Nascent Karposh_06 DS4 Site Catalogue by rob.goacher

Site Catalogue Skopje

Who we are

Design studio 4 2018-2019

Section 01: Construction

Section 02: Environment

Section 03: Animals

Section 04: Systems

Section 05: 14

Section 06: Reflection

113

Section 07: Conclusion

133

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Thanks to our tutors; Jason Coleman Louise Cann Nicholas Boyarsky

Section 00: Introduction

Skopje Site Catalogue

Abdulhaq Ahmadzai Aisyah Hamid Antony Sadler Georgina-Marina Andreou Jason Yap Kar Juen Katherina Metzdorff Khalid Aideed Liyana Abdullah Rob Goacher Tannaz Kargar Yap Shook Yen Zain Akbur Zariq Jasni

We aim to craft material and fictional narratives in the fast moving present where new alliances and divisions are emerging which are blurring memories and politicising identities. To help achieve this through individual projects we have collected details, photographs, diagrams and maps to build a catalogue of the city and sites within it. The catalogue is formed of six sections, each looking at a theme which runs through the society and urban fabric of Skopje.

Section 00 Introduction

DS4 is a second year design studio within the MArchD programme at the Oxford School of Architecture, this year based in Skopje, Macedonia.

Skopje Site Catalogue

Section 01 Construction

The following pages detail ideas about the physical construction of the city.

Skopje Site Catalogue

LIYANA ABDULLAH

THE CITY AND ITS RIVER

NAUTILUS - LINKING

Nautilus is the name of an urban installation conceived and realized by a group of architects from a local NGO. It is located on the edge of the riverfront, close to the Youth Cultural Centre and the Academy of Arts and Sciences. The main idea was to offer a pedestrian connection from the higher road level and the water’s edge – a threshold, connecting the two levels of riverbanks. The lower embankment is an underutilized recreational space with a bicycle lane. The structure was built to accommodate cultural events and performances. Today, the steel structure is abandoned and although the main structural elements survive, the pedestrian connection is lost and visitors have to take another, longer route down to the water’s edge.

DEVELOPER

COMMUNITY

DOMESTIC

ROB GOACHER

TYPOLOGIES OF ADDITION

The residential Karposh area is full of apartment blocks, which have had their balconies enclosed or been added to in different ways with extensions and additions. These additions lead to speculations; their inhabitants, life, ritual, materials, access, construction etc; forming new typologies of change. I separated the additions into developer, community and domestic. The developer typology is one of building exoskeletons enabling roof extensions, purely for profit, (roof extensions are chosen as they do not incur taxes which new buildings occur). Community typologies occur when residents of apartment blocks combine together to create exoskeletons, larger additions or even just agreements, i.e. render colour. Individual or domestic typologies are the most numerous, ranging in scale from enclosure of balconies and terraces to plants, graffiti or hanging out washing.

SPECULATED MATERIALS

Key (Speculated) 1.Plastic services 2.Wooden stairs 3. Paint graffiti 4. Brick/blockwork (possibly clay/terracotta) infill 5. Reinforced concrete frame 6. Plants 7. uPVC windows 8. Plastic waterspouts 9. Wooden windows 10. Fabric washing/ clothes 11. Metal railings 12. Domestic airconditioner unit 13. Rigid panel insulation with render (see detail overleaf)

13 12

8, 5

4, 5

7, 12

6, 10, 4, 5

6, 4, 5, 7, 12

1, 5

4, 5 7, 12 , 6

4 3

10, 7, 12

4, 12

4, 5, 7

The differing additions relating to the different typologies are also reflected with different materials. The ‘Developer’ typology materials have the highest levels of permanence- with concrete, brick etc. The ‘Community’ typology is similar- with more permanent brick and concrete materiality. ‘Domestic’ typology materials are more temporary from wooden windows, speculated to be found or cheaply acquired; to additions of plants, graffiti or washing.

1 2

2, 4, 5

4, 5, 7, 9

4, 5

This page details some of the materials common within the addition typologies.

11, 10

INSULATION ADDITIONS

MATERIALS OF ADDITION

ROB GOACHER

10, 9, 12, 3 The materials which make up the additions can be speculated to be a mix of found, cheap or borrowed material; Often temporary in line with the illicitness of the construction.

13. Key (1:20) 1.≈250mm Reinforced concrete frame 2.≈50mm Rigid panel insulation 3.≈20mm Cement screed 4.≈10mm Render mesh 5.≈20mm Cement based render 6.≈5mm External paint finish

11, 12, 6

1. Concrete formwork

2. Mix concrete with agregate and pour into the mould.

3. Leave the concrete mix to set and harden.

4. Prepare 1 part of muriatic acid and 3 parts water, mix well.

5. Apply the solution onto the concrete surface.

Traced & Scanned: Interior concrete surface of Goce Delcev Student Dormitory

6. Leave the solution to undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the concrete.

Zariq Jasni

Acid etch on concrete texture

7. Rinse excess acid solution with water.

This type of concrete form can be seen present in a lot of brutalist buildings in Skopje, ranging from the building design by Kenzo Tange and Giorgi Konstantinovski. The brutalist buildings are showcasing a raw concrete finish and are sometimes chiselled individually. One of the ways to achieve this raw concrete finish is by treating the concrete with muriatic acid. This method strips away the rendered cement finish of the concrete and gives the material a rough, aggregated look.

Traced & Scanned: Exterior concrete ornamentation surface of Goce Delcev Student Dormitory

Through the process of removing the outer layer of mortar, the aggregate particles are exposed. This can be done using a variety of techniques, including chemical surface retarders, sandblasting, water blasting, or acid etching.

Traced & Scanned: Exterior concrete surface of Goce Delcev Student Dormitory

Zariq Jasni

Kebab chimney design variation IN Skopjeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old CITY

Exhaust

Across the Old Bazaar in Skopje, it is observed that these kebab chimneys dominated the roofscape. It is prominent because of its quirky and sometimes whimsical design, and act as an indicator of a kebab restaurant operating on street level. Based on the interview conducted with the locals during the site visit, it is informed that these variations of kebab chimneys are made by only one family that provides and sells the chimneys to restaurant owners. The first variation is a standalone kebab chimney, made out of aluminium. The second variation is usually cladded with wood, and the aluminium part of the chimney is painted with a colour similar to the restaurant building. The third variation is similar to the first one, but without the â&#x20AC;&#x153;legsâ&#x20AC;? and is usually attached to the walls of the restaurant and suspended with wooden ornamentations.

Shaft

Design Variation 1

Design Variation 2

Design Variation 3

Smoke Condenser

Legs

ABDULHAQ AHMADZAI

METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

One of the most prominent locations in Old Bazaar is the local Bit Market. The Market offers the visitors and locals with fresh produce, textile fabrics, and home accessories. Its located in the Heart of the Old Ottoman Bazaar containing rich history, both historical and cultural values allowing people from different ethnic groups to trade, explore and exchange ideas between one another. The beautiful element within the market is the modification of the structure which is constantly modified and adapted by the merchants and stall owners over the last four decades.

ABDULHAQ AHMADZAI

FROM ROOFTOP TO SKOPJEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CARPETS

The project seeks to explore the notion of change and adaptation through different layers, characters and hands. As Bit Market had a notorious reputation for providing fine quality products through craftsmanship which included hand woven carpets, fabrics and textiles and pottery. However, those trades have been sadly lost, but the project will pursue the idea of expanding and developing the existing characteristics which upholds the core values and authentic character of the Market.

aisyah hamid

configuration of bit pazar

Below: Location of Bit Pazar (not to scale)

Bit Pazar, Skopje is one of the largest outdoor markets in the Balkans, with a history dating back to the 14th century, when Skopje was firmly within the Ottoman Empire. During the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the villages, towns and provinces have designated places for public services including market. The sellers who could not carry their goods far away were able to sell them at the markets. The market did not have a proper management in the earler days whereby different type of goods were sold in one area. However, the market now is segregated into a few specified areas such as vegetables, fruit and food, clothes, household items, fabric and bridalwear. The division of the market ease the visitors to find the goods they want to find. -

Local Produce (Fruits, Vegetables & Food)

Household Items

Clothes

Fabric & Bridalwear

In Construction

Below: Elevation and perspective drawing of a basic stall. Right: Sketches of the details of the usage of the stall structure.

Bricks are placed on the roof to hold the additonal zinc roof into place. Since it is a temporary layer, the zinc roof can be easily removed for future alterations.

The roof structure of the two adjacent stalls supports the additional layer of roof (zinc roof) which is placed in between the two stalls. The zinc roof shelters the passages of the market

Roof of the market stall as storage space and dumping area. Empty boxes, crates, glass bottles and cans were found on the roof.

aisyah hamid

market stall as a structure

The roof acts as a shelther layer from the harsh weather as well as a storage.

The market stall can be seen as a structure of its own. Every part of the stall structure is fully utilised for the usage of the stall owners. However, each of the stall vary depending on the goods sold at the stall. The stall owners of Bit Pazar have maximised the usage of the stall by transforming it into a storage, extended display unit and also an electric conduit for the lighting system.

The stall structure itself is a display unit which allows different ways of displaying goods, from laying it onto the table and stacking the goods or by hanging them on the structure.

The roof structure acts as a structure to hang the fabric that is used as a shading device.

The stall structure is fully utilised by hanging items such as flattened cardboard boxes, plastic bags and weighing scale. It also acts as a conduit for the wires of the lightbulbs.

Polystyrene boards are tied using strings onto the roof structure as an insulation layer.

The area below the table becomes an enclosed storage space.

Brutalism - Telekom Building, Skopje dwg n.t.s : Reinforced Concrete Wall Facade

Brutalism - Telekom Building, Skopje

Architectural Facades

JASON YAP KAR JUEN

Neo-classical - Administrative Court, Skopje

Skopje’s architectural identity has been unknown and only to be realized it’s a glitch, within a small area, where buildings being placed side by side consist of various types or architecture, including neo-classical, Brutalist, Post-Modernist and Modernist buildings.

Modernism - Katna Garaza Solunsi Congres (Garage), Skopje dwg n.t.s : Brick Wall Facade w Plaster Finish

The detail drawings of the various architectural façades shows the difference of DNA in buildings around the site in Skopje and giving the potential of finding the glitched identity of the city.

Post Modernism - Ohridska Bank, Skopje dwg n.t.s : Curtain Wall Facade Post Modernism - Ohridska Bank, Skopje

Neo Classical - Administrative Court, Skopje dwg n.t.s : Greek Doris Column Detail Modernism - Katna Garaza Solunsi Congres (Garage), Skopje

BUILDING DECONSTRUCTION

JASON YAP KAR JUEN

After Earthquake The earthquake scenario at the train station , Skopje Time of earthquake is shown on the clock

Rear of Train Station The rear side of train station, various of building parts and materials were de-constructed and at some point the construction failures brings interest to the potential of the material distortions and breakage Analysis The building parts and materials shatters into millions of forms formed by the earthquake, while being rebellious to be de-constructed, some materials tend to be distorted instead of shattering, depending of the DNA of the building part. The analysis image shows glass shattering, concrete breakage, steel bar and frames distorted, and plaster finishing being vanished

Buildings in Skopje were de-constructed in 1963, with a magnitude of 6.9 at 5pm and 14 minutes in the afternoon. The earthquake only lasted 20 seconds, but is for sure one of the longest 20 seconds for anyone in the city. The purpose of the drawing is to see deconstruction detail and the construction failures due to earthquake. If the 20 seconds earthquake was to be broken down into frames, what could have been seen.

Steel Bars Steel bars are tough and is hard to be broken apart but it has the ability to bend and to be distorted Steel Bars

Plaster Finish Plasters tend to crack and the pattern can be micro and complicated

MATERIALS FRAGMENTATION

JASON YAP KAR JUEN

Plaster Finish

Concrete Concrete cracks with depth but is still solid internally

Concrete and Steel

The materials fragmentation drawings portray the idealistic deconstruction of various materials of buildings in Skopje when being hit by the earthquake. Travelling back to the past event with the architecture today. These drawings shows the deconstruction of the DNA of buildings.

Bricks

Bricks Bricks fall apart, dismantled and cracks individually

Glass Glass Glass shatters into thousands or millions of pieces,

Internally Illuminated Projecting Sign Detail

Bracket Cover Plates

Aluminium Subframe

Internal Illumination

Gaming signage detail

yap shook yen

Back up with Acrylic

Admiral is one of the largest casino company in the city of Skopje, running both online and physical based. Its signage board normally consist of neon colours that try to attract visitors while remain mystery with its door closed all the time throughout the day. Bull Nose Half Round Polished Brass Finishes

The signage can be lighten up with random neon colours through internal illumination providing the fonts to glow with shiny light.

Dimensional Letter LED-Lighting

Aluminium Panel

Signage Panel Wooden Finishes

TANNAZ KARGAR

CONSTRUCTION TO DETAIL OF TRADING MATERIALS

The project seeks to explore the notion of reviving the trading memory through analysing the construction process of trading materials and material investigations. Due to the fact that craftsmanship has been regrettably lost, and Hans as the main centres for merchants have lost their function, the project aims to pursue the idea of reconciling abandoned and neglected Hans and Bezisten with the Old Bazaar as well as the city to resuscitate the rich culture of trading and bring their authenticity.

Section 02 Environment

The following pages highlight information and ideas about the environmental situations within the city.

Skopje Site Catalogue

LIYANA ABDULLAH

THE RIVER EMBANKMENT

Following the earthquake in 1963, a new embankment infrastructure for the River Vardar was designed as part of the Kenzo Tange reconstruction master plan for the city. Although the majority of that master plan was never realized, this embankment did get built. The stone embankment walling separates a 5m difference between the road and the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. On the lower level, there is a bicycle lane on both sides of the river. Although the lower embankments were designed as a recreational space, it is really under-utilized in many parts along the river. One possible explanation is the lack of connections for pedestrians to negotiate the significant level change from street level and the river.

8 7 6 5 4 3 Richter scale

2 1

An earthquake occurred in central Skopje on July 26th 1963, It had a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale and handled out severe damage to the city, 75%-80% of the city was destroyed, buildings collapsed or heavily damaged; at least 1000 people died and over 200,000 the vast majority of the city’s population was made homeless. An international multi-polar response occurred with countries from both sides of the iron curtain working together, led by the United Nations donated money, armies and specialists to help rebuild and re-masterplan the city. This included a masterplan for the city centre by Japanese metabolist Kenzo Tange and Croatians Radovan Mischevik and Fedor Wenzler; This significant input of metabolist and brutalist architecture had a major effect on the cityscape of Skopje. Right- Post earthquake Skopje Below- Tange/Mischevik and Wenzler’s post earthquake plan

Earthquake IMPACT

ROB GOACHER

Earthquake ‘s affects on the city

Key (1:20,000) Open land

Collapsed buildings

Commercial/ Public areas

Park land

Residential areas

Heavily damaged residential areas

River Vardar

Industrial areas

Heavily damaged industrial areas

Heavily damaged commercial/public areas

Key (1:5000) Trees

Buildings

This green infrastructure of the city betters the air quality, landscape, biodiversity and flood protection. The types of trees seem to be indigenous to the region, including European beech and Macedonian pine. Other types of tree include alders and common ash. It can be speculated they were left from before development of the area or imported from local forestry sources. The photos and map indicate the spread of trees and their foliage across the Karposh area.

Fagus sylvatica EUROPEAN Beech

Fraxinus excelsior COMMON ASH

Alnus glutinosa COMMON ALDER

Pinus peuce Macedonian pine TREES MAP

ROB GOACHER

Trees of karposh

The residential Karposh area, which dates from just before the earthquake with a lot of post-earthquake development is engulfed with trees and vegetation. The voids between the apartment blocks contain a large number of trees.

ABDULHAQ AHMADZAI

THE DEPENDENCY OF THE ROOF STRUCTURE

The unique characteristics of the whole roof structure of the Bit Market in the Old Bazaar, allows every single stall owner and merchant to work together to maintain and be the sole caretakers of the structure. However as the structure is solely modified on a day to day basis, the effects of seasonal changes will also have an impact on the modification of the roof. As many of the stall owners offer fresh produce for the customers the seasonal climate and sudden change of weather has a direct impact of the behaviour of the roof. During the summer days when temperatures could reach 35 degrees, to avoid the natural sunlight which may affect the produce, the merchants would use a piece of cloth to cover any gaps in-between the structure as a means of protection from the sun.

1 2

10m

River Depth North of Roman Bridge 1:1000, Section AA

Katharina Metzdorff

Flooding of the VardaR River

2 - Normal Water Level

1 - Flood Water Level

2 - Normal Water Level

1 2

The Bridge of Civilisations in Macedonia and Archaeological Museum of Macedonia

The River Vardar flows a total length 388 kilometres, from the Sar Mountains to the Aegean Sea. Its primary function used to be as a transport artery through Macedonia, Serbia and Aegean Macedonia. The deepest part of the river is only 4 meters deep.

1 - Flood Water Level

10m

River Depth South of Roman Bridge 1:1000, Section BB

In central Skopje, near the Stone Bridge, the river currently runs quite shallow. While it has been known to flood in the past, current water levels are extremely low, with parts of the river floor exposed. The last flood in December 2017 caused the Vardar to burst its banks in Central Skopje, with water levels nearly 1.5 meters higher than usual.

North View From the Stone Bridge

Roman Bridge

Section Planes

View Towards City from Museum of Contemporary Art Balkan Beech

Katharina Metzdorff

Most Common Tree Types of Skopje

Trees on Zhivko Chingo As Europe’s most polluted capital city, Skopje’s air quality is 10 times worse than the standards set by the European Union. A part of this is due to the city’s residents and industries using coal and wood as fuel and heating methods, as well as the outdated factories and cars prevalent in the city. Due to Skopje’s geographic location between mountains, this air is then trapped in the valley.

Black Pine

A large amount of parks and trees have also been cut down to make space for new building developments. As a part of improving air quality, more trees should be planted in the city centre. Macedonia’s most common tree types consist of both deciduous and evergreen species. The Balkan Beech, Black Pine, Oriental Hornbeam, and Oak (Sessile and Downy) trees make up a total of 70% of Macedonia’s trees.

Oriental Hornbeam

Trees on Macedonia Street

Sessile Oak

Earthquake Epicentre

Seismic Hazard Map

Colours indicate focal depth and size of symbol scales equals to magnitude

SITE EARTHQUAKE SEISMIC MAP

JASON YAP KAR JUEN

The earthquake seismic hazard map shows the possibility and chances of earthquake happening in various areas. Places with higher number index will be more likely to have earthquakes

The earthquake seismic map of Macedonia analysis is conducted based on the earthquake in 1963, where earthquake happened with a magnitude of 6.9 and the evolution of architecture started. The analysis shows how a model of seismic activity in the region, as well as the inclusion of geological site characterization, can be used to formulate microzoning maps of Skopje and knowing the magnitude and possibilities of earthquakes for potential defence and awareness.

Maximum Magnitude Analysis The maximum earthquake magnitude in Skopje rages from 6.2 up to 6.9, the lowest among places in Macedonia, reason being for making it the capital

TANNAZ KARGAR

LIGHT HIERARCHY IN THE HAN

One of the most notable locations in the Old Bazaar is the Han (Caravanserai) built in the 15th Century. There are three Hans in this Bazaar, utilised to settle travellers and traders temporarily in order to take a rest while they were travelling through the Silk Road. Therefore, each Han supported the flow of commerce, information and people across the network of trade routes. This place was the main centre of commerce involving the rich history and culture of the Ottoman Period. In the past, the ground floor employed to house the horses and the goods of the merchants visiting the Bazaar and the city, while the first floor was for people to sleep and rest. The stunning feature of this place is the play of light and shadow in different vaults next to the central courtyard, creating open, semi-open and closed areas with the light hierarchy from the public central courtyard to the private rooms.

Section 03 Animals

The following pages investigate the animals that call Skopje home and their life within the city.

Skopje Site Catalogue

Georgia-Marina Andreou

Growth of flies

This detail calls to criticise the poor building construction methods in Skopje that evidently result in bug growth on their faĂ§ades. It also analyses how plasterboard faĂ§ades are not the correct building method. This infestation stands like an additional layer to the existing ones on the buildings. Poor insulation and high humidity levels have resulted in this problem difficult to solve. It also stands poetically, indicating itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hollow core, that the decorations are getting destroyed gradually, inside out.

Bug Growth Process

Flies use this to their favour and form their nest on the panel joints.

Plaster board panels form the faรงades with weak joins and cavity behind allow humidity to run through due to weak insulation.

Poor air ventilation causes humidity to get trapped inside the structure and temperatures to rise.

Khalid Aideed

THE MACEDONIAN DONEK PIGEON BREEDING AND TRAINING

1. Breeding and confinement

In order to race within the pigeon racing industry, you would have to get yourself a pure family breed of homing birds. In Macedonia, the popular domestic breeds among fanciers is the Donek pigeon; known for their acrobat flying, rolling and being able to fly 500m above ground level.

2. Training through the widowship strategy by using desire of reproduction as an urgency during flight on race day.

Originally from the Turks, the Donek also compete through rolling or dropping out of the sky, The rolling would be ranked by its length of the roll, the speed at which it rolls and the size of the circle it creates. These pigeons are trained in three stages in order for them to race and perform. Firstly the fancier would go through an initial process of confining young pigeons within a loft and open the doors periodically so that they are aware of their surroundings. As they start to mate, they go through a widowship training strategy, making them fly and race faster. They would be taken to release points, over time and with increasing distance, to make their own way back to the loft.

3. Preparations for racing by using different release points and increasing in distance during interval training. Release points....

BUILDING THROUGH INFORMAL RECYCLING

The pigeon loft toolkit

Khalid Aideed

Found materials (i.e. sheets of wood and metal) are re-purposed to provide further shelter as insulation is not used

Spotted within the Topana region of Skopje was a pigeon loft, which is used to breed and train pigeons for racing. With what used to be a popular sport among Macedonian fanciers in the 70’s, appears to be now a dying trend. Today its a sport well played by the German, Belgians and the Dutch.

Removable panels allows control of light and ventilation Concrete tile roof

The loft consists of a wooden, windowless building facing west. It is divided into three timber-floor compartments each having a door leading to the front portion of the loft, which is equipped with a single central door. The floor is usually cemented - in this case breeze blocks are used. Each of the three compartments have individual ‘open-box’ perches, which covers 1-2 sides of the walls. The layout of the space is set out so that it limits the birds flying activites during confinement and to encourage them to fly out when the doors are open.

Junk is placed on the verge of the roof to seal the gaps

As there are no foundations, breeze blocks are used to provide a sturdy ground surface [A]. Shutter nest front (open); [B]. Wooden perch; [C]. Pigeon catching net; [D]. water fountain with wire guard; [E]. Banding for pigeon marking; [F]. Racing Training Canvas Basket; [G]. Sanitary Feed trough with Removable Top and Bottom; [H]. Feeder or fountain with raised centre.

Corrugated metal sheets used to provide final cladding surface to the walls

TAG

NEUTER

FRONT

BACK

SPAY

CASTRATE

Stray Dog System

Katharina Metzdorff

Tagged Stray at Ramstore Shopping Centre

Despite laws prohibiting the abandonment of dogs, Skopje struggles with a large stray dog population. This population is dealt with by Skopjeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only dog shelter, Vardariste, which is government funded. Around 30% of the dogs caught by the shelter are immediately euthanised, including pregnant and aggressive dogs, as well dogs over 3-5 years old as these are deemed not worth the hassle of tagging. Puppies up to 3 months old are also often euthanised, as they are often unable to undergo the TNR (Tag, Neuter, Release) treatment. Before euthanisation these dogs often become ill in the poor conditions of the shelter, and die from illness or starvation within a short period. Only the remaining 70% of stray dogs are tagged, vaccinated/ neutered and released back into the public, where they are fed by locals. They are then checked by a vet annually to ensure their health.

VACCINATE

DISTEMPER HEPATITIS

Tagged Stray at Macedonia Square

The TNR System

RABIES PARVOVIRUS

Canine Movement Patterns

Katharina Metzdorff

Dogs Moving in Packs

Skopjeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stray dog population roams freely in the city, scavenging for food and enjoying the company of locals, tourists and other animals. Over the course of a day, 23 dogs were watched in central Skopje and their movements recorded on a map (right), to determine which areas are most heavily used by dogs within the city centre. A main observation was the tendency for the dogs to mainly travel alone, but then to congregate in packs. These packs were not necessarily always other dogs, but sometimes also groups of tourists or locals, who the dogs would follow and stay with for prolonged periods of time. The main space in which the dogs would congregate was Macedonia square. This was not only where the largest number was found, but also where the majority of the dogs would travel to or through at some point in the day.

Sleeping Dogs by a Tourist Group

Untagged Strays Resting

Canine Movement Map 1:2000

Section 04 Systems

The following pages investigate the varied systems that make life happen in Skopje..

Skopje Site Catalogue

LIYANA ABDULLAH

DENSITY OF KEBAB CHIMNEYS

A prominent element of the Old Bazaar in Skopje is the shopfront chimneys of kebab shops that are dotted around the bazaar. The structures are located right in front of the shops to take the grilling process out of the interior of these buildings. Chimneys carry the smoke up and out above the roof level of the shops, so the pedestrian space is relatively smoke-free. According to one of the shop owners, despite the varied designs and configurations, a majority of them were built by just one local family business. This diagram illustrate the sheer number of chimneys that can be found around the relatively small old Bazaar. In addition, the density map also shows a higher concentration of chimneys towards the north-east part of the bazaar. This is probably due to the higher footfall in this area as it is near the Bit Market, a daily market frequented by the locals.

ANTONY SADLER

THE CAPITAL OF FAKE NEWS

Many of the fake news websites that sprang up during the US election campaign have been traced to Macedonia, where teenagers are pumping out sensationalist stories to earn cash from advertising. Hundreds of Macedonian teenagers are behind a cottage industry churned out fake pro-Trump news during the US election campaign. Teens copy and pasted sensationalist articles from right-wing American sites, packaged them under a catchy new headline, paid Facebook to share it with a target US audience hungry for Trump news and then when those Americans clicked on his stories and began to like and share them, earning revenue from advertising on the site. It is claimed that teens were earning up to $2,500 a day from advertising, while the average monthly income in Macedonia is just $426.

ANTONY SADLER

freedom of the press

The former government halted its controversial ad campaigns in 2015 after widespread criticism that it was using them to control the media and disrupt the media market. However, legislative changes to the Electoral Code related to the name change referendum, passed through fasttrack procedure in July 2018. This included Article 181a which allows for the imposition of fines of up to 4,000 euros on traditional and online media if they are found guilty of â&#x20AC;&#x153;unbalanced or impartial reportingâ&#x20AC;?. Additionally, it brings back the government advertisement campaigns from the time of the regime of former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, when public money was spent on media campaigns about their alleged successes. The Association of Journalists of Macedonia expressed great concern about the recent amendments to the Election Code for the legalization of political propaganda in the media with public money and the indirect regulation of the online media, which could have a negative effect on the freedom of the media.

Khalid Aideed

Skopje’s Urban Density

THE RECYCLING SYSTEM

Skopje has followed such a pattern in the transition years, with its urban mass almost doubling. After the earthquake in 1963, much of the city had to be rebuilt. However, with lack of proper urban planning regulations, new developments went up wherever land was possible. A denser city means more waste, but most of the recycled waste in Skopje is generated by PET plastics and paper/ cardboard as a private market has developed around those materials. Recycling yards have preference over these because they are the easiest to sell. Pakomak is an example of a private company, formed by the government, which acts as an intermediate ‘middle-man’ between the recycling yards and processors of recycling materials as they buy the materials from the yards and then sell it on to external processors.

SKOPJEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S URBAN MASS: mapping of the waste circulation Congregation of informal settlements to the north of the city (consists of mainly Roma and Albanians)

Drisla landfill site for skopje (1 of 55 in Macedonia)

Intermediary private companies (between yards and processors)

Registered recycling yards Shuto Orizari (Shutka) Topana

10KM

0600am

Khalid Aideed

THE LIFE OF A WASTE PICKER

MAPPING INFORMAL RECYCLING

Five members of a family in Shutka are included in waste picking for around 300 denars per day

Informal pickers of recyclable waste, mainly the Roma in Skopje, are usually general people with lack of educational qualifications and work experience; who have no other option but to work on the streets for their daily source of income.

0900am & 1200pm

The job at hand is usually a family effort, with women, men and children collecting materials across the city. A typical day would start at 0600, by first cruising through the garbage bins, which lasts approximately 3 hours. A lunchtime rest will be just before midday, before they head out again on their last tour. Once a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;days-worthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of materials has been collected, they would meet at a rendezvous point (usually their house) and divide the materials if needs be. They would then sell to different junk/ recycling yards in the city. All this work for the whole family earns them 200-300 denar a day.

Plastics, paper and cardboard are gathered within the more dense areas in the city.

1800pm Deals are made between junk/ recycling yards and landfill sites (Drisla) to earn cash. Some work within landfill sites if their job applications are accepted.

ABDULHAQ AHMADZAI

INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL CONTRIBUTION

The profound element of the Bit Market consists of the fresh produce which is specifically imported from local Macedonian and other ethnic farmers from around the countrysideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. When the structure of the market was designed in the early 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the Market was known mainly for craftsmanship which included pottery, textiles and handwoven carpets. However slowly but surely the craftsmanship slowly disappeared, and the market was renowned for importing fresh produce from the local Macedonian farmers. The contribution towards the Bit markets includes both Macedonian imports which consist of the fresh fruit and vegetables but also international contribution which includes counterfeit designer trainers, house accessories and textiles imported from Turkey.

Zinc roof placed ontop of passage for weather protection

STALL 1

Fabric hung infront of stalls for shading

Flattened cardboard box tied onto structure Bulb wires are tied onto structure

Fabric tied onto structure for shading

STALL 2

Roof used as extra storage (boxes are placed on roof) Polystyrene boards tied onto structure as insulation

Polycarbonate roof (new addition)

STALL 3

The market stalls of Bit Pazar have their own unique characteristics based on the location of the stall, the type of goods sold at the stall, the type of protection the stall owner wants for his or her stall and the type of existing roof of the stall. These factors determine the additions of each of the stalls, whether the stall is altered individually by one stall owner or collectively in a group of stall owners.

Plastic bags are tied onto structure Flattened cardboard box tied onto structure

Polycarbonate roof with curved steel truss

STALL 4

The additions made by the stall owners are usually by using recycled materials such as sacks that have been stiched together to make a longer fabric to cover the passage between stalls, polystyrene boards and flattened cardboard boxes for insulation or discarded wooden pallet that are reused for additional display unit.

Market stalls without individual roofs Additional structure added for hanging goods

Polycarbonate roof (new addition) Extended roof for additional storage

STALL 5

aisyah hamid

VARIATION OF market stalls IN BIT PAZAR

Sacks are stitched together to make a long stretch of fabric for shading

Additional cantilevered shelves Additional display shoe racks

AISYAH HAMID

POLITICAL SYSTEM OF SKOPJE

- cannot hold any other public office or position in a political party - is elected for a 5-year term and can serve a maximum of 2 terms - is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of the Security Council - nominates a candidate from the majority party in the Assembly who then proposes the Government who are elected by the Assembly - makes diplomatic appointments and some judicial and Security Council appoinments - issues awards, honours and pardons

Politics in the Republic of Macedonia occur within the framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister is the head of government and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The political system of the Republic of Macedonia consists of three branches: Legislative, Executive and Judicial. The Constitution is the highest law of the country. The political institutions are constituted by the will of its citizens by secret ballot at direct and general elections. Its political system of parliamentary democracy was established with the Constitution of 1991, which stipulates the basic principles of democracy and guarantees democratic civil freedom.

- 120 delegates, elected to 4 year terms - 85 are elected in line with the majority principle in 85 constituencies - 35 are elected in line with the proportional principle

- cannot be representatives in the Assembly - cannot hold any other public office or follow a profession while in office - are elected by a majority of vote in the Assembly - are granted immunity - cannot be called for service in the Armed Forces - propose laws, budget and regulations to be adopted by the Assembly - control diplomatic policy - make other state appointments

Housing

Connecting Bridge

Commercial

Heritage/Culture

Pedestrian pattern in the city

YAP SHOOK YEN

Sculptures

The rebuild of Skopje based on Kenzo Tangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Masterplan focused on the growth of its pedestrian path along the city, particularly along the North-South Axis through Stone Bridge. The current pedestrian system of the city mainly consist of its layering between softscape and hardscape. It seems that the city intend to allow the foot path to flow along the statues in the city, accompany by vegetation, public furniture and classical architecture buildings as view. The view across the stone bridge will lead visitors towards its main city streets diversing in three directions, the hardscape are arranged in darker tiles colour in order to navigate the users.

Yap shook yen

Gaming typology in the city

There are multiple casinos scattered around the town of Skopje, while store based gambling are growing fast in the city, some local gambling are also occasionally happen at the city centre near to the stone bridge. The local games were conducted by middle aged man, who try to gamble against strangers, betting around 10-20 euros per round by playing games on simple card games. On the other hand, the properly managed casino companies are the Senator, Admiral and so on. In the casino, most games are centred around the concept of Jackpot Machine, which makes playing a lot easier for older players. Figure below shows the variety of Jackpot Game that are installed in one of the casino in Skopje called Admiral.

TANNAZ KARGAR

FOOTPRINT OF COLOURFUL PATH IN THE OLD BAZAAR

While you are passing through the Old Bazaar, your journey is an experience of diverse trading materials, crafts, as well as fresh produce from the Bit Market. Although the craftsmanship vanished, the local people still try to keep the culture of symbolising the trading elements by making them in a smaller scale for the tourist attraction. The Old Bazaar is well-known mainly for the materials, including pots, rugs, hand-made silver, gold, wedding dresses, textiles, leather shoes and bags, antique metal dishes and colourful symbols. The predominant colours which can be found are red as the element of the Ottoman era and yellow, which can be found in Macedonia flags as well as golds. Specifically, there are four main zones of colours including craft zone, gold zone, Museum of Macedonia zone and Market zone embraced the most prevailing diversity in the colours.

ZAIN AKBUR

PICKPOCKETER IN THE OLD BAZAAR

Pick-pockets are prevailent in the Old Bazaar and have become part of the unfortunate character of the area. Pick-pocketing is skill and due to the stark contrast in social class itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a unfortunate reality of Skopje. In many intances the target is chosen and followed for period of time before the pick-pocketer make their move.

Section 05 14

The following pages investigate the conception, impact and response to the Skopje 2014 urban projects and the colour revolution it helped create.

Skopje Site Catalogue

STRUCTURES DOCUMENTED IN 2017

INVESTORS

ANTONY SADLER

THE TRUE COST OF SKOPJE 2014

MONUMENTS

SQUARES

FERRIS WHEEL

429.52+

56.90

43.36+

33.62

32.21

19.76

11.50

MILLION €

BRIDGES

SCULPTURES

TRIUMPHAL ARCH

7.95

6.49+

6.31+

MILLION €

FOUNTAINS

OTHER CATAGORIES

3.39

32.52+

MILLION €

TOP 5 AUTHORS

TOP 5 CONTRACTORS

TOP 5 INVESTORS

2.94+

VALENTINA STEVANOVSKA

216.30+

156.71+ MILLION €

THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT FOR GENERAL AND COMMON WORKS

1.20+

NEIMAR INZENERING SKOPJE

120.70+

128.67+

MINISTRY OF CULTURE

MILLION €

1.14+

MILLION €

0.62+ 0.58+ MILLION €

MILLION €

ARHITEKTONIKA DOOEL SKOPJE

55.44+

ZHARKO BASHESKI

54.82+

MILLION €

684+

MILLION €

FAÇADES

The scale of the movement increased dramatically from its conception in 2010; the original 40 projects increased to 137 by 2017.

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AUTHORS

MULTI-STOREY GARAGES

UNDERGROUND GARAGES

The former government, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nikolai Gruevski, proposed this movement as a way claiming ownership of the heritage of skopje and attracting more tourists. Skopje 2014 is a unique study in antiquitization - historic legacy covered up with new narratives.

146

COMPANIES

BUILDINGS

MILLION €

Announced in 2010, Skopje 2014 is a controversial urban renewal programme to ‘beautify’ the Macedonian capital. The process of erecting new neo-classical buildings combined with the entombing of 1960’s, brutalist buildings in plaster of Paris facades has led to Skopje to become Europe’s new capital of Kitsch.

137

2017

2010

STRUCTURES PROMOTED IN 2010

MILLION €

ANGEL KORUNOVSKI

43.81+ MILLION €

STRUCTURES

DG BETON AD, SKOPJE

STRUCTURES

GD GRANIT AD SKOPJE

STRABAG AG

79.17+

CITY OF SKOPJE

BETON - STIP

60.00+

MUNICIPALITY OF CENTER

BAUER BG DOO, SKOPJE

STRUCTURES

MILLION €

30.12+ MILLION €

AGENCY FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Georgia-Marina Andreou

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL OF SKOPJE 2014 FACADE

Facade visualization in building site.

While walking through the city we can notice a large number of building sites left unfinished dating back to Skopje 2014 initiatives. The fact that were left exposed allowed me to investigate the predominant methods of construction and any ‘covering up’ techniques they may use As a predominant technique they would strip down the facade of the existing building down to the concrete walls, adding then multiple plaster layers and decorations to imitate the original neo-classical ones. In the case of large facade changes such as the addition of columns or pediments, the structure was supported my a metal frame in the interior. This technique has caused a few issues on the façades due to insufficient water proofing with humidity causing mould patching and bug nesting on the plaster joints of the white façades.

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101

Elevation / Section 1:50

Detailed Section 1:20

Plaster Board 20mm covered in waterproof paint

Steel fit structure 50x50mm profile

Roof

Welded on site

Steel truss 30x30mm diameter

Additional steel profiles for support Prefabricated and fitted on site

10th Floor

Existing roof insulation Existing building structure: Reinforced concrete

New aluminium window casings to fit within existing window openings

9th Floor

Hollow plasterboard column structures covered in waterproof paint

Prefabricated and fitted on site

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

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103 GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

Georgia-Marina Andreou

CONSTRUCTION METHOD OF scaffolding

I decided to investigate more on this aspect due to the high amount of building sites left unfinished in the city. The scaffolding has been left on the façades to rust and decay creating an extra layer, more permanent than first intended. It’s semi translucent character gives us a faint idea of what could be behind and invites us to guess. In practical terms the scaffolding can be considered as an additional layer to the buildings in the same way that Skopje has different and contradicting layers in the city. My detail is investigating it’s construction process and the join details it creates.

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105

Construction Process

Details 1:20

1. 1. Basic members and base plates

2. Trusses

Joint Mechanisms

500

3. Attachment to existing facade and placing timber pathways

4. Protective scaffolding veil

150mm

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

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107

KEY TARGETS

Warrior on a Horse Porta Macedonia Ministry of Justice

2014 ADDITIONS

Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia

In a series of protests dubbed the Colourful Revolution, demonstrators used paint-filled balloons and waterguns to target government buildings and monuments in Skopje. Protesting the political establishment, activists cited corruption and lack of accountability in government as the main reasons for their 70 days of protest. The monuments and buildings targeted were built as part of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skopje 2014 plan, which they say has cost the country more money than originally budgeted. Many of activists of the movement were arrested and charged for destroying cultural heritage sites. The colourful splatters of paint on the different statues and buildings quickly became a symbol of Skopjeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s civic resistance.

SKOPJE 2019

ANTONY SADLER

2016 COLOUR REVOLUTION

TYPICAL PROTEST ROUTE

Government of the Republic of Macedonia

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109

Section 06 REFLECTION

The following pages reflects on the past of Skopje and societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current reaction to the historic urban fabric of the city..

Skopje Site Catalogue

Georgia-Marina Andreou

DENSITY OF CONFLICTING BUILDINGS

The physical landscape of the city is formed by political, social, religious events throughout time. Skopje has experienced an astonishing amount of extreme shifts of political regimes, social and demographic changes, forming an intricate and complex city worth studying in depth. My study is observing the city from eye level, colour coding the different architectural aesthetics according to the period of their construction. Depicting areas of focus due to their higher density of different buildings, maps out the city and promotes the uniqueness of Skopje.

112

113

Map of central Skopje 1:5000

Analysis

Clashing between brutalist and neo-classical influences, between glass, concrete and plaster. 2

Neo-classical design, half completed, surrounded by brutalist and modernist buildings

“Skopje 2014” buildings (left unfinished) “Skopje 2014” buildings (completed) It includes new constructions which used more glass but less unfinished or exposed concrete.

Yugoslavic Architecture Extensive use of exposed concrete. It includes Kenzo Tange’s work.

Post-Yugoslavic architecture (1990s onwards)

Old Bazaar and Ruins Densely build quarter, expanding since the 12th century.

They include new and re-facaded buildings with heavy ornamentation (in plaster or bronze).

Muslim mosque next to neo-classical façades and statues 100m length

114

115

LIYANA ABDULLAH

THE INSTITUTIONAL BARRACK

Skopjeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rebuilding process took less than a decade after the earthquake that wiped out most of the city. Thousands of pre-fabricated, temporary buildings were built for housing as well as for institutional functions. Many of the residential neighbourhoods made up of these barracks still exist around Skopje today. However, most of the institutional ones have been demolished, replaced by high-rise modern buildings. A lone barrack that formed part of the Yugoslavia Radio & Television complex can be found right on the riverfront near the city centre. Unused and abandoned, it is a rare example of the original institutional barrack archetype. Unlike the residential barracks, which saw many changes additions over the decades, this office barrack likely underwent hardly any transformations over the years.

116

117

Zariq Jasni

Derivation of architectural form based on SKOPJE’S TOWNSCAPE

Amplification derived from the function and verticality of the minaret

The townscape of Skopje is rich with variety in terms of architectural style and design cues. When observed and seen individually, they all make up to the diversity of Skopje’s history.

Application of arch form at the end of each debate balcony

Impermanent nature of Nautilus, Damjan’s urban installation

Pure form: Circle

Minaret of Mustafa Pasha Mosque

Megaphone

Platforms

Combination of forms

Addition of support

The arch form is one of the prominent design forms that managed to survive the 1963 earthquake and Skopje 2014 project, and can be seen in the design of the Stone Bridge and the Mustafa Pasha Mosque. The verticality of the minaret of Mustafa Pasha Mosque is a design element that can aid amplification in terms of sound, and is evident through the soundscape at the Old Bazaar when the Adhan (Muslim Prayer Call) is executed. Nautilus, an urban design installation project done by Damjan Kokalevski poses a characteristic of impermanence, and gives minimal intervention towards the site hence making it easy to assemble and deassemble.

Stone Bridge

118

Basic arch form

119

Amplification

Verticality of the minaret

Exaggeration of arch form

Repetition of arch form

Zariq Jasni

Courtyard building typology in Skopje

Goce Delcev Student Dormitory

The City Walls Residency

Suli An

120

Cyril & Methodius University

121

yap shook yen

The growth of the metabolist urban plan

The growth pattern of the Metabolist plan successfully generated until its Stage 2, visitors are able to navigate through its North-South axis much easier than East-West due to the development of user pedestrian in the centre area.

Kenzo Tangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s envision of Skopje was divided in four stages, the main core concept of his idea was to use public infrastructure and housing as a system to promote the growth of social and economic interactions. Figure beside shows the growth pattern of the metabolist plan which mainly focused around its provision of public infrastructure such as pedestrian, decking and transportation hub which connects to the housing area. The strong walking axis formed along the North-South area across the Stone Bridge, connecting the old Bazaar and the city district, visitors are guided with various nodes across the axis such as cultural, commercial and historical buildings.

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123

TANNAZ KARGAR

SKYLINE IN THE OLD BAZAAR

The Old Bazaar in Skopje is one the places which has undergone tremendous changes during the time. Regarding the history of Ottoman era, the Old Bazaar has been shaped organically along the Hans after Skopje was utilised as the commerce link of the Silk Road between the East and the West. Therefore, the Bazaar has been formed gradually as time passed. Also, the Old Bazaar suffered great damage from the earthquakes of 1555 and 1963, the 1689 fire, as well as the two world wars, after which it was repaired several times. Thus, the context of Bazaar has been reformed and reconstructed many times. It caused different architectural typologies in its facades as well as the roof forms. Each shop owner reconstructed differently, leading various skyline in the architecture of the place. As well as that, existence of mosques, churches, hammams and trading centres made the unique skyline in the Bazaar context.

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125

ZAIN AKBUR

RESTORATION OF ARMY BARRACKS

The Skopje Army barracks was destroyed during the 1963 earthquake and since then it has been in the process of being reconstructed in its original form. Scaffolding is used to facilitate the restoration methods. Drawings demonstrate the extent of damage sustained and the diligence showcased in the restoration efforts. The Barracks has not been preserved in its entire authenticity but has not lost character, this hould be applied to other post Skopje 2014 plans.

126

127

ZAIN AKBUR

SYMBOLIC FORMS OF ORNAMENTATION

Muqarnas are a very symbolic ornamentation, which can also be used as loadbearing structure in Ottoman architecture. Skopje has a good example of historical mosques which exhibit the most beautiful and intricate Muqarnas in the world. There are many styles of Muqarnas, but the ones used on the Mustafa Pasha Mosque is the pole table pattern. Pole table Muqarnas is an assembly of surface-decorated panels with no direct conection to the architectural structure. The panel components of the Muqarnas are first produced accurately on the ground using jigs, before being assembled and fixed to the architectural structure by means of attachment ribs protruding from it.

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129

In has provided interesting avenues of exploration and investigation for the entire studio. We hope this site catalogue gives readers more of an understanding of the city, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inhabitants and architecture.

Section 07 Conclusion

In conclusion, Skopje is an interesting city, It is a mix of typologies, histories, politics and societies.

Skopje Site Catalogue

Site Catalogue Skopje DS4 is a second year design studio within the MArchD programme at the Oxford School of Architecture, this year based in Skopje, Macedonia. We aim to craft material and fictional narratives in the fast moving present where new alliances and divisions are emerging which are blurring memories and politicising identities.