• Urban requalification of Dhërmi waterfront
  • Himarë, Albania
  • Albanian Development Fund, Himarë Municipality
  • 23,1 ha
  • completed, 2016
  • 1603-DMI
  • masterplan, urban design
  • Francisco Monforte
  • BOOM Landscape

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.

  • Urban requalification of Dhërmi waterfront
  • Himarë, Albania
  • Albanian Development Fund, Himarë Municipality
  • 23,1 ha
  • completed, 2016
  • 1603-DMI
  • masterplan, urban design
  • Francisco Monforte
  • BOOM Landscape