ul class="overview_list " id="projectList">

  • Vlora Boulevard, Vlora

    A scenic route that attracts locals and tourists.

    With the new Boulevard in Vlora, the second largest port city of Albania, we vitalized an important node of the city that was far from using its great potential of becoming the lively heart of Vlora. Here one can find everything the city needs; from bars, shops, and restaurants to theatres, mosques, the University and the stadium.

    The mission was to improve the public space that now is not only the biggest shopping street of Vlora but also acts as the spine of the urban structure connecting a variety of different programs with each other. The existing mix of regional and local functions and commercial and entertainment activities, that give the street a character with a high dynamic, has been strengthened.

    The boulevard used to be dominated by speedy car traffic and was characterized by palm trees that, unfortunately, were slowly dying due to a disease if not mostly dead already. The former noisy 4 lane street got downgraded into a 2 lane street to provide a 4 m wide free space for pedestrians to stroll and to promote the use of bicycles: A new service strip for terraces, furniture and all kinds of the local greenery.

    A lot of local greenery has been added to provide shade, reduce urban heat and improve the conditions and microclimate of the city. By using local materials and plants typical for the beautiful Albanian Riviera the design celebrates the identity of Vlora and emphasizes the genius local and topographical qualities and conditions. Sustainable and resilient materials for paving, using local planting and trees, define a public space that captures the characteristics of Vlora.

    completed
    2018

  • Nivica - A model for rural development in southern Albania, , Nivica

    In the beginning of May 2018 students and professionals from Albania and the Netherlands went on a trip to Nivica, exploring the village and the region, and drafting first ideas. The team included architects, urban planners, archaeologists, landscape architects and architectural historians. The workshop results built the foundation for the further development of a masterplan for Nivica.

    The goal of this masterplan is to develop a model for a sustainable and prosperous rural economy, with touristic potential within Albania but also on an international scale. As a Living Lab, Nivica allows to experiment with alternative forms of (slow) tourism, small scale investment, renewable energy and local food and waste chains. The masterplan combines the preservation of buildings and structures related to the rich history of the region with a sustainable, diverse expansion of the touristic potential.
    Nivica is meant to be the prototype for Albania's "100 villages" plan, which sets out to fundamentally rethink rural development in the country

     

    Idea
    2017

  • Unveiling the Rivera, Saranda - Konispol Region

    Tourism, which is important for many countries and regions, harbours the great danger of destroying nature and culture that is worth protecting. At Unveiling The Riviera, we have therefore paid particular attention to using the great potential of the region to create a strong economic base for the population and, on the other hand, to respect, protect and preserve the rich heritage of the Riviera. Our proposal aims to unveil the hidden potentials with three different goals: Restoring, connecting and activating the area, starting from the existing.

    Restoring aims for a rehabilitated and revitalized landscape next to touristic and environmentally sensitive areas. Connecting beaches, hills and mountains with each other and the hinterland is achieved by connections on different scales. We increase the accessibility of the various landscapes of the southern Riviera through hiking trails, a cycle connection following the EuroVelo network as well as a network of new thematic trails along the coast. These connections will increase tourism, targeting different groups in extensive areas that activate the whole Riviera.

    Using the good local climate conditions and local attractions will help tourism extend all season. Our proposal uses the existing panoramic road as a backbone for a new system that can expand the recreation potential of the area. The strategy aims to reconnect the local population with their land, make it tangible in a sustainable way, and give the region the place in the international attention it deserves.

    under construction
    2017

  • Dhërmi Waterfront, Himarë

    The rural south of Albania is gifted with a spectacular coastline, unspoiled natural areas and rich cultural heriatage. Travel is an important driver of the economic development of Albania. However, developments of the past 20 years have been haphazard and do not match the touristic potential of the region. Being part of the Albanian Governments initiative of 'Urban Rebirth', the main objective of this project was the regeneration of the waterfronts of the villages Jalë and Dhërmi. Starting from the outstanding natural beauty of both locations, our aim was to structure and strengthen the coastline and connect it with its surroundings, both physically as well as ideally.

    In Dhermi this included freeing the main promenade from car traffic, providing basic infrastructure such as benches, bins, showers and fountains, but keeping the promenade at a low profile, seeking a continuation with the beach. At the entrance of the promenade an existing structure and a seasonal stream are integrated to form a watersquare, a landmark for the site which will include iconic lettering. A pier serves both for watersports but also as look-out and artificial cliff. The watersquare connects further inland through the 'valley of freshness' and invites for mountaineering and cultural activities.

    completed
    2016

  • Jale Waterfront, Himarë

    The rural south of Albania is gifted with a spectacular coastline, unspoiled natural areas, and rich cultural heritage. Travel is an important driver of the economic development of Albania. However, developments of the past 20 years have been haphazard and do not match the touristic potential of the region. Being part of the Albanian Government initiative of 'Urban Rebirth', the main objective of this project was the regeneration of the waterfronts of the villages Jalë and Dhërmi. Starting from the outstanding natural beauty of both locations, our aim was to structure and strengthen the coastline and connect it with its surroundings, both physically as well as ideally.

    In Jale this included freeing the main promenade from car traffic, providing basic infrastructures such as benches, bins, showers and fountains, but keeping the promenade at a low profile, seeking a continuation with the beach. As the beach is very deep and the bay mainly attracts the younger generations, we have been inspired by some of the existing beach-bars that were embedded in rich flowering gardens. Between the beach and the promenade, we have provided a strip of gardens housing 6-7 beach-bars, each with a stable structure to survive the harsh storms in winter. The bars come in three different sizes and allow for all furniture to be stored inside during the cold season.

    Photography: Lucas Hardonk

    under construction
    2016

  • Traveller and the Olive Grove, Qeparo

    With its amazing food, its multitude of untouched nature and its rich ancient history Albania deserves a much broader public that comes to visit, than the 'off the beaten track tourist'. International tourism is a sector in constant development: More and more travellers are looking for authentic experiences which enrich them as individuals and also do something good for the country they are visiting.

    Sustainable tourism can provide these experiences through unique learning experiences directly tied to a country's people and culture. Having this in mind the Dutch Embassy supported the cooperation of Cityförster with MVO Nederland and partners, to work on an inspiring concept for sustainable tourism in Albania, combining it with agriculture. The goal was to strengthen one destination by a multi-stakeholder approach to create a better place to live and visit. After comprehensive analyses Qeparo, an old village along the coastline of Albania has been chosen as a concrete area and in March 2016 a one-week workshop consisting of field visits, interviews with local entrepreneurs and design and business planning sessions with entrepreneurs on agriculture, hospitality, tourism services, urban planning and product design was organized. It resulted in potential projects, business cases and future scenarios for Qeparo. The project is currently being prepared for follow-up, up-scaling and replication.

    You can find the online version of the report here.

    in progress
    2016

  • Cape Square Durres, Durrës

    The design of the square strengthens the natural coastline of Albania which can be described as a sequence of capes. Our aim was to turn a necessary element of coastal defence into a public space that strengthened the formerly desolate promenade. The site forms the endpoint of this promenade and is divided into three parts: The park, the square, and the urban cape which acts as a public attraction, free of charge. The Park with the green beds and local trees supports the uniqueness of Durres and is easy to maintain.

    Following the geographical and ecological conditions, 'Cape Square' is seen from far away and invites to climb and play.
    Cape Square has been received extremely well as a real 'European Public Space' playing an important role in the electoral campaign of the incumbent mayor. It has featured in several music videos and countless wedding pictures and has been published and awarded widely. Cape Square is commonly known as 'Sfinksi' (The Sphinx) all over Albania.

    completed
    2015

  • Sponge City Hefei - City Terraces, Hefei/Anhui

    The city terraces give the centre of the airport city a lively and representative face to the dam. They bring the urban character and the mix of functions right down to the water's edge and create a versatile waterside edge with a promenade, shady urban trees, spacious open terraces, a bathing island, a marina for sailing and rowing boats, viewing platforms and flexible areas for events and catering.
    The shore area is divided into an elevated, flood-safe area with a pedestrian walkway and cycle path and a lower, temporarily flooded shore zone close to the normal water level of the dam, which opens up a wide range of opportunities for interaction with the water. The raised quay and promenade areas offer sweeping views along the water's edge, while the traffic-calmed riverside road creates space for markets and sporting events. Sponge city elements such as retention soil filters and rainwater overflow basins are integrated into the waterfront design as green inlays. Lush rain gardens compensate for the sealed surfaces and also enable effective buffering and natural purification of the rainwater produced.
    The northern start of the area is formed by a bathing island in front of the dam with heated swimming pools, which allow for an extended season of use. In the colder months, the island can be used as a versatile event venue. The city terraces combine urban life and water space to create an attractive and multifunctional meeting place.

    completed

  • Sponge City Hefei - Eco Shore, Hefei/Anhui

    Various near-natural areas in the southern part of Hefei Sponge City Park together form the eco shore. At a greater distance from the urban residential areas of the new city, species-rich, protected water biotopes are being created here by remodelling the bank structures of the reservoir.
    The dilapidated existing concrete embankment is being repaired and extended by a foreshore. This so-called eco-berm made of bamboo mats, gravel, sediment, wood and large stones will be placed on top of the existing structure and provide new habitats for water-loving plants and animals. The plant species introduced here improve the water quality by serving as a food source for bacteria that purify the water of the reservoir through natural processes.
    An existing woodland area is being reforested and developed into a dense urban forest, which has a positive effect on the microclimate and biodiversity. In addition, a retention soil filter hidden in the forest takes on hydrological functions. Rainwater is cleaned here and then channelled into the lake.
    The former fish ponds are being transformed into shallow water zones with bird islands and beaches. These areas, which are inaccessible to humans, provide important refuges for endangered local bird species. A panoramic platform allows people to experience the protected areas and opens up wide views across the lake. The species-rich, shallow banks create additional retention space in the event of heavy rainfall. Along the neighbouring main road to the south, a new layer of trees filters the fine dust particles.

    completed

  • Sponge City Hefei - Wetland, Hefei/Anhui

    In the Wetland Park of the sponge city of Hefei, an exciting, green-blue recreational area is being created from the necessary infrastructures for flood protection and rainwater purification.
    The low-lying wetland biotope, which develops from the depression of the neighbouring dry stream to the north, is modelled on a river delta and creates diverse ecological and scenic added value for the neighbouring urban areas. The considerable difference in height between road and water level is integrated into the design in the form of terraced slopes, which are modelled on traditional Chinese rice terraces. The different terrain levels descend towards the wetland biotope, creating a variety of recreational areas that differ in size, shape and utilisation options. The steeper areas have generous seating steps that offer residents attractive sunset spots, among other things. A variety of visual connections mediate between the city and the park landscape. The circular walkways allow flora and fauna to be experienced in the centre of the city and invite playful movement and activity.
    In its buffer function, the Wetland Park plays an important role in the city's water management: the large retention volume of the open space absorbs excessive amounts of runoff and prevents potential backwater during heavy rainfall events. The pre-cleaned water from the northern floodplain park is purified here by aquatic plants before being channelled into the neighbouring reservoir. Floating plant islands create a flowing landscape transition between the wetland and the reservoir and form a habitat for ecologically valuable microorganisms.

    completed

  • Sponge City Hefei - Floodplain park, Hefei/Anhui

    The floodplain park is one of the five green corridors in the north of the airport city and plays a key role in the overarching sponge city concept. As a blue-green infrastructure, it makes a virtue out of the threat of flooding: the technical facilities required for water management are carefully integrated into the landscape design and staged as interactive, identity-creating open space elements. The result is a valuable public green space for play, sport and recreation.
    A meandering dry stream forms a central landscape element of the floodplain park. The different water levels give it a constantly changing appearance. The neighbouring panoramic path runs close to the riverbed, along meadows and densely planted groves. Direct paths for cyclists and pedestrians connect the neighbouring residential areas. For the people who live there, the park serves as a green living room and is a meeting place for various social activities. Seating areas along the extensive retention areas invite people to linger and relax. Numerous facilities, such as a basketball court, playgrounds and a skate park, are easily accessible along the park promenade. The market hall located at the intersection with the cycle highway is a central meeting point and forms a striking spatial prelude.
    In addition to the social needs of the city dwellers, the park fulfils another important task: the surface water from the surrounding districts is channelled here and cleaned by hydrophytes in rain gardens. Collected in retention basins, the rainwater can seep away and evaporate. The dry stream diverts any excess water into the wetland. While the riverbed of the dry stream is designed for a 50-year heavy rainfall event, the green corridor as a whole can absorb the rainfall of 200-year extreme weather events.

    completed

  • Sponge City Hefei: Five landscapes - one park., Hefei/Anhui

    The project brings the master plan for the sponge city of Hefei to life and realises a 3 km long green ribbon as a pilot project for integrated water-sensitive urban and landscape planning. Starting from the central water system of river and reservoir, a networked green-blue infrastructure is being created that combines flood protection, local recreation, climate adaptation, ecology and social interaction. The park is divided into five sections, each with a different focus of use.
    The floodplain park is the green living room of the neighbouring residential areas and, in addition to its essential role in flood protection, creates spaces and offers for urban life and active leisure activities. Here, a near-natural dry stream runs through a gentle floodplain landscape lined with groups of trees and urban forests.
    The lush water biotopes of the wetland park buffer and clean the rainwater and relieve the burden on the sewage system. Extensive terraced slopes characterise the landscape and create an additional flood buffer.
    The urban terraces give the city centre an urban face to the water. The multifunctional public bank is a central meeting point and enables a variety of water-related uses.
    On the eco shore, the renaturalised shallow water biotopes integrate existing vegetation, promote biodiversity and enable a direct experience of nature. A multi-stage system of nature-based solutions improves the water quality of the reservoir, whose ecology is under pressure from the surrounding urbanisation.
    Depending on the season, the weather and the water level, the landscape changes its appearance as water surfaces swell and new perspectives emerge. A continuous cycle highway links the urban area from north to south, making cycling an attractive and sustainable mobility option.

    completed