Proceedings OMBPolis Conference AcademyofSciences Marjanaku-PlykuDemaj-Kumaraku
Proceedings OMBPolis Conference AcademyofSciences Marjanaku-PlykuDemaj-Kumaraku
Proceedings OMBPolis Conference AcademyofSciences Marjanaku-PlykuDemaj-Kumaraku
net/publication/377325320
Exploring the balance between common and private spaces. A case study from
Tirana
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Llazar Kumaraku
POLIS University
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Albania, along with other Western Balkan countries, has undergone significant economic, social,
and political changes in recent years. As a result, housing, planning, and the resilient management
of territorial development have emerged as critical issues. This is because these regions face sig-
nificant challenges in providing affordable housing, addressing the impact of urbanization on the
environment, fostering evidence-based decision-making on the territory, and bringing forth the
commitments towards climate neutrality.
The organizers use the term “multi-modality” to define complex situations (in matters of territo-
rial planning, management, architecture, housing, public space, technology, etc.) that have histor-
ically encompassed Western Balkans and Mediterranean cities in a logic of coexistence and value
co-creation. A combination of knowledge and heritage that throughout time and history have
given life to civilization in this region of Europe. The active involvement of Albania in the existing
network of the Mediterranean Basin and the EU, through a joint action plan with UN / UNECE,
and the Albanian and regional authorities, including reputable scientific bodies such as the Acad-
emy of Sciences of Albania, makes this conference even more intriguing to explore fascinating
areas of research. The conclusions, to be considered as a stage for open innovation, will include
recommendations for further scientific and applied research, projects, and events.
The geographical focus of the conference covers three dimensions: i) Albania; ii) the Western Bal-
kans; iii) Euro-Mediterranean countries. POLIS University aims to focus on the above-mentioned
research areas that are of common interest to both Western Balkans and Mediterranean cities,
including, but not limited to: housing policies, urban history and architecture typology, innova-
tion and digitalization in urbanism, energy efficiency, resilience and environmental sustainability,
governance and smart technologies for city management, education and gender aspects in urban
planning research.
In this regard the main aim of this international conference is to bring together scholars, policy-
makers, and practitioners to examine the pressing issues of housing, planning, and land develop-
ment in these regions, in a context of transition fatigue, climate challenges and post-pandemic
realities.
Issues of Housing, Planning, and Resilient Development of
the Territory Towards Euro-Mediterranean Perspectives
Conference Aim
The main aim of this international conference is to bring together researchers, policy makers and
practitioners to examine the urgent issues of housing, planning and land development in these
regions, in a context of transition, climate challenges and post-pandemic realities.
Objective
The conference is organized by POLIS University (U_POLIS) in cooperation with the Academy of
Science of Albania, and supported by other local and international partners.
In the framework of resilience, the main conference theme is devoted to Issues of Housing, Plan-
ning, and Resilient Development of the Territory from a Euro-Mediterranean Perspective, includ-
ing Albania, Western Balkans and the Mediterranean Basin. This event aims to bring together
academics, policymakers, researchers, experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from diverse back-
grounds to discuss and address critical challenges related to housing, urban planning, and the
development of resilient territories.
5EKGNěKĂE%OMMKěěGG
Sadmira Malaj;
Polis University
HOUSING
Affordable Housing in Albania: Challenges and Effective Strategies. Case 8
study Tirana, Albania. Eneida MUHAMUÇI
Dealing with the future of the emergent settlements in the absence of full 15
property recognition. The case of Kashar and Astiri in Tirana, Albania.
Dr. Artan KACANI
MANAGEMENT, TECHNOLOGY,SUSTAINABILITY
Management roots back to the city walls. History, present, and future. 67
Prof. Ass. Xhimi HYSA, Dr. Shefqet SUPARAKU
Exploring the dialectic between permanence and change. The case of Epi- 103
damn Bulevard in Durrës
Iden BUKA, Marsela Plyku DEMAJ, Dr. Llazar KUMARAKU,
Exploring the balance between common and private spaces. A case study 116
from Tirana.
Hera MARJANAKU, Marsela Plyku DEMAJ, Dr. Llazar KUMARAKU
The Architecture of Hospitals. Learning From the Past. Franklind JESKU 126
Contructive elements of planned capitals; “Tirana Spine” and Ankara Atat- 144
urk Boulevard. Assist. Prof. Dr Zeki Kamil Ülkenli, Attila Gürsel
A GIS-based analysis of the urban green space accessibility of Tirana, Alba- 196
nia. Case Study: Administrative Area No.6
MSc. Leonora HAXHIU, Franceska KORANCE,
Innovative Soft Planning Tools and the Concept of Positive Energy Districts. 204
Experience from Slovakia. Milan HUSAR, Matej JASSO, Sila Ceren VARIS
HUSAR, Vladimir ONDREJICKA
The challenges of applying Big Data in the urban planning practices for the 211
developing countries. Case study in Albania.
Dhurata SHEHU,Dr. Lucca LEZZERINI,
Planning for disaster risk management: the perspective of Greece and Alba- 262
nia on envisioning resilient futures.
Varsami (Ersi) ZAFEIRIOU, Prof. Dr. Besnik ALIAJ, Prof. Dr. Pantoleon
SKAYANNIS,
Ma^bgÜn^g\^h_\ebfZm^\aZg`^hg]khn`amh\\nkk^g\^lZg]ma^f^Zlnk^l 278
taken to alleviate drought in Albania.
Sherif LUSHAJ, Anira GJONI, Enkelejda KUCAJ,
The Smart Tourist Spanish Destination Program. Critical Success Factors. 289
Carmen DE-PABLOS-HEREDERO, Miguel BLANCO-CALLEJO, Rey Juan
Carlos
Disaster Risk Reduction within Complex Urban Systems. The importance 311
and challenges of holistic approaches
Endri DURO
Hera MARJANAKU1
Ph.D. Candidate. Marsela Plyku DEMAJ1
Dr. Llazar KUMARAKU1
1
Polis University, Albania
DOI: 10.37199/c41000109
Abstract
This article explores the relationship between private spaces (dwellings), common spaces and the
presence of the human factor. In the consideration that the dwelling space as a phenomenon takes
place in both the inside and its outside immediate urban setting, these levels of scale are often
intertwined; they are inextricably linked in a complex entanglement of interests. Changes on one
level have immediate implication for others. A search on urban design should consider all levels
as intertwined in a constant search for improvement as a whole.
The aim of this paper is to explore the changing relationships between the community and private
and common spaces through the history of urban transformation in one of the dense urban areas
close to the Tirana centre. Tirana is a particular example displayed throughout its history and still
continuing to display great and fast urban transformations in its territory. The case study area
displays signs from the most distinct urban transformations of the city.
Based on a space syntax assessment from the field and using a diagrammatic analysis-comparison
methodology, the following points are explored:
1. relationship between the individual and the common space
2. relationship between the individual and the semi-private territory surrounding the
dwelling (courtyard / garden)
3. relationship between the individual and the private space (dwelling)
Conclusions obtained from this analysis of the existing situation will be compared in a formal way
with the same relationships in a previous historic period, showing the level of transformation and
changing levels of relationships between private and common spaces.
Keywords
common space, urban design, urban density, high rise, urban transformation, Tirana.
116
Introduction
In the last 30 years, while Albania has been and still continues to be in an economic and social
transition period, its urban spaces and architectural character are continuously and rapidly under-
going drastic changes and transformations. Urban development problems are among the first ef-
fects of this transition period emerged while the cities need to provide proper infrastructure, coup
with increasing needs for public transport, manage vehicle traffic and protect the environment.
The population of Tirana has increased in unforeseen numbers since 1990 due to uncontrolled
and unplanned migrations mainly of the rural population but increasingly also from other urban
centers all over Albania. Due to this fact, the experience with urban development during and after
the 1990s in Tirana created one of the most singular cases of architectural and urban development
models in Europe, especially for its dynamism and energy as well as for its irregularity and total
chaos on the one hand, and the total absence of development plans and policies on the other hand.
The situation of architecture and urban planning in this period is the best visual expression of the
city-s difficult transition. (Aliaj, Lulo, & Myftiu, 2003, f. p.66)
This paper explores the changes that happened in the relationship between private spaces (dwell-
ings), common spaces and the presence of the human factor analyzing a selected case study urban
area in Tirana in two distinct historic periods being during the communist regime (in the early
‘60s) and today. Both periods are selected with 30 years from 1990 which is the year that marked
the fall of the communist regime.
Literature Review
2022 is considered a notable year for the Albanian capital, since Tirana was announced as the
“European Youth Capital”. It is obvious that the city is gradually going towards the concentration
of the central government entities and organizations that act as gears of development. However,
in face of this accomplishment which presents the city as a “Dream City” full of opportunities and
promising a bright future and healthy living, the current and touchable everyday reality comprises
concrete buildings and functional areas.
Numerous studies and published sources provide information on the process of urban and ar-
chitectural transformation that Tirana has undergone in the last 30 years. (Aliaj, Lulo, & Myftiu,
2003) state that following the 1990s, Tirana is characterized by the extreme degradation in the
quality of urban environments and the occupation of public lands by illegal development. In the
same line (Velo, 2013) analyses the fact that in the 1990s Tirana inherited several peculiar char-
acteristics the most significant of which was the horizontal extension bearing a great potential to
conserve common open and green spaces. He further considers that after the 1990s in the course
of only 10 years, due to the unplanned and spontaneous development that Tirana has experienced,
it resulted to become the most chaotic and unesthetic city in Europe occupying its common open
spaces with high-rise buildings.
Considering the morphological analysis as crucial to a good design, (Leupen & Harald, 2011)
mentions the need for undertaking such an analysis also in the most chaotic parts of the cities. In
exploring on how to better understand the morphology of an urban area, he refers to Colin Rowe
who drew the buildings as black volumes against an empty background. Jean Castex who includes
a number of influential works on urban form, describes the city as the outcome of a series of ero-
sions of the typological diagram. In his studies he links typological analyses at building level with
the analysis of urban fabrics and urban plan types.
117
Tools and Methodology
The methodology used for the development of this research is based in a two-steps approach
which are:
- Separate figure-and-ground analysis as well as permeability analysis of the common and private
spaces in two distinct historic periods being early ‘60s and today,
- Comparison of both analyses
The analysis-comparison process which is undertaken in parallel and using similar terms, is con-
sidered to be adequate for assuring the achievement of some concrete and well based conclusions
from this research.
As part of the separate analyses the following three types of relationships will be examined:
a. relationship between the individual and the common space.
b. relationship between the individual and the semi-private territory surrounding the dwelling
(courtyard / garden)
c. relationship between the individual and the private space (dwelling)
The conclusions are derived from the comparison and the juxta positioning of the two-analysis
based on the above-listed three types of relationships. The results are displayed in the form of an
abacus showing the changes that happened in the relationships between common and private
spaces. The facts and figures are the outcome of observations in field and historic research.
Acessibility Analysis
The analysis of accessibility is conducted in the case study area in the two selected historic periods
1958 and 2022. It aims at understanding the level of permeability and the movement patterns in
the case study area in each period. Also by comparing both analyses, an understanding of the
changes in the accessibility of transition between common and private spaces can be conceived.
First, the main routes connecting bigger distances compared to close internal distances within
the zone are identified. These are the routes used by a significant number of locals. Various social
activities are established along them, such as services for both inhabitants and visitors. It should
be highlighted that these routes contour “Zone 1,” and because of the high volume of movement,
the linking routes between the east and west sides, was considered acceptable, resulting in a mi-
1
(Dhamo, Thomai, & Aliaj, 2021 )
2
The historic research and analysis was undertaken by H.Marjanaku, in the framework of the “Theoretical Deepening” class, during the 5th year
of the studies (2022-2023) in the Department of Architecture, Polis University. The graphic elaborations are developed by H.Marjanaku under the
direction and mentorship of Dr. Ll. Kumaraku and PhD Candidate M.P.Demaj.
118
Fig. 1 Aerial view of Tirana – Zone 1 is highlighted in relation to the city centre
The accessibility analysis allows for the clarifying of linear segments that contribute to the form
of the urban settlement. However, as architects, urban planners, restorers, historians, journalists,
and politicians, as prime ministers, citizens, and individuals, we must accept that a path/route/
street laid with either concrete, cobblestones, bricks, tiles, marble etc., is never just one element of
a passage. It is never just a street. The linear vectors of accessibility routes graphically presented
in figures 1 and 2 should be considered as living elements and as such as elements that develop a
chain of interactions with the every-day life of the users.
119
Fig. 2 - Accessibility analysis, map of 1958 Fig. 3 Accessibility analysis (2022)
Several observations listed below can be drawn from the accessibility analysis:
1. Zone 1 was in 1958 a more compact urban unit mainly framed by main routes and having an
internal structure of moderate access routes and limited access (more private) areas, while today
due the increase in population density the developments have been extended towards the internal
structure of the urban unit creating main access routes and a new division of the whole.
2. Today Zone 1 can be considered of being composed of 3 sub-zones (south, central, north) which
are defined from the east-west routes that have gained more importance over the years.
3. Moderate and limited access spaces providing kind of quiet and semiprivate spaces, have dimin-
ished in the course of 60 years, in favor of direct access areas and more publicly used and crowded
spaces.
4. What is immediately noticeable is the prominence of the green tone, not just as a frame color,
as was shown in prior research, but also how the ease of movement transcends not only the vast
surface but also the mini inner areas. Regardless of whether they overlap, it is noticeable that as the
red hue begins in the primary diagrams, the green color becomes prevalent in the areas previously
considered to be more private.
Fig. 4 Abacus showing the comparison of accessibility patterns in 1958 and 2022
121
Relationship between the individual and the semi-private territory surrounding the
dwelling (courtyard / garden)
The following section takes into consider-
ation three historic villas in Zone 1, that
date back to the period between the end
of 19th century and the beginning of 20th
century. Being permanent elements in the
last 60 years, they can be an indicator to-
wards how much existing buildings were
influenced by the developments in their
surrounding urban unit, in terms of acces-
sibility, and based on their typologies.
Villa No. 11 is one of the residences of
Petrela family. It is a two-storey villa built
around 1900’s. The presence of decorative
elements in the façade as characteristic
feature of the early 20th century is present
in the exterior. The building faces the to-
day busy and crowded “Barrikada street”,
however it still has conserved its court-
yard providing a semi-private space for its
inhabitants. The above serves to develop
the sense of security as well as liberty, as
the yard becomes the primary space from
which family activities are carried out,
completely independent of the outside
world.
Building no. 12 is the Tekke of Sheh Dyrri,
a religious building, however it has been
constructed in the typology of vernacu-
lar architecture that prevailed in Tirana
region until the end of 19th century. This
building also follows the same logic of
providing an internal courtyard for the users while the main entrance gate to this courtyard faces
the busy street The following section takes into consideration three historic villas in Zone 1, that
date back to the period between the end of 19th century and the beginning of 20th century. Being
permanent elements in the last 60 years, they can be an indicator towards how much existing
buildings were influenced by the developments in their surrounding urban unit, in terms of acces-
sibility, and based on their typologies.
Villa No. 11 is one of the residences of Petrela family. It is a two-storey villa built around 1900’s.
The presence of decorative elements in the façade as characteristic feature of the early 20th cen-
tury is present in the exterior. The building faces the today busy and crowded “Barrikada street”,
however it still has conserved its courtyard providing a semi-private space for its inhabitants. The
above serves to develop the sense of security as well as liberty, as the yard becomes the primary
space from which family activities are carried out, completely independent of the outside world.
122
Building no. 12 is the Tekke of Sheh Dyrri, a religious building, however it has been constructed
in the typology of vernacular architecture that prevailed in Tirana region until the end of 19th
century. This building also follows the same logic of providing an internal courtyard for the users
while the main entrance gate to this courtyard faces the busy street
Fig. 5 - Villa no.11, photo credits M.P.Demaj Fig. 6- Tekke of Sheh Dyrri, photo credits M.P.Demaj
Fig. 8 - Comparison of the changes in the relationship of the studied villas with the surrounding urban unit
1958 (left) towards 2022 (right), schematic section
124
Conclusions
The analysis and comparison approach constitutes the core of the present research, which serves
as a method for understanding and raising awareness for a situation that is currently happening
and is expected to continue for the following years.
The analysis demonstrates that there exists an imbalance between the appealing city’s ideals and
the real circumstances that Tirana residents face on a daily basis. The observations derived by the
comparison may be perceived in the following manners: (1) the people concept of their physical
well-being and the goals wanting to attain for one’s self has changed through time. So far, the
essential shift consists in the inhabitants consciousness as citizens and makers of their personal
space. What was formerly considered essential, that is transitory spaces from common to private
(such as courtyards) has been changed and may have taken on a new form and value. (2) the com-
mon spaces are being reduced to movement axes and the urban units are loosing their own pecu-
liar characteristics made through an interconnection of common semi-private and private spaces.
They are rather going towards the unification of the urban character, being limited to buildings
and streets and lacking those small spaces that are linked to the local identity and diversify and
enrich the urban form.
References
Aliaj, B., Lulo, K., & Myftiu, G. (2003). Tirana - the Challenge of Urban Development. Tirana:
Co-Plan.
Bushati, V. (2012). Vilat e Tiranës, gjysma e parë e shekullit XX. Polis Press.
Dhamo, S., Thomai, G., & Aliaj, B. (2021 ). Tirana qyteti i munguar. Polis Press.
Leupen , B., & Harald, M. (2011). Housing Design, A Manual. Nai Publishers.
Velo, M. (2013). Betonizimi i Demokracisë. Tirana: UET Press.
125
Scientific Academy of Albania