identified. This longstanding equilibrium is now challenged—and redefined— through the evolving dynamics of urban and industrial transformation. Cultural heritage—from Antiquity, through the Middle Ages, to the Renaissance—has long served as a vital component of symbolic capital, persisting in the architectural language of Omišalj through both form and material. However, the introduction of modern industry brought significant changes to the physical environment, altering its visual identity, functionality, and traditional economic activities. It also led to the emergence of new residential zones designed to accommodate an industrial workforce. This research examines these transformations not only as a localized case study, but also within a broader context—considering how contemporary industries, particularly tourism, often exert an even more invasive and radical influence on the island’s iconography and cultural landscape. Keywords: industrial architecture, island, iconography, Adriatic, Krk