C O - P L A N

Albanians Coming Together: pp. 14

Co-PLAN GAZETTEA Biannual Publication of Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development

Biannual Publication Gazette No. 3 - June 2012

On April 23, 2009, the Parliament of Albania passed the Law No. 10119, “On Territorial Planning”, as amended. The law was followed by 7 bylaws and at least 1-2 more are expected. The law entered fully in force on September 30, 2011.Over the past 9 months, since September 2011, little has happened with regard the implementation of the law. The main reason behind being the difference between the new and the previous legal planning framework, and the ability of institutions and developers to adapt quickly to the changes. Overall, the territorial planning law is more complex and exceeds to a considerable degree the current capacities of public officials to guide its implementation. The challenges in the implementation of the law do at times pressure for revision. In fact, two bylaw amendments have been approved since September 2011. These amendments tend to solve specific issues, but do not guarantee consistency with the overall legal framework. In fact, it is recommendable to start the implementation of the law at full speed rather than try to make amendments to certain legal provisions, whose impact is yet unknown. Ministries have assumed a greater role in territorial planning by not simply commenting/opposing municipal

territorial plans; instead, ministries prepare sectoral territorial plans and also propose areas/issues of national importance. Both instruments have a considerable impact on local planning. There is at times an ambiguity in the inter-relationship between NTPA1 and MPWT2. By law, NTPA is functionally dependent from CoM3. By a bylaw, NTPA has its budget and structure approved by MPWT. Municipalities/Communes have several competencies in urban planning, but territorial planning is rather shared between them and the national authorities. The responsibilities of Qark in planning and land development remain still vague. Developers are a bit resistant to the law as the terminology and some permitting practices have changed. These changes do not hamper developers, but require them to adapt to the new system. On the other hand, the law provides more creative instruments for land development that can be efficiently used by developers. On the other hand, landowners can have higher protection of their property rights, but should also understand that the property rights are not equal to the development rights. It is with this in mind that planning and development negotiations should be effectuated.

Territorial Planning in AlbaniaOn ! "atus of !

© This newsletter including the pictures may not be reproduced in part or in full, without prior consent of the author and Co-PLAN.

Tirana Architecture Week: pp. 8 Plastic Bottle Bus Station: pp. 2 Discuss Your Space: pp.16

1 National Territorial Planning Agency; 2Ministry of Public Works and Transportation; 3Council of Ministers.

P L A S T I C B O T T L E S T A T I O N

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Where are we headed to?From the time of the nylon bags, and glass-water-bottles, the Albanian consumer profile, similarly to that of its ‘foreign counterpart’, has changed beyond recognition. In 21 years, we have replaced each Consumerism behavior for the sole reason because we have the opportunity to choose; have the freedom to choose between [at least] 10 different types 'water bottle', the colorful drinks, often without any particular reason as such. Our tendency for consuming goods packaged in disposable wrapping, has increased so much that has been apparent clash with the environment in which we live. For a society that until 21 years ago had not seen either plastic bottles or any similar disposable packaging, the problem we face today is serious.

To our good luck, we can use the right to choose even here: we can reduce the use of disposable packaging; replace their consumption with products less harmful to the environment, and recycle what we use. With a little willpower and fantasy, we can transform the problem of pollution into a beautiful sustainable solution. I invite you to become familiar with the latest initiative of Co-PLAN Institute for Habitat Development and POLIS Internat ional School of A r c h i t e c t u r e a n d Development Policy.

OR

P L A S T I C B O T T L E S T A T I O N

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The project to build a bus station with plastic bottles was initially conceived at Co-PLAN & U_POLIS in December 2011, optimistically relying on similar previous experiences. With the ultimate goal to address an environmental problem, as well as a spatial and financial one, we set up a working group consisting of urban planners, architects, engineers, and students. The designation of the project was completed during the period January - June 2012, and approximately 65% of the required bottles were collected. The bottles come from daily consumption of staff and students in POLIS, by transforming this project into an extremely creative and original recycling scheme.

How?12,000 is the number of plastic bottles needed for the construction of the bus station. These bottles are being collected from the i n te rna l con sumpt ion a t U_POLIS.

30 is the number of the experts involved in the construction of the bus station, from idea conception to final construction of the structure. The group of experts consists of urban planners, architects, engineers, finance specialists and students who will volunteer in the process.

9 stands for the number of months needed to complete this project. By October 2012, Kashar will be host to the first functional structure built using recycled plastic bottles in Albania.

P L A S T I C B O T T L E S T A T I O N

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PHASE 1

TESTING

JULY ‘12

P L A S T I C B O T T L E S T A T I O N

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Cur ren t l y i n A lban ia a l l Loca l

Governmental Units apply open field

waste deposit, with the exceptions of:

- The Municipality of Tirana, Vora, and

several surrounding municipalities, who

deposit their waste in the landfill of

Sharra;

-The landfill of Bushat which enables the

Communes of Vau i Dejes and Dajç

[Lezhe] to deposit their waste.

- The controlled landfill for municipalities

Rrëshen-Rubik and the surrounding

municipalities.

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1 2 I M P O R T A N T Q U E S T I O N S T O A S K

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12 QUESTIONSto ask prior to buying a new house.

1 2 I M P O R T A N T Q U E S T I O N S T O A S K

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Buying a new house is one of the most important decisions one has to make, therefore you as a buyer should show the utmost care when selecting your future home. Buyers often think that the 3D Project the investor offers them to see, will be fully completed, but this is not always the case. It is therefore necessary that when you decide to buy a home, you know exactly what obligations the developer must meet, so you know what you are paying for. It is important that besides the initial cost of the purchase, you take into account all maintance costs, which are ongoing and are closely related to the construction quality of the house you buy. To ensure a quality choice, you can consult an expert.

Besides the maintenance costs, other continuous expenses are those related to heating: to reduce such costs, you should take

into account the orientation of your home in order to maximize the hours the house is exposed to the sun (preferably south, south- east, or east).What we often forget is that our home is not confined within its walls; possibility for the ambulance or fire-engine to access the building, organizing maintenance of common spaces, the existence of recreational spaces in the vicinity of your residential block, the proximity of the house to educational facilities and public transport and parking spaces are elements that significantly affect daily life.Last but not least, you should verify whether the property you intend to buy is registered with the IPO, as this is the only legal way to ensure ownership of the facility where you intend to move.

T I R A N A A R C H I T E C T U R E W E E K S

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The aim of Tirana Architecture Week is to promote international knowledge exchange among professionals and enhance public interest in architecture, art and design, as disciplines deeply concerned with the contemporary city development. Balkan cities have passed through radical social and economic changes, resulting in a diverse and often uncontrollable development. With great respect to their history, and also recognizing needs for future development, TAW is aiming at providing a platform, where several local and international participants can disclose useful and vanguard know-how, while the Balkans experience can radiate a unique and inspiring food for thought.

2 210Architecture Work#ops A$&Design Public Events

Tirana Achitecture Week is a joint event of Polis University and Tirana Municipality supported by a broad network of local and international partners. TAW is organized in 4 main blocks that are further divided in components as the following:1. Architecture events; 2. Art & Design events ; 3. Public Events; 4. International Workshops. Motives for creating TAW include:1. There is a high need for refactoring architecture as crucial dimension that shapes cities, within the Balkans and in particular the Albanian society. 2. There is a serious need to impact education in architecture and urban design and planning (in Albania) with vanguard know-how, as the long-term mean for the creative evolution of the cities and societies. 3. There are few events of this comprehensiveness as TAW, in Albania and the region. TAW intends to consolidate more a tradition of open events, linked also to art events, architecture competitions in Tirana, and architecture weeks in Sofia, Skopje, Belgrade, or similar efforts in Prishtina and Podgorica, etc.The European architecture, planning and theoretical understanding of contemporary city, can essentially contribute to the creation of new knowledge for development of the Balkan cities.TAW can expose Albania/Balkans experience to the international network of architecture. Further to the formal growth, informal/organic/spontaneous developments in Albania (and the Balkans) are becoming of particular interest, not only for the complexity of the problem, but also for the uniqueness of the phenomenon. The international experience in particular (for example Dutch) sees this spontaneity as a breathing element in its rather determined planning approach and is interested to benefit from it aiming to avoid the rigidity.

POLIS University launches the 1st international conference of architecture TAWC_01, as one of the key events of the Tirana Architecture Week. TAWC_01 shall take place in Tirana, from October 9th to 12th, at the premises of the POLIS University. The theme of the TAWC_01 is “Re-appropriating the city: Architecture as a tool for the re-appropriation of the contemporary city”. Balkan cities are at the focus of the conference’s theme, looking forward to identify their position in the international platform of city performances.In the cities of the Balkans , we have been witnessing plenty of devastating intrusions to the public space, made by privileged groups that just “grabbed the opportunity” in a given political and social economic setting. These intrusions have undermined the human-space healthy balances, by resulting in space capture. The latter has been extremely severe in the Balkans context of shifting from dictatorial to democratic societies, where the concept “space for all” was evilly manipulated into “space for my business”. This “laissez faire” psychology was justified with the “need for transition to real capitalism”, endorsement of consumerist ideologies and quick removal of legacies of the past, including fractions of social responsibility. Thus, the one that used to be the space for all was taken over for personal, narrow and selfish interests of the strongest, or the fittest.Having recognised that, we also observe not to be free as yet of these unhealthy takings that often stand behind the well known names of banks, shopping malls, business centres, etc. Thus, we identify a need for getting space back to the public and also maintaining the healthy interactions. In our Balkan context, space appropriation has to enter a “[re]” phase, which encompasses processes of [re]claiming, [re]evaluating, [re]arranging, [re]using, [re]building, [re]shaping, [re]modelling, and at last [re]understanding and

/////////WHY TAW?/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

ARCHITECTURE EVENTS //////////////////>

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[re]developing space as a place of all. Re-appropriation of space in the city stands for a known method, but reversed model, fed into daily practices.Architects, urban planners, designers, experts in sustainability issues and space psychology are invited to share their experiences, their knowledge and inspiration, cases from world cities and other useful insights. The contributions would at last provide a solid basis for Balkan cities in the endeavour towards sound and healthy re-appropriation. The sub- themes are:1:: From missing links to connected city; 2: The Inclusive city; 3: The living building; 4: The “Ergonomic” city; 5: My city; 6: The Spontaneous city.

Keynote speakers of the conference are: Kees Christiaanse (NL), Francine Houben (NL), Bjarke Ingels (DK), Srdjan Jovanovic Weiss (USA) Ben Van Berkel (NL), Antonino Saggio (ITA)Scientific Commitee: POLIS University: Dr. Besnik Aliaj, Dr. Loris Rossi, Dr. Antonino Di Raimo, Dr. Vera Bushati, Dr. Arber Shtylla; Università “ La Sapienza” Roma: Prof. Antonino Saggio Università Ferrara: Prof. Antonello Stella; ANHALT University of Applied Science: Prof. Stephan Pinkau; Technical University of Vienna: Prof. Marcus Tomaselli; Cottbus University: Prof. Raimund Fein; Erasmus University of Rotterdam: Prof. Peter Niented; University of Belgrade: Prof. Vladan Djokic.

New Transport?

The MOBILIciTY international competition will have as the main goal the re-appropriation of the city of Tirana in terms of mobility and transport on iron. In collaboration with the Tirana Municipality, the competition event will gather in Tirana ideas from students and young architects from around the world, in response to the need of a complete renovation of the city. Tirana multimodal station will be the title of the international competition. The head of the jury will be an architect of international stature from the Netherlands. This event of the Tirana Architecture Week requires a different time frame, starting from March 1, 2012. with the registration of the participants, and continuing in June with the registration deadline. From July through September, the jury, composed of representatives of each promoter, will give early assessments and will later announce the winners. The work and ideas generated from the event will result in series of possible solutions to chew on. The strong international im pact and success of this competition will be guaranteed not only by a jury of architects and specialists of international importance but also by the fact that this is the first ever competition of ideas on intermodal station organized in Tirana. Jury: [Chairman] Winy Maas (MVRDV); POLIS University: Besnik Aliaj; Co-Plan: Rudina Toto; Municipality of Tirana: Ulrike Bega; Albanian railway HSH: Zamir Ramadani; ANHALT University of Applied Science: Stephan Pinkau; Association of Architecture A.U.A: Ledian Bregasi; University of Ferrara: Antonello Stella.

The exhibitions, being the third level of analysis in TAW’s Architecture Events are going to be a series of public events, structured in the way to promote interaction between architects, students and the inhabitants of the city, so creating a real case of re-appropriation of the public space. MOBILIciTY Exhibition - selection of works from MOBILIciTY international competition, organized by TAW, will be presented. Workshops Exhibitions- Final works of the three Workshops (Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal ) will be presented. Projecting Tirana Exhibition- Presentation of POLIS graduated student’s thesis works and works of current, younger students. [Re] appropriation of the limit property - [re] appropriate the limit property in Tirana emphasizing one of the problems that we meet almost in every road or private property in our city.Story of an Apartment - condominiums in Tirana, during the communist period and after 90’s; the functional change; user’s attitude and relation with the general conditions of the society.Preservation of Cultural Heritage - importance of the history in a city life; preservation and integration with the new city; cultural heritage and its presence in everyday life.

/////////EXHIBITIONS////////////////

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The City as a phenomenon along vertical dimension - Rosa Blu bar, 13th floor, Rruga Kavajes, G_Kam

Tower; Tirana versus Dajti National Park, Cable Car/Way and Be lvedere TowerPOLIS University (Lectors and Co-PLAN, Albania); Kas Oosterhuis (Delft University of Technology, Hype rbody re sea r c h Group , Nether lands ) ; A r t u r o V i t t o r i (Architecture&Vision, Italy)The Vertical Workshop

intends to focus on the vertical layers of the city of Tirana and its immediate surroundings. We introduce the expression vertical layer, to emphasize the city as a phenomenon of accumulation and proliferation of physical materials along vertical dimensions; an eminently sectional phenomenon, which when observed, enables us to recognize a vertical sprawl of functions in this city. We, therefore, wish to consider the ‘high points’ of the city as new catalysts for the exploration and re-invention of specific urban and architectural conditions. In contrast to the city as an artificial artifact, the traditional European discourse on the town has influenced us to define the natural surroundings as its necessary complement. Tirana`s informal growth of the two recent decades, seems to have stopped just at the foothills of the Dajti Mountain National Park. In fact, it is not accidentally that people refer to it, as the balcony of Tirana. The Vertical Workshop intends to consider this area, as a vertical element, which is so intimately related to the city. Thus, there will be two opposite spots that shall bind the main frame of the workshop: the first is the top of a new tower (mixed functions building) of Tirana, and the second is the belvedere of Dajti Park. In the workshop we will explore, emphasize, and then envision the two opposite tops and their connections. We will design the new skyline of the town through the design of the tower-tops. Then, we will deal with the natural high spots of Dajti Mountain, and finally we will design the connections keeping in mind a futuristic destiny or vision of Tirana. An intermediate exhibition, a final one and public discussion shall serve as our exchange plateau. A very crucial feature of the city is connectivity. By this we do not mean just 'immaterial connections', but also physical ones, or those of image and design. The cable car that actually connects Tirana to Dajti is one of them. While this connecting infrastructure has the ability to bring the mountains to the city and vice-versa, its design remains indifferent to the places that it connects. Can then we portray these connections as embodying these places? Can we imagine them, not only in-between voids, but also as new kinds of ecological, technological, or landscape connectors?Planned participants: 30 architecture students, 20 locals and 10 internationals; general public audience; Duration: 6 days

Children at POLIS and Animated Film Project - POLIS University venuesArtan Maku (o rgan izer - An imated F i lm Fes t iva l i n Shkoder), POLIS University (staff from the Art and Design department), professionals of animated filmmaking.This workshop is crosscutting two of the TAW block events, namely the Workshops and the Art and Design Week. POLIS University is organizing a special workshop with children in which they will get the opportunity to make short animated films. Planned participants: 40 children and their parents; Duration: two weeks

Tirana River, a sign of h o r i z o n t a l c i t y structuringPOLIS University, West 8 (Architecture Office Netherlands).T h e H o r i z o n t a l Workshop will focus on the Tirana River, a significant sign of the horizontal structuring of the city. This river is a c o m p l e x a n d heterogeneous mix of realities. The workshop will alternate different lectures, direct surveys on the river’s banks and then some micro-transformations as exciting and inspiring urban activism actions. The main expected outcomes are: awareness about the Tirana River is raised and the future potential of this location in the general city framework is disclosed and emphasized. Tirana River is not only a geo-morphological support but also a complex system of relationships. Having this in mind, we will be able to understand extrapolated layers of knowledge and also their acting as a whole and vital system. Once this system is recognized and perceived as one, we will focus on its strong role as a landscape element. Discovering this web of relations means a re-appropriation of the connection points of the web itself. The participants will be asked to discover and recognize these points, in order to propose a web of transformation. Planned participants: 30 architecture students, 20 locals and 10 internationals; general public audience; Duration: 6 days.

///////////////// WORKSHOPS /////////////VERTICAL WORKSHOP >

HORIZONTAL WORKSHOP >

DIAGONAL WORKSHOP >

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////////////////ART & DESIGN /////////////Transformation of city squares in the Balkans into new vibrant communities. City squares in Albania are amongst the most marginalized and devastated public spaces. In some of the worst cases, these public spaces have been altered in function and have lost their “public” trait for mere individual benefits. Abandonment, misuse and alteration have impacted so negatively the public appropriation of space in the Balkans, that citizens are losing physical space for social interaction as well as key city attractors/generators. The aim of the conference is to discuss about these issues and more, on the use, design and re-appropriating transformation of city squares in the Balkans. The conference is organized as a “one-day talks” event and it is an integral part of the “Re-appropriating the city” international conference of TAW. This conference will facilitate exchange of know-how, models, and proposals on city square transformation, among regional stakeholders and professionals. Speakers: Sonja Damchevska (Kor-CSD, Macedonia); Sandra Kapetanovic (EXPEDITIO, Montenegro); Dritan Shutina (Co-PLAN, Albania); Stefano Romano (Polis University – Co-PLAN, Albania)conducted as part of TAW Scientific Conferences at Polis University.

Exchange of cultural experiences on public spaces for realizing site-specific art works - Polis University. 1.Artists: Armando Lulaj (AL) / Damir Niksic (BIH) ; 1.2. International Exhibition of Contemporary Art “Squaring the public” - National Gallery in Tirana

1.Artists: Armando Lulaj (AL); Marjetica Potrç (SI); Verica Kovaçevska (MK); Stefano Romano (IT – AL); Eugenio Tibaldi (IT); Armin Linke (GER); Damir Niksic (BIH)1.3. GRAPHIC EXHIBITION based on the theme I C O N S (Image of Chaos and Order in New Societies) - National Gallery of Tirana 1.Artists: Peeter Allik (EST-GER); Eric Seidel (GER); Malgorzata Et – Ber Warilokovska (PL); Franca Bartho¬lomai (GER); Majla Zeneli (AL-GER); Agron Mesi (AL); Alket Frashëri (AL).

The competition is open internationally to all young students and professional artists and designers. The idea of the “Poster Competition” is to show a new reflection regarding urban and social issues, to promote new artists/designers and to show as well a new way of communication through design especially in the Albanian society where design is still not very good established. Artists/Designers will be free to express their creativity and show their concepts through a poster of a certain format (80x100cm, portrait or landscape , min. 300 dpi - TIFF format) in any of even in all the themes bellow: 2.1) [Re]appropriation of the city – Tirana; 2) Revival of the city squares in the Balkans; 3) Surealism Fashion; 4) I C O N S : Image of Chaos and Order in a New Society2.Jury: Daniel Wiesner -Art Director in Advertising&Communication ( G E R ) ; N g a d h n j i m M e h m e t i - C r e a t i v e D i r e c t o r i n Advertising&Communication disciplines (MK); Gezim Qendro –Art Critic, Curator, Professor in Fine Arts (AL); Stefano Romano –Visual

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES >

>

>PARALLEL EXHIBITIONS

POSTER COMPETITION

http://walkingthecityupolis.blogspot.com/

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Artist, Curator, Professor in Fine Arts (ITA); Simina Turcu –Art Director in Advertising&Communication (ROM); Eno Barjami -Art Director, Graphic Designer in Advertising&Communication (AL); Fabio Arangio -Graphic Designer, Professor in Design&Communication disciplines (ITA); Sonia Jojic -Graphic Designer, Photographer.2. Fashion‘Fashion is not neutral’ - Polis UniversityThe theme of the fashion show will be Surealism Fashion with the use of recyclable materials and not only. All the creations are going to be inspired by surrealism. The students have already studied the elements of surrealism so it will be easy for them to understand the nature of creative work they are going to do. We will create 15 dresses for showcase the suited theme. Team work in class of art design second year with the help of professional tailor. Models: Ichno agency and

Bindi Talent Management, 3.leaders: Simina Turcu (AL); Eranda Janku (AL); Sonia Jojic (AL)3. Industrial designAutomotive Design: The Car design Day of U_POLISThis will be an open day of exhibiting diferent models of the latest car industry, where POLIS University will host main car dealers in Albania to present one of the latest models and most progresive forms/ technologies of Wolswagen, Mercedes Benz, Opel, Reno, Chevrolet, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Great Wall, Ford, BMW, Seat, Toyota, Hunday, Jaguar, Skoda, Rover, and many more. Creative Stand in Shopping Centre - TAG or QTU Shopping CentersThe project includes 2 steps: placing the white cubes in the given space and work on the cubes for creating the art installation in total of 3 - 4 hours.

////////////////ART & DESIGN /////////////

Re-acknowledging our professional attempts to address problems of public space – this part of TAW is a direct “conversation” with the public. It looks for guidance and collaboration through “direct exposure”, where public involvement, criticism or acknowledgment as a model for rising awareness. These events tend to shape future education tools about public space and reinforce the concept of the “right to the city” as a right to decide on its future.Trans(a)cting the city -Moderator: Sotir Dhamo [AL] / It consists of improvised/informal tours aiming at promoting professional and social experiences, whose objective is to discover alternative itineraries and nontraditional transects of the city. This initiative of rich and colorful social interaction will work as a plug-in mass, which is constantly moving into the city and trying to inject vitality. It will do so through the implementation of different actions devoted to the activation of the public spaces in Tirana. The door is open for all those interested on Tirana, on socializing, on walking, or simply for fun. Public performances / Stefano Romano [IT], Verica Kovacevska [MK]A series of performances that will try to investigate in deep the meaning of the theoretical framework on the re-appropriation of urban space. In order to contribute to space re-appropriation, several citizens will be involved in these actions and will emphasize the feeling of public space as a place of interaction, energy, and appropriation of our common identity. GREEN PLUG-INS / Christian DOBRICK [NL] Green Plug-Ins are conceived as green carpets of grass, flowers or even agricultural

installations that can be placed in areas of the city that lack greenery. These can be roads, public spaces, areas inside buildings or public institutions or spaces where you don’t expect to find greenery, grass or flowers. Bartering a Fairy Tale / Romeo KODRA [AL] / It all started from a sleepy political speech in a dirty square. A dark presence as in a fairy tale woke up the peoples that saw: a mountain of trashes; the emergency! The only thing to do was running and cleaning up until the stink had not stifled everyone. After the conquest of the breath (that’s a space for a kids playground) begins the construction (workers installs the elements of the kids playground) where the children take part in it (painting the elements). Provoactions / Juljan Veleshnja [AL], POLIS StudentsTirana 2.0…wheels! _ STOP!/ Tirana by Night / TIRANASAURUS/Marc Armengaud [FR] “We change day for night & night for day”Night mobility is a discovery of unexpected perspectives and different, changing, unknown scapes of the city. It has been neglected from knowledge of the city, making us daily citizens and night dwellers. For a long time night in the city has been perceived only in connection to its illegal practices and not for its potential as alternative time-space contingency. This walk should open a new approach to seeing what is not seen during the day. In the surrounding of hidden details and new social constructs, this walk should open our eyes in order to find different meanings in this simple change of the day-night rhythm.

www.tiranaarchitectureweek.com

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Co-PLAN GAZETTE 3 13

Tirana bri[collage] / Ana Džokić [NL] / Re-generation of public spaces as meeting/gathering points can also be the creation of the CITY’S WALL, a real wall as a BRI-COLLAGE of thoughts, emotions and art pieces from the people. Even video projections can be used to empower the wall idea and element. “Tirana City’s Walls” is conceived as a series of real walls (horizontal and vertical) within the city of Tirana that will be used as an open and alternative space for human expres¬sion. Pecha Kucha Night Tirana / Moderator: Elvan Dajko [AL] / PechaKucha 20x20 is a simple presentation format where 20 images will be shown, each with duration of 20 seconds. Anyone can present - this is the beauty of Pecha Kucha Nights. The key to a great presentation is to present something you love. Most people use PechaKucha Night to present their latest creative projects or work. The event will take place close to the Tirana train station, at Tirana Express alternative cultural center. Tirana Urban Bundles (TUB) / Stealth Ultd. (NL), Ivan Kucina (SRB), Metro_POLIS (AL), Skender Luarasi (USA) / Urban Bundle is common space that provides initial condition for people participation in the process of producing and managing their urban environment. It is a political tool of the people that seek to exert influence on the development of relations between private and public life in the city. TUB is the temporary installation in the public space that facilitates gatherings of the administrators, citizens, investors and experts in order to maintain their discussions and negotiations on developing Tirana urban conditions. City Gaming / Moderator:Besnik Aliaj [AL] / Hans Venhuizen [NL]/ Ellen Holleman [NL]/ Carlos Moralles [NL]/ Robert Jan de Kort [NL]/ Sabrina Lindeman [NL]/ Edwin Verdurmen [NL]/ Su Tomesen [NL]/ Ekim Tan [TR]. The “City Gaming” is a strategic and time-based exercise, which begins with role distribution and the presentation of an imaginary (or real) city puzzle. Public that will follow the game will receive tangible outcomes through real life situations. It is a method for initiating a creative thinking process amongst parties affected by, or interested in a process of

(spatial) change. These ambitions set the relevant spatial changes in motion. The other group consists of the so-called phenomena. These do not set a process of change in motion, but give color, direction and guidance to such a process. Carefully modeling interaction of the players engaged and their powers, it provides real-time input for new interventions, and evolves existing plans by involving crowds. They generate realistic future scenarios, based on negotiation, collaboration as well as conflict and shared interests. The Development Game (DG) intends to enable professionals in understanding better the land development context, the needs and interests (as well as their balancing) of the actors, and possible solutions that lead towards sustainable land development. Debate on [bus] tour/ Chris Luth –NAI [NL] / What place can be a better platform for a discussion about the city than the city itself? Not a particular place, but the entire city can be part of this public interview to a politician, architect, artist or musician. The interviews are held on a moving bus that follows a preset itinerary through the problematic areas of Tirana. Urban inter[action] Orizzontale [IT], Metro_POLIS [AL] / This event is conceived as an interactive re-creation of an existing public environment. The main concern and outcome of this event is the evaluation of existing urban areas as livable urban systems. The urban pattern shouldn’t be a rigid and strict environment but must exist and breathe as an interactive space, made by the people for the people. Apart from sharing and diffusing ideas, these activities aim to leave a sign, so after the public acts and performances dedicated to models of reactivation, there will be workshops. Reverse River / DUTCH INK [ZA], Alket Frasheri [AL] / Initiatives are made in collaboration with all the possible actors in order to intensify our impact on the environment for a sustainable future. Considering the polluted and not well-preserved situation in which Lana River is at the moment, the main purpose of this event will be to re-animate the river banks using dirt as the main element. Using an upcoming popular technique as reverse graffiti, Dutch Ink artists group and students will re-define the way Lana River looks.

http://www.tiranaarchitectureweek.com/public-events/transacting-the-city/

A L B A N I A N C I T I Z E N S T O G E T H E R N O W !

14 Co-PLAN GAZETTE 3

Albanians wake up! Act now! Do not leave in politicians’ hands Albania’s fate and your own! Let’s awaken a civic initiative! Let us be heard!The U.S. Embassy in Tirana initiated its newest incentive known as ‘ACT NOW’, seeking to awaken the civic conscience of Albania to not remain apathetic to events that directly affect their lives. In a meeting with representatives from civil society, Ambassador of the United States of America, Alexander Arvizu presented the initiative, and symbolically illustrated forms of pro-activity for a greater involvement of citizens.Initially, at a meeting at the National Theatre, Mr. Ambassador presented the initiative to representatives of civil society, personalities in the country, and the media. He stressed the importance of recognition of citizen rights and responsibilities, as well as his active participation in city-making 'and decision-making. In the form of 12 points, Mr. Arvizu tried to help people with practical ideas on how they can be involved and be heard on issues like education, environment, governance, and health.Through the call 'Make your voice heard', Ambassador Arvizu invited the citizens and

the civil society to join the movement to bring change.."For Governance: Make your voice heard! Take part in municipal meetings and c o n v e y i n g y o u r c o n c e r n s t o t h e representatives. Vote! Exercise your right to vote to elect the ones to represent and to be accountable to you and your community. Get Involved! Run for City Council, or a political party ".“For the Environment: "Recycle! Extract the materials used, such as plastics, paper, electronic equipment and search from the Municipality for a program for managing solid waste. Help to keep Albania clean! Get organised and act to preserve the environment in Albania. Say "No" to plastic packaging. Use cloth bags instead of plastic bags. "“For Education: We have a lot to fix and in the field of knowledge that seems to have given priority to the liberalization, but in fact have created a jungle full of corruption, without rules of quality in the market.”“For Health: "Pay your health insurance, do not give them money under the table; denounce corruption in hospitals and clinics. And then a

call to care for those most in need: Provide your willingness to care, one afternoon per month, for orphans in Tirana Maternity Hospital. Donate blood! Every day more than 13.5 milliliters of blood for thalassemic adults and children in Albania is needed. "The event was moved to premises outside the Art Gallery, which was followed by a Fair of Civil Society Organizations, the Municipality of Tirana, the Red Cross, a large number of organizations supporting this initiative. Co-PLAN also joined the call of the American Embassy in Tirana, to encourage citizens to join the powerful talk, bringing to the fair a number of publications with citizen focus respectively on the field of territory planning, energy efficiency, environmental, and public finance. A theatrical theme for children with 'city-making' and theatrical performance 'Polis (TICIAN) S, were alsp realized and staged by the students of U_POLIS.Citizens, Mayor Basha, and Ambassador Arvizu, were offered the opportunity to express in the form of suggestions and 'improvement needs ' their thoughts on a 'Tirana in miniature' improvised on the premises of the fair.

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U R B A N E N V I R O N M E N T A L M A N A G E M E N T

Co-PLAN GAZETTE 3 15

STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTSEA

Although still in the midst of a heated debate surrounding the new law on waste management, the beginning of 2012, brought a new development in the design and publication for comment of the new draft Law on" Strategic Environmental Assessment, within the transposition of Directive 2001/42 / EC "To assess the effects of certain plans and programs on environment. The draft law proved innovative in itself (lack of current legislation) and also a very important tool, complementing the legal framework of environmental studies and assessments for certain plans or programs for the environment. Lack of appropriate legislation for Strategic Environmental Assessments, has meant many difficulties during the preparation of SEA regulatory plans (under the previous terminology). As a result of incomplete and inadequate methodology and context, the law on Environment Impact Assessment has been used as a reference point for the SEA of such plans. The draft law clearly defines the role of the proposing authority (one who will undertake the performance of a plan or program), and the role of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration. The Ministry has now assumed a guiding role concerning the environmental elements to be contained in the report and also has the role of decision making for the Ministry’s opinion as the final document leading to the approval of the SEA.A revision of the stake-holders’ role, viewed as one of the major elements of the process. Taking into account previous debates where consultation with expert groups, or interested organizations in the field had always been neglected, the draft law reinforces the role of public consultation as essential and important

The signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement marked a turning point for Albania, requiring for a significant shift in terms of policy and legislation. In this context, Albania as a potential EU Candidate must meet certain criteria and standards, hence has to adapt own legislation with the acquis communautaire, including issues dealing with the environment.

than the process. In the context of drafting the SEA as part of plans and programs, the process of public consultation and reflection of their comments in the document is another very important point. The new draft law clearly consolidates public opinion as one of the most important ‘voices’, where the Ministry will consider for its opinion.Based on the existing legislation, the Authority which provided the Environmental Statement, hence approving the Strategic

Environmental Assessment therefore approve was the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water. The Ministry is already issuing a document, "The opinion of the Ministry", which will be considered by the bodies which approve plans or programs for which is designed SEA. The draft law is expected to be approved by the end of this year hence contributing to a satisfactory completion of the Albanian legal framework.

Process: Drafting and Approving the SEA

D I S C U S S Y O U R O P E N S P A C E

16 Co-PLAN GAZETTE

D'cuss y&r )aceThe way we look at city square nowadays in the Balkans certainly is subject for understanding how these habitats are being transformed in functions and roles for communities, or bringing a different culture compared to the past. At Co-PLAN, we look at city squares as prime open multi-functional public spaces. We believe city squares to be conceived as places/spaces for expressing cultural, civil and social relations, focal points for cultural diversity and integration; as places for democratic and cultural expression and a vital stimulus to cultural entrepreneurship and development of the cities. Through the project ‘Revival of City Squares in Balkan Cities’, which started in January 2011, and with the support of SCP for Western Balkans, we are constantly engaging in several activities in an attempt to transform city squares into new vibrant, creative and liveable spaces. Our most recent activity, a round table, was an activity conceived in the form of an open forum. For this Round Table we sat in an open space of the capital, Tirana – by the bridge opposite to the ‘Ish Ekspozita Shqiperia Sot’, and invited passersby to join us in an open discussion of public spaces. The discussion aimed to encourage citizens vocalize their ideas and suggestion on possible ways to revitalize public spaces, and it was aided by the participation of several experts in the fields of architecture, urban planning, social work, etc. The choice of the venue was not random; over the past year together wit U_POLIS students we have analysed the problematics of such spaces, and have tried to come forth with doable creative ideas for new possible development of those spaces. The citizens seemed willing to become part of the discussion, and have their voice heard. Further, they were introduced to a number of development scenarios prepared by the students, which showed possible ways of transforming the public area to best satisfy the needs of the citizens.