Reconsidering Water-Land : 1/100 Lakeside Settlements in Kashar by CoRDA

studio sequel

research and design arch IV | spring ‘13

RECONSIDERING WATER-LAND 1/100 LAKESIDE SETTLEMENTS: KASHAR

CENTER of RESEARCH and DESIGN in ARCHITECTURE

Architecture Department

CENTER of RESEARCH and DESIGN in ARCHITECTURE

RESEARCH AND DESIGN

Department of Architecture Arch454_Advanced Design Studio II_Spring 2013 Studio instructors: Ilir Nase, Valbona Koçi Students: Ajmona Hoxha ∙ Arnen Sula ∙ Fitim Miftari ∙ Griselda Ramaj ∙ Jonida Alliaj ∙ Klodiana Millona Oriela Balloshi ∙ Romiana Cupi ∙ Vilma Gokaj Publication Center of Research and Design in Architecture_CoRDA Epoka Research Unit_ERU Supervisor: Valbona Koçi Editorial Coordinator: Fiona Mali Visual Editors: Fiona Mali, Kristjana Doka, Mateos Shehu

ReConsidering Water-Land 1/100 LAKEside settlements: Kashar

studio sequel research and design

foreword

Rector’s Word

Through our research, we share our knowledge, expertise and skills by engaging and committing to environmental sustainability. Our researches constitute an important source of knowledge, expertise

Engaging in similar projects is vital for our University, in order to drive social, environmental and economic benefits, job creation while improving access, mobility and exchange for the areas impacted from our work. Besides being a young institution we are firmly committed, through research to help expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship for community members and create environmentally friendly solutions across a rapidly urbanizing world. We remain dedicated to engaging in the debate on social and economic policy.

Prof. Dr. Remzi Altin Rector Epoka University

foreword

Intriguing is the dual landscape: water and land, not always in peace with each other. The project objectives are stretching: create urban synergy and enhance economic and cultural exchange. CoRDA (Center for Research and Design in Architecture) committed to this project and it is with great pleasure that now we are able to present the past, the present and the future. In fact we are proud to carry legacy forward and enthusiastic to assume the promoter’s role and work at a dynamic moment in Albania’s urban uplift.

and to enhance debate providing thus usable information relevant to urban policy-makers. We help to bridge the gap between academic research, practice and policy making.

Epoka University’s research aims to impact the Albanian society, businesses, community as well as individuals. All our development strategies are built on ‘education - research – contribution to society’ triangle. Innovation based research is meant to create ground to policies and solutions for tomorrow. Epoka University has three research centers aimed at European studies, continuous education and finally CoRDA (Center for Research and Design in Architecture). It is always exciting that first, almost imaginary moment when colleagues from research centers come in with an idea.

Epoka University Architecture Department

The department of Architecture at Epoka University is dedicated to providing an excellent educational experience for students intending to enter the profession of architecture. One of the primary missions is to provide an advanced curriculum that can offer to the students the possibility by which they can be responsive and active to human needs in creating the sustainable built environment, thinking on the needs, demands and problems of the society. The department program seeks to multiply insights and abilities of students, including sensitivity to the aesthetic and social responsibilities of environmental design, the cultivation of a broad, humanistic, world view, commitment to research, respect of innovation, an advanced understanding of the culture of practice, and sophisticated graphic skills and technical vocabulary. The education of students in sustainability is a major focus of the curriculum. Our priority is to make the students explore new territories and break their own limitation, gathering new knowledge and training them to master new skills. As such they can act, make, construct and create via discussing possibilities, criticizing and shaping questions. Communication and dialogue is vital for them. The department of Architecture prepares students to be perceptive, skilled, creative and capable of acting in a responsible manner in their future profession. One of our missions is to install in our students a strong social

consciousness so they can be active in improving the quality of their communities. Its vision is to offer a leafing Architecture program in Albania and Balkan region. It teaches sustained evaluation of principles, traditions and requirements of building in all its aspects. Its goal is to advance the profession of architecture by combining artistic talent, technical proficiency and social engagement in pursuit of excellence. In our department research and critical thinking is crucial so the students can be engaged to advance further their disciplines in different field of architecture. This is realized with an ultimate aim of making possible for each student to make a real contribution to the improvement of the built environment, to develop his or her intellectual growth.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sokol Dervishi Head of the Architecture Department Epoka University

Center of Research and Design in Architecture CoRDA

CoRDA tries to act as an identifying and evolving apparatus that collects, inquires and publishes these academic interpretations, which in time retain a conflictual nature of modern conditions in the region. In an attempt to make conscious contributions in the fields of architecture and urban planning, the initiative to collect and publish the results of the departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most relevant studios, can turn into a facility for many researchers and become a tradition that promotes student work simultaneously motivating interested parties to consider such studies in the endeavor of sustainable progress and development.

Jurtin Hajro Director of CoRDA Lecturer - Architecture Department Epoka University

foreword

Founded as a means of questioning and studying influential and contextual contemporary projects as well as academic subjects that reveal up-to-date urban and architectural qualities, CoRDA is sensitive in the identification and development of advanced themes that emerge in the dynamics of the architecture department curriculum. On the other hand architectural education intends to cope with inexplicable

urban/architectural/environmental conditions via experimental and alternative processes in studio project interpretations. The Research in/by Design as a present-day methodology in CoRDA, particularly plays a central role in the constant attempt to exercise innovative approaches.

The Center of Research and Design in Architecture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CoRDA - in Epoka University, is a project and research unit. Being related to the Department of Architecture, it aims to build a bridge between Industry and Academia, contributing to the built environment with expertise and academic research. CoRDA intends to implement design strategies based on interdisciplinary principles, generating integrative design between the user and the designer; and develop projects in different scales and fields â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Architecture, Urbanism, Landscape Design and Planning, as well as in Restoration and Conservation. Functioning as a research entity it aims offer to the academy an environment for developing research projects and publishing the result of the related subjects in experimental researches. One of the main objectives of the office is to facilitate the engagement of architecture students and graduates in the professional practice as well as to act as a platform for the engagement of recent researchers.

contents

ReConsidering Water-Land 1/100 LAKEside settlements: Kashar

THE PROCESS 11 THE PROJECT 15 LAND COVER 23 HYDROLOGY 33 URBANIZATION 37 PROJECTS 47

BIBLIOGRAPHY 105

THE END 91

the process

100 LAKES - Tirana & Rethinking Water-Land

100 Lakes is a project proposed by 51N4Ethe Brussels based architectural office, to Epoka University in Tirana and the KUL of Leuven. It regards a strategic study on urban scale for the broader area of Tirana, the coastal Durres (where the main port is located) and Kruje (where the airport is located). In brief: the existence of a large number of artificial lakes spread over the broader area around the capital, remnants of a communist-time project, is taken as a trigger to set up a study of the area as a whole. The study is aiming at scenarios for the future development of the area on different levels, with an underlying aim of a long term, positive vision.

Barcelona, TU Delft, or IUAV Venezia - to obtain the additional European Postgraduate Master of Urbanism. The studio of “100 Lakes - Tirana” is guided by Bruno de Meulderprogramme director, Maura Slootmaekers -programme coordinator, Freek Persyn -tutor, and Sotiria Kornaropoulou - tutor. The team of Epoka University is represented by 9(nine) Students of Architecture, in their 8th semester study and 1(one) Master level student. “Rethinking Water-Land” studio project is guided by Ilir Nase -and Valbona Koçi - instructor. The collaboration for the “100 Lakes project” initiated in October 2012, when Epoka team lead and conducted research, data gathering and filtered all relevant information.

The studio is a double one (joint studio), aiming to combine the thorough knowledge and understanding that a local institution - Epoka University - can provide with the expertise and fresh look that an international one can bring into play. The team of KUL is represented by 5(five) students at their last term of Master of Science in Urbanism and Strategic Planning (MaUSP). They are also EMU students since MaUSP programme is part of the EMU ((European Postgraduate Masters in Urbanism). EMU students can apply to attend one or two semesters abroad at one of the partner universities - UPC

As envisioned, the purpose is to establish exchange moments between the students of KUL & EPOKA and the input of experts at crucial stages of the process, thus the startup is an intensive 7 day Workshop [February 23 - March1, 2013]. During this period, city trips, discussions and brainstorming, consultations with local experts and field trips will take place.Back in their places, both teams will conduct studios with complementary themes.

11 the process

A project that brings together Architecture/Urbanism students and instructors from KUL of Leuven/Belgium and EPOKA University/Albania

The collaboration for the “100 LakesTirana” project, between Master of Science students in Urbanism and Strategic Planning (MaUSP) in KUL of Leuven Architecture Department students of EPOKA university, started through an intensive 7 day Workshop [February 23 - March1, 2013]. During this one-week workshop: city visits, discussions and brainstorming sessions, consultations with local experts and field trips took place. As stated, this project regards a strategic study on urban scale for the broader area of Tirana, the coastal Durrës (where the main port is located) and Kruje (where the airport is located). The existence of a large number of artificial lakes spread over the broader area around the capital, remnants of a communisttime project, is taken as a trigger to set up a study of the area as a whole. The study is aiming at scenarios for the future development of the area on different levels, with an underlying aim of a long term, positive vision. The students of KUL and EPOKA, working on the “100 Lakes Project” were well-received by the Rector of EPOKA university, Prof. Dr. Remzi Altin, the Head of the Department, etc. Prof. Agim Selenica, expert in Hydrology,Water Resources Management,Advance Hydrology,Hydro power Economy,Industrial Water Management and reuse, gave a speech and had a discussion with the students on the water resources in

Albania, focusing on the reservoirs in TiranaDurres area.Lorenc Cala GIS expert of Topocentric, briefly assisted the team on the analysis of GIS data available on the region of DURANA. Urim Hoxha, Director of Strategical Project at Tirana Municipality, gave a brief overview on the important projects that Tirana Municipality is envision to implement, such as the Extension of the Boulevard, an idea project developed throgh an international competition, won by Grimshaw. The Team of “100 Lakes” visited several Artificial Lakes/Reservoirs, as well as specific sites in both Tirana and Durrës city [such as Kombinati Area, Dajti Mountain, Grand Lake Park, Former Keneta area in Durres, the waterfront, etc) during 3day intensive field trips and documentations. Interviews were conducted in place, to people who had (technical) knowledge on the reservoirs. Some reservoirs/Lakes that were visited are: Ujembledhesi i Paskuqanit, Rezervuari i Kasharit dhe i Kus-Kasharit, Ujembledhesi / Liqeni i Rrubjekes, Liqeni i Farkes, Liqeni i Tiranes, Reservuari i Keshit dhe i Shetelit (Hardhishte), Liqeni i Duresit (Gjuzaj, Dedaj, Vargje Troplini),zona e Kenetes ne Durres, etj. A second meeting [Midterm Review, workshop and field trip] took place in Tirana in mid April, 2013.

13 the process

“100 LAKES - Tirana & Rethinking Water-Land” workshop

“100 LAKES - Tirana & Rethinking Water-Land” midterm review

The Review panel was composed not only of professors and respective studio instructors, but local [albanian] architects and experts, too. Johan Anrys and Freek Presyn - partners of 51N4E, prof. Andre Loeck and Sotiria Kornaropoulou - KUL studio tutors, had very important insights on the project not only during the analysis presenattion, but during the scenario building phase as well. In addition to Arch 454 studio instructors, Ilir Nase and Valbona Koçi, Sokol Dervishi, head of Architecture Department in EPOKA university and Artan Hysa, instructor, were part of the panel. Representatives of the Kashar Commune; Mr. Perikli Lleshi - vice mayor and Jurgen Memisha - Head of Planning Department in the Commune of Kashar, were also present in the Midterm review, where they explained the vision for the Commune Development as well. Mr. Lorenc Çala - GIS expert who has assisting throughout the research and Mr. Dritan Agollli Director of MOG (NGO), provided local expertise and insights. Mrs. Fatlinda Struga urban planner, Head of Planning Department,

Directory of Territorial Planning in General Directory of Territorial Planning in the Municipality of Tirana, provided very essential insights on planning issues in Albania, during the Jury presenation. During this second week of reseach in site, Prof. Gjergji Ikonomi - Head of the Environmental Engineering Department, in the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic Unievrsity of Tirana gave a lecture on Water -systems in Albania. Prof. Ylber Muceku - geologist (soil engineer) member of IGEWE:Institute of GeoSciences, Energy, Water and Environment, Polytechnic University of Tirana also provided some interesting information on the land formation of the project site. Last but not least, the ones who did and presented their research and finding to the panel, were: MaUSP, KUL students: Calin Lambrache, Ilie Bogdan Mircea, Wei Lu, Zhongkai Zhou and Cai Tao; EPOKA University, ArchIV Department students: Ajmona Hoxha, Arnen Sula, Griselda Ramaj, Fitim Mifatri, Jonida Aliaj, Klodiana Millona, Oriela Balloshi, Romiana Çupi, Vilma Gokaj.

During the week of April 15-19 another workshop combined with the Midterm Review took place.

the project

Rethinking Water-Land 1/100 LAKEside settlements Rethinking Waterland is a new vision for the future of an informally urbanized rural landscape in the commune of Kashar, near Tirana, the capital of Albania. The project aims to develop bottom-up strategies for reinstating the impact of man on nature, especially in developing economies where the sustainable use of natural resources has least been considered. The site comprises forests, orchards and agricultural land serviced by two reservoirs built during communism. This whole natural landscape is under pressure from urbanization triggered by the construction of a highway linking the capital to the main city-port of the country. The current condition is better described by a ‘parasitic symbiosis’ of the built environment (the parasite) and nature (the host). Conditioned by topography and local building knowledge/techniques, the main impact of this parasitism has been on hydrology. The Rethinking Waterland project proposes a platform for reconsidering the current interrelationship between the built and natural environments. It aims to redefine the balances in the coexistence of the built environment with infrastructure, water, nature and food production. The bottom-up approach based on eight individual projects stems from economic, social and environmental sustainability targets of the area. These projects include also approaches such as the ‘neo-laissez faire’ introduced to control urbanization on agricultural land. Implementing bottom-up strategies was considered the best response to national/regional policies that lack environmental sensitivity and consideration for the local context. Project applicability will be considered with the Commune and we believe that it is highly replicable to the urban landscapes along the Tirana-Durres national highway to introduce urbanization that uses natural resources sustainably.

* Ilie, B., Lambrache, C., Cai, T., Lu, W. and Zhou, Z. (2013). 100 Lakes, Albania. KU Leuven, p.5.

17 the project

100 Lakes context

Historical Context of the Lakes

Landscape as a Collective Project Agriculture Projects

Man Made Lakes 1960-1969

Man Made Lakes 1970-1990

Man Made Lakes (without information) Dams

Irrigation System

Nomal Farmland System

Terrace Farmland System

The socialist regime from 1944 to 1991, transformed the current Albanian social-spatial structure to a large extent. Priority was given to industry over agriculture to achieve modernization and improve social life and economy. A number of large scale public projects were launched for industry, agriculture and infrastructure construction, like factories, railway lines, housing units for workers, bunkers for defense, artificial lakes for irrigation and terraced hills/drainaged marshland for cultivation, etc. Today, big part of these works is still present. Part of the infrastructure is dilapidated, part is still operational; part operational but with the function changed or operational but with a new definition that is pending.

Marsh Land Transformation Industry and Infrustracture Projects National Road Network Railway Lines and Stations Ishem(1968）

Main Industry Projects Other Features

Topana(1978)

Urban Tissue Topo Lines 100M Topo Lines 200M Nature Water System Yellow Line

Adriatic Sea

Kruje

Tarin(1962)

Budull

Rine(1985)

Shkalle(1971)

Tapize(1981)

Rade nr2(1968) Berce(1970)

Sharge(1976) Shupal Kodner(1974) Rade nr1(1966)

Cerkez(1970)

Bilalas(1966)

Vore Shupal(1976) Valias Coal Mine (1971-1975)

Rabjeke(1967)

and

shl

by ed orm 0) 197 nsf Tra (1966-

Mar

Berxull(1965)

mla

Far

Kares(1981)

Sakoza(1982) Zallherre-1(1973)

Sukth

Gjokaj-1(1967)

Gjokaj(1985) Karpen(1966) Tufine(1976)

Paskuqan(1983)

Kashar(1963)

Porcelain (old complex) (1956-1960)

Koxhas(1967)

Linze(1970)

Metalla e vjeter(1965)

ds h Pon 0) Fis 66-197 (19

"Dinamo" Mechanical plant (1962)

Spitalle nr1(1963)

Shtepaze(1975) Porcelain (new complex) (1988-1989) "Partizani" plant (1951-1955) Shtraze(1968)

Shoe and Leather Processing Factory (1947)

"Skëndërbe" Brandy Distillery (1961-1965)

Spitalle nr2(1968)

Plastic Factory (1966-1970) Brick Factory

Celeberzez(1976)

Rrashbull

Tirana Tiranë-Durrës Railway (1949)

Purezi(1971)

"Enver" Tractor Plant (old complex) (1966-1970)

SIE-Rubbers (1951-1955)

Radio-television plant (1966-1970)

"Enver" Tractor Plant (new complex) (1971-1975) "Ali Kelmendi" Food Plant (1956-1960)

U.M.B. (1966-1970)

Allyjate(1975)

Silicate Brick Factory (1967)

Xhafzotaj(1985)

Durres

Lanabregas(1978)

Gjepalaj(1967)

"Enver Hoxha" Shipyard (1961-1965)

Manskuri(1969)

"Misto Mame" Wood Plant (1951-1955)

Coal-Fired Power Plant (1951-1955)

Durres Port (1950)

Callekut(1963)

"Stalin" Textile Plant (1951-1955)

Prrush(1978) Arapaj(1966)

"Enver" Mechanical plant (1948)

Glass Factory (1956-1960)

Terrace Farmland (Since1950)

Mechanical Enterprise of Railroad (1956-1960)

Agriculture Projects Man Made Lakes 1960-1969 Man Made Lakes 1970-1990 Man Made Lakes (without information) Dams Irrigation System Normal Farmland System Terrace Farmland System Marsh Land Transformation

"Migjeni" Artistic Enterprise (1976-1980)

Pjeza(1967)

Farke(1984) Sauk(1982)

Likesh(1986) Shkallenur(1969)

Sharre(1980)

Selita-2(1970) Selita(1973)

Cizmeli(1982)

da Sar an resDur

Du rresVlor a

Manskuri e Vogel(1970)

Gurre(1973)

Pinet(1989) Bozanxhias(1972) P. Arave(1981)

Romanat(1966)

Alltate(1974)

Zaranike-1(1973)

Industry and Infrustracture Projects National Road Network Railway Lines and Stations Main Industry Projects

Ballaxhias(1969) Zaranike-2(1975)

Rov(1966)

Krraba(1972)

Other Features Urban Tissue Topo Lines 100M Topo Lines 200M Nature Water System Yellow Line

Paper Processing Plant (1961-1965) Mustafakoc(1975) Artistic Enterprise (1976-1980)

Kavaje

Veski(1972)

Glass Factory (1966-1970)

Zelaji(1975) Nail and Bolt Plant (1961-1965)

Food Factory (1956-1960) Vrap(1973)

Peze Gjyslykonje(1967)

* Ilie, B., Lambrache, C., Cai, T., Lu, W. and Zhou, Z. (2013). 100 Lakes, Albania. KU Leuven, p.10-11.

18 Durres-Deqin

Kilometers 24

Tirana-Albasan

Water: Systematic Landscape

LEGEND

Is hm i

I Vdeku

Water System

Ish

Reservoir catchment area

Dro

Ishmi

Reservoir

Flooding areas Collector river

Droj

River

Dro Ishmi

Spring Canal

The water system of the Tirana– Durrës region is organized along two river valleys: of Lana (N-W) and Erzeni (W), realized in steps for 20 years (1960’s-’80’s). It was designed to irrigate the land, making it feasible for intensive agriculture. Approximately 100 dams were constructed. The mountains framing the valleys provide the catchment areas and springs that in turn feed the canal system. The water storing came in the form of 100 artificial lakes. The natural water system consists in water providers (natural springs and rivers) that collect and distribute water at the same time. The artificial system has source components, like catchment areas and lakes, main distributors and antennas.

Distribution canal Droj

Drainage canal Spring 1-10 l/s Spring 10-100 l/s

Ishem(1968）

Taking of the underground water until 500 l/s Spring until 1000 l/s

Topana(1978)

Taking of the underground water over 5000 l/s

Droj

Sinking in the water keeper layer Ishmi

Mineral water sinking (Na, Cl) Water keeper layer Stores of water supply Spring of water supply Pumping station

Ish

Pumping stations of sewage

Pouring of sewers

Ishmi

Ishm

Gjo

Tarin(1962)

Ta bin i

rdh

ari

Gjole

Zeza

Shkalle(1971)

Rine(1985)

Tir a

Tërku

Erzen

Tërkuza

Erz

Tapize(1981)

Rade nr2(1968) Berce(1970)

Të

rku

Sharge(1976)

Rade nr1(1966)

Shupal Kodner(1974)

Cerkez(1970)

Tira

Sharga

Tërkuza Bilalas(1966) Shupal(1976)

Tir Limuthi

ana

Rabjeke(1967)

rku

Erz

në

Të

Berxull(1965) Kares(1981) Sakoza(1982)

Zallherre-1(1973)

Tirana

Gjokaj-1(1967)

në

Tir

Gjokaj(1985)

Zojca

Kash

Koxhas(1967)

ari

Karpen(1966)

Paskuqan(1983)

Tufine(1976) Linze(1970)

Kashar(1963)

lli

Limu

thi

Metalla e vjeter(1965)

lli

Tira

Tirana

i Vo

Tirana

Lan

Spitalle nr1(1963)

na Shtepaze(1975)

Shtraze(1968)

Celeberzez(1976)

i Vo

Erzeni

lli

Spitalle nr2(1968)

Purezi(1971)

Lanabregas(1978)

në

Gjepalaj(1967)

Xhafzotaj(1985)

Lanë

oll

majka

Koko

Reservoir Reservoir catchment area Flooding areas Collector river River Spring Canal Distribution canal Drainage canal Spring 1-10 l/s Spring 10-100 l/s Taking of the underground water until 500 l/s Spring until 1000 l/s Taking of the underground water over 5000 l/s Sinking in the water keeper layer Mineral water sinking (Na, Cl) Water keeper layer Stores of water supply Spring of water supply Pumping station Pumping stations of sewage Pouring of sewers

Allyjate(1975)

Lanë

pal

Gje

Manskuri(1969)

Pjeza(1967) Callekut(1963) Prrush(1978) Arapaj(1966)

eni

Erz

Farke(1984) Sauk(1982)

Erzeni Likesh(1986) Shkallenur(1969)

Sharre(1980)

Selita-2(1970)

Selita(1973)

Cizmeli(1982)

Erz

Gurre(1973)

Manskuri e Vogel(1970)

Erzen

Pinet(1989) P. Arave(1981)

Bozanxhias(1972)

Romanat(1966)

llim

Erz

eni

Erze

Za ran ika

Alltate(1974)

llim

Zaranike-1(1973)

Ballaxhias(1969) Zaranike-2(1975)

Lish

ati

Rov(1966)

Lishat

nik

Krraba(1972)

lim

Zhl a

Lishati

rile

Lis

rci

llim

Mustafakoc(1975)

Peza

rile

Mengaj

Zelaji(1975)

Men gaj

llim

Veski(1972)

Lishati

Zhllima e Madhe Cerile

rci

Vrap(1973)

Zhllima

Peze Gjyslykonje(1967)

rci

e Vogel

Dar

* Ilie, B., Lambrache, C., Cai, T., Lu, W. and Zhou, Z. (2013). 100 Lakes, Albania. KU Leuven, p.12-13.

tun

Okshtuni

llim

Kilometers 24 Ok

Ma ae

Infrastructure-Driven Urban Expansion Building tissue

Buildings

Infrastructure

National Road Network Railway

Secondary Roads Village Roads

Dwelling Roads

After the collapse of communist regime accompanied by the social structure shifting-free movement of people, inner/outer migration trends and free market-economy contributed as a driving force to the urban sprawl. Urban and infrastructural constructions during the last two decades represent a rapid urbanization progress without clear hierarchy, gradually taking over the territory at the points of least resistance (mild topography). Ecological factors are largely ignored. Although inside the main urban centres there are coordinated attempts to improve the living quality, in the countryside there is very little awareness of ecological value.

Building Tissue Buildings Infrastructure National Road Network Railway

Secondary Roads Village Roads Dwelling Roads

* Ilie, B., Lambrache, C., Cai, T., Lu, W. and Zhou, Z. (2013). 100 Lakes, Albania. KU Leuven, p.14-15.

Kilometers 24

Overlap of Systems

* Ilie, B., Lambrache, C., Cai, T., Lu, W. and Zhou, Z. (2013). 100 Lakes, Albania. KU Leuven, p.16-17.

1/100 LAKEside Projects Kashar & Purez Reservoirs

The project focuses in two of the 100 lakes/reservoirs in the area: Kashar & Purez, located closer to Tirana. 8 project-ideas were developed by the students, covering different typologies and scales.

* Ilie, B., Lambrache, C., Cai, T., Lu, W. and Zhou, Z. (2013). 100 Lakes, Albania. KU Leuven, p.1.

House ‘-N Topography

ResArtist

Hilltop Winery

Elderly Lake House

Designing AGRITECTURE

Green Loop & Pit-Stops

IN-COMmunity’

DAM Square & Leisure CENTER

Hydrology Zoom-In Tir an

nĂŤ

Limuthi

Berxull(1965)

Gjokaj-1(1967)

nĂŤ

* Ilie, B., Lambrache, C., Cai, T., Lu, W. and Zhou, Z. (2013). 100 Lakes, Albania. KU Leuven, p.62.

Zojca

ari

thi

Kashar(1963)

Limu

Kash

Gjokaj(1985)

Celeberzez(1976)

Purezi(1971)

anĂŤ

Kashar Reservoir

Purez Reservoir

1 ajmona hoxha + klodiana millona

land cover

200

500

35 land cover

50 100

1000

2000

land use before 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major agricultural areas 36

land use 1989 Agricultural (greenhouses) Agricultural (mews) Residential Land use before 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was dominated by agricultural settlements, such as greenhouses, mews and similar.

land use areas 1989 Agricultural Residential Agricultural areas were located along both sides of the highway, where the agricultural land is currently under commercial developments.

existing land use major urbanized areas Agricultural Residential Commercial Existing land use consists of commercial, residential and agricultural use.

land use areas 2013 Agricultural Residential Commercial Commercial areas are mainly located along the highway, while the residential lay within the village, accompanied by sporadic agricultural settlements.

37 land cover

land use 2013

placed along the highway for ease of access, setting a major urbanized area despite the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural potential

Commercial Settlements

placed next to cultivated lands supported by irrigation channels

Agricultural Settlements

land use layers

39 land cover

the whole area consists of a heterogeneous typology of settlements

placed within the village, for ease of access and infrastructural amenities

Residential Settlements

future land use perspectives

land use perspectives

Residential Economy Botanical Park

Mixed use Industrial Zoo Park

Recreational Commercial Institutional

Land use opportunities offer a great variety for future developments in economy, social infrastructure, urbanism, etc.

forest and wild landscape Woodland and Forest Wild Landscape The landscape panorama offers wild landscape and woodland forests with a rich vegetation such as: ash tree, veaver broom, hawthorn, bilberry herb, etc.

agriculture and vegetation Orchards The orchards of the area include different fruit trees, vineyards and olive groves.

productive and cultivated land Productive land Cultivated land The potential of the productive land is not massively used for cultivating products. A major area of it is used for commercial buildings while a few still function as agricultural settlements.

41 land cover

orchards

vegetation and forest diversity

vineyards

veaver broom

bilberry herb

cornel tree

strawberry tree

orchards

redberry juniper

olive groves

ash tree

The terrain is composed of 35 ha of orchards, 64 ha of vineyards, 41 ha of olive groves, and the rest is about 32 ha of the territory.

lofata

bilberry herb

land composition Average hard rocks Intermediate rocks Smooth rocks

Soils Forest & Woodland

The land is composed of average hard rocks, intermediate rocks, soft rocks and ash-brown soils.

erosion risk Areas at risk of erosion

The erosion phenomenon is partly visible at the Purezi Stream, more active at the Micaj Stream and Great Stream, where sliding and weathering have been observed.

43 land cover

land composition

2 griselda ramaj + vilma gokaj

hydrology

200

500

45 hydrology

50 100

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technical information 46

purez

kashar

general The Kashar reservoir lays in sandstones and mudstones, tortonian, clays, sand and conglomerates, while Purezi lays in clay and sand, Burdigalian formation, Marls, Silts and Limestone of the Neogene. Both valleys continue as wide flat sections with a width of 60 to 150 m. location Kashar: 8 km (from Tirana) Purezi: 10 km (from Tirana) reservoirs Kashar Reservoir is constructed in 1963 with a surface of 24.5 ha at TWL and a capacity 1.800.000m3 at TWL. Design irrigated Area is 500 ha Catchment Area: 350 ha Purezi Reservoir is constructed in 1971 with a surface of 34 ha at TWL and a capacity 1.500.000m3 at TWL. Design irrigated Area is 500 ha Catchment Area of Purezi Reservoir is 300 ha dam Single dam with a height of 18 m and length of 240 m (Kashar) and 24 m and length of 340 m (Purez). The upstream face slope approximates an average slope of 1:2.5 (Kashar) and 1:2.75 (Purez). The downstream face slope approximates an average slope of 1:2.75 (Kashar) and 1:2.5 (Purez). Both constructed of homogeneous Earth fills. The Crest of the dam has a width of 4.5 m (Kashar) and 5m (Purez). risk Flood events occur at TWL. Reservoir flood is 1.5 m (Kashar) and 1.3 m (Purez) in possible dam breakage with a number of people at risk assessed as approximately 1200 (Kashar) and 2650 (Purez).

the system of water bodies dam break risk simulations

47 hydrology

water collection areas

griselda ramaj + romiana รงupi arnen sula + oriela balloshi

3 urbanization

200

500

49 urbanization

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1989

urban transformations

3 2 1

6 5

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2007

2013

51 urbanization

settlements and population 52

Lake Settlements: Kashar Settlements in a 500m radius around the lake. Smoother topography and direct access influences in a more constructed area.

Lake Settlements: Purez

53 urbanization

Settlements in a 500m radius around the lake. Slopy topography and distance from the highway inlfuences in a less constructed area.

Kashar Commune The population growth has undergone two phases: 1. Communist period based on the need to develop rural areas 2. Democracy - migration of albanians towards the capital.

26000 24000 22000 20000 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0

1920 1921 1928 1930 1936 1945 1950 1975 1989 1992 1994 1995 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2011 2013

urban patterns

Population

Strip Pattern

frame 1

2003

2009

2012

2003

Highway Pattern

2007

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55 urbanization

frame 2

urban patterns 56

Contrasting Pattern frame 3

Contrasting regular and organic patterns in the fields. The existence of the hills brings these patterns together. The buildings are not strongly related to the topography.

Contrasting Pattern frame 4

Regular and organic patterns separated by roads. The buildings follow the topography.

frame 5

Cellulae pattern developed in between and along the roads. The buildings are placed in the central part.

Ridge Radial Pattern frame 6

Stellar pattern developed in the crossways. The buildings spread along the branches of the roads.

57 urbanization

Ridge Pattern

4 projects

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Dam - Lakefront Plaza_ 1 House â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;-N Topography_ 2 Elderly Lake Houses_ 3 ResArtist_ 4 In-Community_ 5 Designing Agritecture_ 6 Hilltop Winery_ 7 Green Loop & Pit-Stops_ 8

DAM - LAKEFRONT PLAZA fitim miftari

The Dam-Lakefront Plaza in Kashar is a research project that proposes not only the reconsideration and reinforcement of the artificial Reservoirs Dams built during Socialism in Albania, but envisions the maintenance of dams and revitalization of the lakeside area promoting the public-private collaboration. In addition, it envisions the generation of qualitative and lively public spaces in sub-urban areas as well. Admitting the artificial lakes as specific nodes of man-made infrastructure in the landscape, and consequently the dams (together with the drainage channels) as important hydrotechnic elements of the flood protection infrastructure, this research intends to elaborate on one type of landscape infrastructure - the vertical screens, offering a mediation between the natural and built landscape.

Revitalization of an Agriculture Reservoir Dam in Kashar - Tirana/Albania* the public space are expressed. Finally, there is an underline of the fact that this project could be an applicable and successful model in the Albanian context, which inherits from communism a complex water system serving agriculture that currently fails. This presents the most important aim of the research project. Furthermore, a discussion that echoes the potential of landscape urbanism to re-envision the productive landscape in Albania is triggered. LANDSCAPE URBANISM – THE APPROACH (TO BE) APPLIED IN ARCHITECTURE / PLANNING SCHOOLS Landscape Urbanism, a term first launched by Charles Waldheim, depicts a set of approaches to planning, urban design and landscape in which the interaction of natural and built systems is taken as the basis for decisions about urban form. Nature (environment, natural history), built systems (structures, arrangements), urban form, as well as methods and procedures, are the key concerns of landscape urbanism; thus its focus is on urban space production in the contemporary city, in relation to the natural system. The diversity and intricacy of the present-day city matters, the phenomena of continuous rapid transformation of the nature and systems necessitate constructive collaboration among professionals and experts of different fields.

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* Koçi, Valbona, and Fitim Miftari. ‘DAMLAKEFRONT PLAZA: Revitalization Of An Agriculture Reservoir Dam In KasharTirana/Albania’. Ricerche e progetti per il territorio, la città e l’architettura 7 (2014): 97-118

This research describes the project of Dam Lakefront Plaza - Revitalization of an Agriculture Reservoir Dam in KasharTirana/Albania, presented in ExpoTunnel: Infrastructure & Landscape Workshop, an event organized by Department of Architecture & DICAM, University of Bologna in October 2013. This project was developed by Fitim Miftari under the guidance of V.Koci & I.Nase within the framework of Arch 454-Advanced Research Project in EPOKA University, during spring term 2013. The article is constructed of mainly two sections: a brief theoretical one, covering the concise definition of landscape urbanism, emphasizing the importance of awareness in architecture education about this discipline aiming to include it in the professional discourse. Part two, an extended and illustrated one, intends to provide with a detailed explanation of the research and project itself. First, the bigger picture of the regional study is given (100 Lakes developed by KUL team), zooming in into Kashar project (developed by EPOKA team) and then focusing on this specific project, which related to landscape, infrastructure, agriculture reservoir dams, public space and program, etc. The project unfolds as the contextual analysis is highlighted, the arguments for choosing the site and building a functional and programmatic program are offered; and the attempt to avoid package formulae proposal and commodification of

Quoting Waldheim, it is possible to grasp the nature of this interdisciplinary practice:

Landscape Urbanism describes a disciplinary realignment currently underway, in which landscape replaces architecture as the basic building block of contemporary urbanism…, across a range of disciplines, landscape has become both the lens through which the contemporary city is represented & the medium through which it is constructed (2006, p. 14). Praxis and theory are two spheres quite complementary to each other. Education in (landscape) architecture and planning is what proceeds the prior actions/spheres. Supporting this theory, Weller argues that landscape urbanism ‘shifts the landscape architectural project from an art (or craft) of making beautiful landscapes to one of interdisciplinary negotiation and the seeding of strategic development processes” (Weller 2008, p.248). In relation to this very brief theoretical framework on LU, one assumes that landscape urbanism is emerging as a medium through which urban form can be achieved more qualitatively. Design strategies use landscape ideas to organize the ultimate shape of the urban form and the territory. For over decades now, it has been obvious that landscape architects and urban designers are more capable of intervening into the actual context of the contemporary city, dealing simultaneously with the socio-cultural, environmental and ecological issues, as well as the formal ones. This estimation should

affect the critical thinking in Architecture and Planning Schools, emphasizing further the idea that Landscape Urbanism and its principles should be the complementary guidelines in education when dealing/working with real issues/context. This could assure a generation of future architects/planner/ landscape designers who will be able to deal with the complexity of relationship between natural and built systems. To conclude, we could modestly affirm that the methodology used in 100 LAKES/ Albania, 1/100 LAKEside settlements: Kashar, DamLakefront Plaza and in each and every single project presented within this framework of this collaborative design process, presented a multi-disciplinary and contextual approach. DAM-LAKEFRONT PLAZA PROJECT IN THE CONTEXT OF 100 LAKES / ALBANIA & 1/100 LAKESIDE SETTLEMENTS: KASHAR The Dam-Lakefront Plaza project, is only one fragment or sequence in a whole range of proposals presented within the framework of two mayor projects: 100 LAKES/ Albania1 and Rethinking WaterLand- 1/100 LAKEside settlements in Kashar2. The idea of 100 LAKES/ Albania had already emerged some months prior to the initiation of the collaboration between practices (51N4E), universities (KUL and EPOKA) and other Albanian actors such as Ministry of Agriculture, communes, local experts, etc. The vision of this research project presented the consideration of Tirana-Durres, the current metropolis of Albania, on a regional level in order to harness the potential of the area’s

[1] Spring term 2013, ‘100 Lakes/ Albania’, KUL & 51N4E in collaboration with EPOKA University. This is a research thesis to obtain a Master of Science in Urbanism and Strategic Planning degree in KU Leuven, (part of the EMU Program) Department of Architecture, Urbanism and Planning, Faculty of Architecture. Program director: Bruno De Meulder, Supervisor André Loeckx (KU Leuven), Tutor and coordinator Sotiria Kornaropoulou (51N4E), Co-tutor Freek Persyn, Johan Anrys (51N4E),Authors: Bogdan Ilie, Calin Lambrache, Tao Cai, Zhongkai Zhou, (EMU Students) and Wei Lu (MaUSP Student) [2] ‘Rethinking Water-Land, 1/100 LAKEside settlements: Kashar/ Albania’, Arch 454 Research project at EPOKA University, in collaboration with KUL & 51N4E, developed during January – June 2013 EPOKA University Instructors: Ilir Nase, Valbona Koci. EPOKA University Students: Ajmona Hoxha, Arnen Sula, Fitim Miftari, Griselda Ramaj, Jonida Aliaj, Klodiana Millona, Oriela Balloshi, Romiana Cupi, Vilma Gokaj

[3] The 100 LAKES is a title which eventually indicated the abundance of water captured in artificial reservoirs built during Socialism (1960-1980s), and does not indicate the exact number of lakes. [4] The nine projects encompassing ‘Rethinking Waterland – 1/100 LAKEside Settlements, Kashar’ research project are as follows: 1-Green Loop & Pit Stop (O.Balloshi), 2-Dam Square & Leisure Center (F.Miftari), 3-Designing AGRITECTURE (G. Ramaj), 4-Elderly Lake House (A. Sula), 5-Hilltop Winery (.Hoxha), 6-Man+Hydro biotic symbiosis (J.Alliaj), 7-House ‘N Topography (R. Cupi), 8-ResArtist (K.Millona), 9-IN-COMmunity (V.Gokaj)

The 100 lakes provide an ecological and economic space extensive enough to absorb an expanding population while harboring the capacity to develop attractive living conditions for inhabitants. Furthermore, redevelopment of the 100 lakes would provide a common project where a new column of positive reference can be shaped for the benefit of the region as a whole - a reconciliation between local inhabitants and the dificult heritage associated with the lakes. Crucially, 100 Lakes has the potential to act as a framework for other regional projects: notably the vision on formal-informal settlements, public transport, water supply strategy, agriculture and the preservation of resources. (Extract from 100 LAKES project proposal) The 100 lakes studio attempted, at first instance, to capture the specificities of the area, and take them aboard while dealing with its core questions, which were always considering a regional issue: ‘how can the (metropolitan) district of Tirana- Durres manage its increasing dynamic as a whole? How can it invest in an integrative urbanism that links housing needs with economically and ecologically viable solutions? What meaning

can the inherited and massive socialist infrastructure find today? How to develop again positive notions of collectivism?’ (100 LAKES/Albania) While the ‘100 LAKES’ project presented regional visions, ‘Rethinking Waterland’ aimed to develop bottom-up strategies for reinstating the impact of man on nature, especially in developing economies where the sustainable use of natural resources has least been considered. This project is a new vision for the future of an informally urbanized rural landscape in the commune of Kashar, near Tirana. The site comprises forests, orchards and agricultural land serviced by two reservoirs built during communism. This whole natural landscape is under pressure from urbanization triggered by the construction of a highway linking the capital to the main cityport of the country. The current condition is better described by a ‘parasitic symbiosis’ of the built environment (the parasite) and nature (the host). Conditioned by topography and local building knowledge/techniques, the main impact of this parasitism has been on hydrology.

Rethinking Waterland project proposes a platform for reconsidering the current interrelationship between the built and natural environments. It aims to redefine the balances in the coexistence of the built environment with infrastructure, water, nature and food production. The bottom-up approach based on nine individual projects4 stems from economic, social and environmental sustainability targets of the area. These projects include also approaches such as the ‘neo-laissez

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assets. The assumption emphasized the importance of the fact that the city should anchor itself into the region’s physical territory whose generous natural landscape would provide fresh impetus to the character of the urban environment. Within this framework, 100 Lakes3 built during the communist period, as assumed by the idea generators (51N4E), could be such a stimulus.

faire’ introduced to control urbanization on agricultural land. Implementing bottom-up strategies was considered the best response to national/ regional policies that lack environmental sensitivity and consideration for the local context. Project applicability will be considered with the Commune of Kashar. The design team strongly believes that this model is highly replicable to the urban landscapes along the Tirana-Durres national highway to introduce urbanization that uses natural resources sustainably. DEVELOPING A CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS DAM-LAKEFRONT PLAZA: Revitalization of an Agriculture Reservoir Dam in KasharTirana, is one project out of the nine students’ proposal presented within the 1/100 LAKEside settlements-Kashar research project. The overall research was conducted first by making a spatial analysis of the water in relation to the agriculture land and urbanized area. The intention was to explore and understand the functioning of water systems and the relations between the rivers and streams, lakes and reservoirs, irrigation and drainage canal in (former) agriculture lands (see p. 22). Interpretative mapping, as a powerful cartographic tool to understand the inherent logics of territories, was made use of. The tools of research were both quantitative and qualitative data, such as maps, images, pictures, reports of the dams and artificial lakes, etc. Primarily, due to the information package5 attained by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection on Agricultural Dams Study as part of Water Resources

Management Project, 2009, it was possible to get technical data on the water system in Kashar area and the whole region of DurresTirana. Moreover by developing and interpreting the new maps, it was possible to construct an understanding on the inter-relation between topography, landscape-as a collective project, water-as a systematic landscape, agricul ureas a landscape and water-dependent sector, and finally urbanization-as infrastructure driven territory occupation phenomenon. Focusing on Kashar project site, an area comprising of forests, plantations and agricultural land serviced by two reservoirs Kashar (built in 1963) and Purrez (1972), and by developing the proper contextual analysis in order to identify the Dam – area of intervention, it was possible to rich to the following conclusions: while Purrez Lake is distant to the new constructions (see p. 30), Kashar Lake is embraced by and threatened by new buildings which overpass the ‘buffer zone’ even (see fig. 2); Purrez lake is still functional. The water is used for irrigation and the tests have proven the quality is good enough to be used as drinking water, given some water filtration plants are installed. While Kashar Lake is highly polluted due to many reasons including the lack of proper sewage system of the new settlement emerging around the lake. The dam of Purrez Reservoir is in a better condition than that of Kashar, which requires heavy maintenance. A possible failure in Purrez dam, high precipitation and eventually flood would endanger approximately 500 ha of agriculture land, an area it was designed to irrigate;

- Identification of potentials - Collection - Efficient distribution

200m buffer zone for: - preserving water quality - open-air activities - prevent floods

while a similar condition for Kashar Reservoir Dam would cause a lot more causalities in the current situation. It would not only flood some 500 ha of land, but would endanger the infrastructure and hundreds of new residential and economic activity buildings emerging along the highway. Referring to the data obtained in the Dam Report6, Kashar Lake is located some 8 km away from Tirana; at the TWL (total water level) the reservoir has a capacity of 1.800.000m3 of water and covers a surface area of 24.5 ha. The catchment area of the reservoir is 350 ha and it was designed to irrigate some 500 ha of agriculture land. The Dam has a relative height of 18 m, the length is 240 m and the crest width is 4.5 m. The upstream face slope approximates a slope of 1:2.5 while the downtream face slope approximates an

average slope of 1:2.75. The flood risk occurs at TWL. The reservoir flood is 1.5m with a pick outflow of 36m3/s that is produced by inflow reaching at max 109 m3/s. As indicated earlier, a possible dam failure would eventually create a flood risk condition. CHOOSING THE INTERVENTION SITE The detailed comparative analysis of both sites Purrez and Kashar Lake concluded with the decision that Kashar Reservoir Dam, the lake area as well as the Dam-front space was an appropriate site to intervene in with a design proposal. The location of Kashar Lake and the Dam, so close to the Tirana–Durres highway, yet hardly visible or perceivable as a ‘vertical landscape screen’ is a further reason for choosing this agriculture dam as a test-

Figure 1 & 2 (left): Kashar Reservoir scheme and Buffer Zone

[5] The information found in the Dam Reports consisted of Map of Dam Location and Catchment Area, Dam Layout Sketch, Photos, Hydrological Analysis, Indicative Flood Inundation Mapping, Indicative Stability and Seismic Assessment and other technical and assessment reports. [6] Mott MacDonald and Albanian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection, Water Resources Management Project, (2009), Agricultural Dams Study, Dam Report, Kashari Reservoir, Dam Ref: TR-5

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Figure 3 (right): View of the Dam from the Highway

site to propose and develop the revitalization project. Moreover, referring to the dam height, the highway remains approximately 12 m below the highest point of the dike. In addition, two hills define the valley where the dike is constructed creating thus an attractive landscape. Yet, the buildings constructed along the highway block the view of the dike at some point. The spatial analysis of the territory and the waterland relation, led to a project proposal marking some constrains, which became procreative for some ideas later on. It was important to define a â&#x20AC;&#x153;buffer zoneâ&#x20AC;? of 200 m off the lake shore, meaning the prevention of constructions, eventually preventing the discharge of grey and black waters of (informal) buildings in the lake. The reason is not only the preservation the flora/fauna of the lake and lake-shore habitat, but the improvement of the water quality as well, assuming that the water is and will be used for various purposes such as irrigation, recreation (swimming), industry (fish cultivation), etc. In addition, the definition of a buffer zone and mainly the reinforcement of the dam would prevent possible floods in the future.

dike problems

BUILDING UP A PROGRAM FUNCTIONAL AND PROGRAMMATIC SOLUTION The proposal to make a reinforcement of the agriculture dam of Kashar reservoir in a very architectonic way, relates with some arguments: first it related to the presence/ introduction/ visibility of the Dam and Lake behind it, from the highway (see fig 3 & 4). One objective of the intervention was to indicate

dike reinforcement techniques

building on the dike

dike

Figure 4 (upper left): Visibility of the Dam from the Highway Figure 5: (lower left): Section-intervention on the Dam Figure 6: (up): Contextual Analysis supporting the proposal of the structure on the dam

terrain

roads

buildings

and emphasize the presence of the water body, thus the reservoir behind the green vertical screen. Secondly it relates to the intervention, for maintenance reasons on the Dam itself, thus the prevention of dam failure due to water penetration and erosion on the downstream face slope. One of the most problematic issues posed to the structure of the dams built during socialism, is the water penetration, which causes soil erosion on the downstream, eventually leading to dam failure. A technique of dike reinforcement is the injection of the concrete wall (see fig 5). Yet, what we propose is â&#x20AC;&#x153;building on the dike slopeâ&#x20AC;?, making use of the building foundation as dam reinforcement, and offering ground and space for activities accommodated within and on the structure itself (see p. 72). Consequently, the solution is both functional and programmatic (architectonic). The idea to present such a reinforcement that would not only function structurally, but aesthetically and programmatically as well, sounded quite interesting and relevant. Such an intervention, would call for attention, people and events, fulfilling thus the ultimate goal of the project.

access

plaza

The introduction of a proper structure that would primarily act as reinforcement for the dike and then offer appropriate space to accommodate some relevant programs in, was the outcome of a thorough process of contextual analysis (see fig 6). The new structure had to consider the water element, thus the Reservoir surface, its water capacity and possible use, as well as the Dike top, the strongest boundary and interface between water & land that emerges as a linear element with a certain length and width. This space would be part of a promenade along the lakeside. Furthermore, the Topography thus one of the most crucial features to consider while proposing the morphology of the new reinforcement structure. Though man-made, the structure has to gradually emerge with the topography and the context, being both authentic but contextual. The current access points to the Dike and the existing buildings in the close-by area were determinant for the Approach and Access to the new structure, as well as the functions taking place in / on the structure. Ultimately, as one of the primal purposes of this project, the open space in the

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reservoir

project had to be designed and not left-over. The dimensions, proportions and shape of the Square, the enclosure ensured by the Dam Structure and the new buildings around, create a public space that could house a series of ephemeral and programmed activities. Many events can take place on Dam-Lakefront Plaza such as Concerts, Exhibitions, Fairs, Local Markets, Open-air cinema, Installations (see p. 72).These programs would be supported by other recreational facilities in the built structure, such as swimming pool and other indoor/outdoor sport services, shops, etc. Furthermore, the downstream of the artificial lake, is turned into a recreational water pathway, as an important water feature present in the built & natural landscape, creating a dam(med) landscape or a landscaped dam. The analysis that lead to contextual proposal started by first checking the existing structures and programs sheltered in the buildings along the highway. The present activities were dominated by: hotels/motels, hospitals, private university buildings, warehouses, office buildings, shopping centers and residential buildings. These structures are supported by mainly private initiatives and investments. What is missing in the area are Sport facilities, leisure centers, gathering places – public Plaza, thus programs which could be for the public but not necessarily supported by public funds. Cooperation of private investors and public structures could be tested. Thus the proposal presented a platform that serves the community and collects people from other parts of the city; a gathering place that would be multi-functional and friendly; it introduced multi-purpose spaces for different events,

such as: indoor and outdoor sport activities, exhibitions, performing, lecture, shopping and exercise. What is mostly important to emphasize is the morphology and architecture of the structure proposed, which is structurally, functionally and programmatically related to the context. It offers a hierarchy of spaces: Open – the Ramp, Semi open – Multifunctional spaces; and the Closed Space which becomes the leisure centre (see p. 60 & 71). In this perspective, the Ramp leads visitors to the top of the dike and lakeshore, and vice versa brings them to the Dam-front Plaza. The Semi open spaces, which architectonically emerge from the structural interweaving, could accommodate rental spaces for different services, temporary or permanent, such as offices, classrooms, shops. Finally, the closed space which becomes a Leisure center, would accommodate sport activities such as swimming pool, fitness center, cafeteria/ restaurant etc. The logic behind is that all spaces (open / semiopen / closed) are owned by public institutions but managed by private – public cooperation. Within this framework, this project presents a model whose applicability could be considered with the Commune of Kashar and other institutions both in the governmental and local administration level, which are involved with planning and design issues. BUILDING UP A PROGRAM AVOIDING COMMODIFICATION AND SPECTACLEISATION OF THE (PUBLIC) SPACE The design of public spaces that lack contextual analysis are emerging as a

Figure 7: The [Dam] Structure and the Hierarchy of Space: open - semi open – closed

[8] Communism, in relation to space production, is characterized by a centralized state economy. Wealth redistributed so that everyone in society is given equal shares of the benefits derived from labor. All means of production are controlled by the state. The means of production are commonly-owned, meaning no entity or individual owns productive property. Importance is ascribed to “usership” over “ownership” [9] Simulacrum, according to Harvey, is a state of near perfect replication that the difference between the original and the copy becomes almost impossible to spot. (Harvey 1989, p. 289)

It was previously mentioned that the public space projects are usually transformed into “package-formulae” planning principles introduced and implemented on different location. In some cases, these planning or design approaches neglect the local features, the geographical, historical, economic and cultural assets of the region. The argument that the implementations of these projects is merely an insertion of new images, which Harvey claims to “have themselves become commodities” (1989:287) emerges. I support the idea that presented by Harvey that “many images can also be mass-marked instantaneously over space” (1989:288), and this is a similar phenomenon occurring to the public space-commodity and its created image. Furthermore, if we have a close-look at the programs presented in the public spaces redevelopment projects worldwide, it is possible to see the tendency of including the spectacle and entertainment among a variety of functions. It is argued that the capital accumulation is facilitated through the tool of urban spectacle. This festival (fair or exhibition of every kind), and primarily the stage it would take place on, is designed aiming the attraction of the society members, local inhabitants or foreign tourists. These spectacles, events, their stages and built environment have been transformed into material simulacra9 employed in the image production industry. These simulacra “conceal almost perfectly any trace of origin of the labor process that produced them, or of the social relations implicated in their production” (Harvey: 300). Supported by the use of postmodern architecture,

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[7] In the mid 19-th century, Marx defined commodity as: ‘an object outside us, a thing that by its properties satisfies human wants of some sort or another” (Capital and Political Economy, 1963:35)

package project, which has a list of predefined programs and sometimes schemes, producing thus a commodity7. This package project is produced to be copied and further consumed in most geographical regions of the world. This is s a phenomenon widely spread in Albania as well, especially in small cities and/ or sub-urban areas. Among other places, some of the artificial lakes built during Communism in Albania, have come to the point of being recorded into the abandoned areas’ list. They functioned as agriculture lakes, thus for irrigation purpose, for industry (fishing and cultivation or other water species), as drinking water supply reservoirs, or recreational assets, etc. The abandonment is a phenomena which highly relates to the change of political, economic and social system8 after the demise of communism in 1991, and eventually to the lack of the maintenance. Yet, the very complex water system composed of natural and artificial elements such as streams, rivers, lakes / reservoirs, drainage and irrigation channels etc, which we inherited from the previous economic system , could become prosperous sources of capital, on the condition that these assets are properly valated, used and maintained. Because of the physical, social, cultural and economic features inherent in them, these systems and especially the sites in direct relation to the water–the irrigated lands, reservoir edges, dams etc, could generate extensive flow of investments and spontaneous revenues. The above-mentioned process convert the space, in our case the agriculture dam & lake; into a commodity, which needs to be developed, used and ultimately exploited.

the style and attitude of the contemporary society, these assemblage of social spaces have become successful in attracting the crowd and in fulfilling most of the demands of the consumer society. In a mixed-use, multi-functional inner cityscape where people find extensive pleasure and entertainment, the regime of flexible accumulation is a very natural phenomenon. The very simple definition of this entire process would be the consumption of the (public) Space. These reflections were present during the analysis developed both in the regional (DurresTirane) and local level (Kashar commune and specifically the Agriculture Dam / Reservoir of Kashar). The conurbation between Durres &Tirana, the infrastructure driven urbanization, the uncontrolled exploitation of former agriculture land occupied by illegal constructions, the prevalence of individualism over collectivism in landscape and water system, the expansion of massive shoppingmalls and other selling unit that promote consumption over production, etc, are all indicators of a consumer society that would not resist the commodification and spectacleisation of the Space, including the Public Space. Even though ‘Rethinking Waterland: 1/100 LAKEside settlements, Kashar/ Albania’ and all individual proposals were part of an education based process, we aimed at having a systematic analysis and eventually relevant, unique and contextual proposal, which would avoid the commodification of the (public) space.

CONCLUSION This research project is quite significant for the Albanian context, because its ultimate purpose is to present a model or sample project that could be applicable, once there is good-willing and support from the local government of Kashar Commune. Conceptually this approach, or model of infrastructure revitalization can be applied to some 50 cases of Agriculture Reservoir Dams, out of 626 all over Albania, which necessitate high reinforcement intervention and maintenance, as indicated in the ‘Albanian Agriculture Highlights’ Report (2012:111). Yet, a very contextual analysis and proposal should emerge from the genius loci of the place itself. As such, the discussion reflects on the potential of landscape urbanism to reenvision, re-structure and reactivate the former socialist productive waterlandscape in Albania, at large. This research could become the keystone for many other projects to follow. Acknowledgements Special thanks go to Fitim Miftari for his creative work on this project. Most of the images displayed in this article are his contribution. We express gratitude to Ilir Nase, for his expert guidance, and all other collaborators - actors in the bigger initiative who indirectly have contributed to this project.

Bibliography

Reports (2013), 100 Lakes/Albania, KUL & 51N4E - A research thesis report to obtain a Master of Science in Urbanism and Strategic Planning. KU Leuven, (part of the EMU European Postgraduate Master in Urbanism Program) Department of Architecture, Urbanism and Planning, Faculty of Architecture, Program director: Bruno De Meulder, Supervisor André Loeckx (KU Leuven), Tutor Sotiria Kornaropoulou (51N4E), Cotutor Freek Persyn, Johan Anrys (51N4E), Authors Bogdan Ilie, Calin Lambrache, Tao Cai, Wei Lu, Zhongkai Zhou Doko, A., Beqaj, B., and Marika, Rr. (2012), Albanian Agriculture Highlights, Q.T.T.B. Qendra e Transferimit te Teknologjise se Bujqesise, Fushe-Kruje, Albania, with the support of SNV, Publishing House & Printing Gent-Graphic Mott MacDonald & Albanian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection, Water Resources Management Project, (2009), Agricultural Dams Study, Dam Report, Kashari Reservoir, Dam Ref: TR-5

Manuscripts, Contributions and Journal Articles Harvey, David (1989), The Condition of Postmodernity, Basil Blackwell, Oxford Marx, Karl, (1963), Capital: a Critique of Political Economy, Ed. Engels, Frederick, International Publishes, New York Waldheim, Charles (2006) “A reference Manifesto”, in Waldheim, Charles ed., The Landscape Urbanism Reader, New York: Princeton Architectural Press, pp. 14 –19 Weller, Richard (2008), “Landscape (Sub)Urbanism. Theory and Practice.” In Landscape Journal Vol. 27 Issue 2, pp. 247 – 267

concert

exhibition

site sections and elevations

weekly bazaar

culture/food fair

open cinema

formal gathering

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underground floor plan

ground floor plan

second floor plan

75 projects

first floor plan

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HOUSE & TOPOGRAPHY romiana รงupi

The project explores house typologies for the future residents of Kashar: in the existing urban settlement and new territories. Predicting a soon-to-come increase in population in this region, is suggested an approach to building in new plots in the village and in the hilltop in front of it. Typologically these are envisioned to serve different residents: locals of Kashar and citizens of Tirana, who can use the houses during weekends. The primary principles for design include: minimal building/plot ratio; relation to topography; sustainable methods of building and living.

site plan & areas of intervention

ridge pattern plots for densification residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; houses

weekend houses

house typologies

1+1

2+1

sections

A-A

B-B

2+1

plot for densification

modular typology

residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; houses

sections

A-A

B-B

C-C

ELDERLY LAKE HOUSES arnen sula

The project is strongly related to the context and the demographics of the area. The majority of the local residents belong to the third age group. Given that the village doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer activities and services to them, this project aims to fulfill their needs of health and recreational services. The location was chosen considering the need for calmness and natural landscape. It faces the Purezi lake, oriented toward the south. The activities proposed include fishing, gardening, reading, gaming, cinema, fitness exercises, health treatments, etc.

location

concept diagram

program

health center pharmacy emergency room dentist sauna massage room psychotherapy

daily activities restaurant hairdressing mini-market meeting room

staff offices utility rooms

typology 1 5 residents typology 2 1 resident

social activities 2 classrooms projection room aquagym group exercising praying room

ground floor plan

section C - C

section B - B

section A - A

house typology 1

first floor plan

top view

house typology 2

ARTIST IN RESIDENCY klodiana millona

The purpose of the project is to provide a place where creative artists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; writers, painters, composers, sculptors, visual artist, etc. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can concentrate on their work, free from the distractions and duties of daily life given a time and space away from their usual environment and obligations. The main purpose is to provide a time of reflection, research, presentation and/or production. They also allow an individual to explore his/her practice within another community; meeting new people, using new materials, experiencing life in a new location. Art residencies emphasize the importance of meaningful and multi-layered cultural exchange and immersion into another culture. The location is presumed to be a very silent and peaceful area. The relationship between the resident and the host is an important aspect of a residency program but still left flexible to the decision of the residents. Sometimes residents become quite involved in a community - giving presentations, workshops, or collaborating with local residents. At other times, they are quite secluded, with ample time to focus and investigate their own practice. Part of the scenario proposed will be the possibility to best answer to both of these requests. The program stands as a forum of artistic dialogue which extends beyond cultural, geographical and, certainly, beyond political borders.

site location

connection to kashar

lake

residents

site

camp tents

village

87 projects

residents

village

lake

site

village

artists in residency

site plan

2 1 2

1 2

21 3 +18.00

The program stands as a forum of artistic dialogue which extends beyond cultural, geographical and political borders.

1 & 3 _ collages expressing the atmosphere of the passage

1 _ artist residence 2 _ inner courtyard 3 _ exhibition 4 _ seating place

2_ collage expressing the perspective towards the lake 0 2

20m

Sometimes residents become quite involved in a community - giving presentations, workshops, or collaborating with local residents. At other times, they are quite secluded, with ample time to focus and investigate their own practice. The location is presumed to be a very silent and peaceful area. The relationship between the resident and the host is an important aspect of a residency program but still left flexible to the decision of the residents.

scenario I

scenario II

semi-public

public

private

89 projects

13x29x15

+22.00

13x29x15

first floor plan

+22.00

+18.00

+21.00

ground floor plan

15x29x17 15x29x17

exhibition

sitting platform

exhibition exhibition

+18.00

sitting platform

+18.00

toilet

+14.00 +14.00

+14.00

toilet

+11.00

+14.00

+11.00

+14.00

+14.00 optional working space

sitting platform

+14.00 +14.00

+14.00

sitting platform

+14.00

exhibition

seating sitting platform

exhibition

sitting platform

terrace

+4.00

exhibition

+4.00

+1.00

terrace

scenario I

+22.00

13x29x15

91 projects

13x29x15

first floor plan

+22.00

20m

workshop

painting atelier

+21.00

painting atelier

workshop

ground floor plan

+18.00

exhibiton

+21.00

seminar room

exhibiton

sculpture atelie

+16.00

painting atelie

+18.00

workshop

+18.00

workshop

painting atelier

sculpture atelie

+18.00

painting atelie

seminar room

inner garden

workshop

seminar room

+18.00

inner garden

+18.00

inner garden

rehearsal

classroom

+14.00

toilet

performance stage

+14.00

seminar room

rehearsal individual training

sitting area

seminar room

individual training

toilet

performance stage

rehearsal

individual training

+14.00

individual training

rehearsal

classroom

performance stage

+14.00

seminar room

sitting area

seminar room

individual training

rehearsal

+11.00

+14.00

terrace

+8.00

rehearsal

+6.00

preparatory room

tatami karate

rehearsal

+6.00

seminar room

workshop

seminar room

+8.00 rehearsal

preparatory room

tatami karate

rehearsal

workshop

inner garden

+8.00

+3.00

office

terrace

+8.00

library

open reading area

enclosed reading area

open reading area

library

open reading area

enclosed reading area

+4.00

enclosed reading area

open reading area

closed reading area

enclosed reading area

open reading area

multimedia

scenario II

+22.00

+18.00

terrace

IN - COMMUNITY vilma gokaj

A Community Center to gather the residents of Kashar “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give!” Addressing the need of the inhabitants of the area for proper spaces for community life, this project aims to use architecture units and merge nature and people. “Feels like Home “ space qualities create the possibilities to feel safe and sound while in a peaceful and natural environment. The CC will guarantee for new employment opportunities, economical growth and social gathering of the community, the crucial elements to make it functional. Promoting rural culture and traditions through learning and teaching activities, community discussions and proximity to natural life, the CC invites people to gather with one another, to gather under one roof.

conceptual site plan

LOCATION related to the new residential buildings planned to be inside the fishbone the urban plans for the future (proposed new village & population sprawl)

RESTAURANT - dining areas for residents and toursits STUDY & TEACH - courses in cooking, plants and biology, research and study PHOTOGRAPHY - courses and practice for the lens-admirers COFFEE HOUSE - recreation and gathering hub

93 projects

COOKING FOR ALL - cooking classes using local products and local cuisine MY PLANT - program to raise awareness and offer agriculture courses GATHER & SHARE - community space to discuss and take common decisions 0

100

200m

north elevation

east elevation

south elevation

west elevation

longitudinal section +7.30

+7.30

+5.00

+5.00 +4.40

+0.00

-60.00

cross section +6.50

+6.50

+5.00

+0.00

-0.70

95 projects

ground floor plan

DESIGNING AGRITECTURE griselda ramaj

“Designing Agritecture” consists on the adaptation of architecture with the agricultural landscape, achieving the maximum use of advantages offered by the agricultural land and water features on the site. The project is treated by giving priority to the existing natural features and assets. The project envisions small scale interventions peripherally positioned. The “Trio House” units’ provide permanent residential, rentable and guest areas, collected together on the same purpose and specific spaces dedicated to the treatment of local products. In the long term, this project seeks to secure further economic and social development for the inhabitants.

site plan

existing situation

strong elements

agriculture fields

building/fields ratio

97 projects

site analysis

cluster plan

house typologies low building coefficient

max. height 2 floors

1 underground floor - utility space

application of local materials

permanent houses

rentals

guest-houses

HILLTOP WINERY ajmona hoxha

Among the land capacities of the area, vineyards represent an important typology of natural assets, developed due to the terrain and the Mediterranean climate. The wine-making tradition can set a distinctiveness which makes possible to pursue, through architecture, the enhancement of the landscape and the surroundings as expression of the cultural and social valence of the place where wine is produced. The building is conceived as an amalgamation of the triple sequenced process of winemaking, from the vineyards to the winery finalizing with wine tasting and selling, which put in the site that contrasts the urbanization cacophony with the purity of the village strongly sets an identity to the area of not only promoting the winemaking tradition, but as well culture and local vernacular architecture. The winery stands as an invisible building whose body merges with the folds of the hillside. The tiered roof is entirely covered with farmland and sliced openings infilled with glass are the only ones that reveal the presence of the structure.

site plans & sections

highway

vehicle road

truck road

vineyards

pedestrian path

kashar lake truck road chimney vineyard terrace pedestrian path vehicle road

101 projects

wine tasting

ground floor plan

104

longitudinal section

20m

first floor plan

105 projects

cross section

20m

GREEN LOOP & PIT-STOPS oriela balloshi

1 2

In Kashar can still be found areas of virgin natural landscape. Taking advantage of such an asset in proximity to Tirana, this project aims to turn the region in a focal point offering different opportunities to visitors and residents to get in touch with nature. The green loop considers “hot spots” of views and landscape, the previous projects proposed to revitalize the region and the local context. It is made of paths and nodes of “transition” and “gathering” offering people the possibility to visit all the site by trying to unify the approach to public movement, under the common “eco-friendly” tag through cycling toutes and hiking trails.

1 / green promenade

fishing and sailing stop

vista tunnel

collage

107 projects

public square

108

2 / vista tunnel

3 / public square

5 / revitalization of the drinking fountain

109 projects

4/ observation tower

bibliography

(2013), 100 Lakes/Albania, KUL & 51N4E - A research thesis report to obtain a Master of Science in Urbanism and Strategic Planning. KU Leuven, (part of the EMU European Postgraduate Master in Urbanism Program) Department of Architecture, Urbanism and Planning, Faculty of Architecture, Program director: Bruno De Meulder, Supervisor André Loeckx (KU Leuven), Tutor Sotiria Kornaropoulou (51N4E), Co-tutor Freek Persyn, Johan Anrys (51N4E), Authors Bogdan Ilie, Calin Lambrache, Tao Cai, Wei Lu, Zhongkai Zhou

Harvey, David (1989), The Condition of Postmodernity, Basil Blackwell, Oxford Koçi, Valbona, and Fitim Miftari. ‘DAMLAKEFRONT PLAZA: Revitalization Of An Agriculture Reservoir Dam In Kashar-Tirana/ Albania’. Ricerche e progetti per il territorio, la città e l’architettura 7 (2014): 97-118 LANDELL MILLS, BURO HAPPOLD (ed.), Regional Development Framework for The Tirana-Durres Region. 2008-2027, 2007

Abitz, Julie, “Post-socialist city development in Tirana”, 2006

Land Cover Classification in Albania, Tirana University, Faculty of History and Philology, Department of Geography, Tirana, Albania

Aliaj, B., Lulo, K., & Myftiu, G. “Tirana the Challenge of Urban Development”. Slovenia: Gorenjskitisk, 2003

Marx, Karl, (1963), Capital: a Critique of Political Economy, Ed. Engels, Frederick, International Publishes, New York

Apri, Bashkia E Tiranes (ed.), Municipal Roads.- Sustainable Transport Strategy For Tirana City. Project Objectives and Activities, Presentation, Tirana, 2008

Mott MacDonald & Albanian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection, Water Resources Management Project, (2009), Agricultural Dams Study, Dam Report, Kashari Reservoir, Dam Ref: TR-5

Declerck, Joachim (ed.), et al, Tirana Metropolis, The Berlage Institute, Rotterdam, 2004 Doko, A., Beqaj, B., and Marika, Rr. (2012), Albanian Agriculture Highlights, Q.T.T.B. Qendra e Transferimit te Teknologjise se Bujqesise, Fushe-Kruje, Albania, with the support of SNV, Publishing House & Printing Gent-Graphic Dorina Pojani, Urbanization of post-communist Albania, in: Journal of Contemporary Central and Eastern Europe, Volume 17, Issue 1, 2009 Dorina Pojani, “Tirana”, in: Cities, Volume 27, Issue 6, 2010

Urbanplan (ed.), Urban Regulatory Plan for Tirana, Annex Part II Mobility and Urban Services Assessment, Municipality of Tirana, Tirana, 2008 “URBAN REGULATORY PLAN – TIRANA”, Municipality of Tirana Waldheim, Charles (2006) “A reference Manifesto”, in Waldheim, Charles ed., The Landscape Urbanism Reader, New York: Princeton Architectural Press, pp. 14 –19 Weller, Richard (2008), “Landscape (Sub) Urbanism. Theory and Practice.” In Landscape Journal Vol. 27 Issue 2, pp. 247 – 267

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Departmental series on the results of didactics in Architectural Design Studios Number 1 ReConsidering Water-Land 1/100 LAKEside settlements: Kashar Advanced Architectural Design Studio Spring 2013 ÂŠ 2015 Epoka University Tirana, September 2015

Architecture Department www.arch.epoka.edu.al

CENTER of RESEARCH and DESIGN in ARCHITECTURE