Integrated Cross-Sectorial Plan of Tirana-Durres Area

The plan promotes the consolidation of urban
centres based on:
• a better territorial utilization, efficient and
intelligent land use densification, reducing
the development pressure in the peri-urban
area as well as in the agricultural and natural
system;
• a conservation of land in the peri-urban area
for urban-agricultural services and recreation
and rural tourism services;
• strengthening rural-urban access and
connections;
• a promotion and regeneration of the centres
in degraded urban territories;
• a definition of minimum / maximum
density for new areas of development or
redevelopment related to transport flows in
employment;
• a regeneration of residential areas / poles;
• a promotion and development of “TOD”
(Transit-Oriented Development / development
oriented towards public transport) area in
urban areas primarily focused on “CBD”
(Central Business District);
• a utilization of the territory with mixed
functions at a high density (Mix-use);
• a promotion of walking and cycling in urban
areas;
• short inter-city distances, less dependent
on vehicles to reduce energy consumption and
CO2 emissions;
• a reduction of environmental pollution and
increase of green areas;
• increased living standards thanks to
efficient services for residents, reduction of
infrastructural and service costs.
UP2.1- Densification of urban centres
The densification of centres will positively
contribute to the functionality of the
metropolitan area by creating a balanced
and sustainable system of using the urbanrural-natural
territory. This approach will
allow development and urbanization in these
territories, without adversely affecting the
agricultural land and without exploiting natural
territories.
• Urban densification should focus around
strategic areas / poles focusing on improving
the efficiency of services and quality of life. The
densification of urban areas should be linked
to the functional characteristics in the different
areas / poles of urban territories, taking into
account not only the density of housing but
also the ratio of the regional commuting.
• Urban densification should be applied
intelligently, ensuring that the characteristics
of diversity and spatial unity are preserved in
urban structures. As above-mentioned, the
latter must relate to the surrounding areas,
taking into account the future spatial impacts
that densification can bring to land use for
peri-urban areas.
Developing upon these principles will allow
efficient use of existing values, promote
economies of scale in community services,
enhance quality of life, and increase
environmental regeneration opportunities
in urban peripheries. In order to guarantee
the development and consolidation of urban
centres, densification should follow the
following course:
1. Initially, the use of existing unused
buildings should be encouraged, including the
regeneration of unfinished buildings in these
areas. It is suggested to apply differentiated
taxation for unused dwellings or for second
homes with temporary use.
2. Exploit the opportunities for “urban filling”
in urbanized centres, focusing on the mixed
use of the territory, where special emphasis
should be given to service facilities and those
of recreation and leisure, accompanied by
public transport for the residents of the region.
3. The development of new urbanization
areas should focus on the use of low fertility
land near the overground and underground
connecting infrastructure, accommpanied by
public transport access, to link employment
areas with existing settlements.
114