Riviera

INTERNATIONAL Urban DESIGN 

COMPETITION 

For the southern coastal strip and 

surrounding settlements, [3 lots] 

No. 2 

ORGANIZERS 

Ministry of Urban Development 

National Territorial Planning 

Agency (AKPT) 

Atelier Albania 

PARTNERS 

Albanian Development Fund 

Municipality of Orikum 

Municipality of Himara 

Municipality of Saranda 

COMPETITION CONTRIBUTORS 

AKPT 

Adelina Greca (team leader) 

Ditjon Baboçi (project coordinator) 

Andi Shameti 

Anisa Qorri 

Eno Kotmilo 



PARTICIPANTS 

Openfabric + Cityförster + 

Symbiotica + PolyLester 

Quattro associati + Mod. Land + 

IN.AR.CO + E.Arch Studio 

Graphic Design & PRINTING 

Irola Andoni 

Publicita Sh.P.K 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON 

engineering & construction + 

Vadim Vosters 

Sealine + Metro POLIS 

Atena Studio + Atelier4 

Bel Architecten + Eno Muho + 

Enton Derraj

Atelier Albania, asked by the Minister of Urban Development and Tourism and mandated by 

the Office of the Prime Minister, launched an international urban design competition for the 

improvement of the public space in the southern coastal strip. This area attracts the majority 

of the local and international tourists coming to Albania and is a generator for the economy 

of the whole region, especially during the summer season. The aim is to generate original 

and visionary concepts for the interventions along the coastal strip and the surrounding 

settlements.

the southern coastal strip and surrounding 

settlements [3 lots], Albania 

International Urban Design Competition 

October - November 2014

Southern coastal strip and surroundings settlements 

01 

10 

18 

22 

Competition Brief 

Jury members 

Evaluation and Jury Decision 

02 

28 

54 

Lot 1 

Openfabric + Cityförster + Symbiotica + PolyLester 

"Winning team" 

Lot 1 

Quattro associati + Mod. Land + IN.AR.CO + E.Arch Studio 

03 

72 

94 

Lot 2 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON engineering & construction + Vadim Vosters 


Lot 2 

Sealine + Metro Polis 

8


04 

136 

164 

Lot 3 



Lot 3 

Bel Architecten + Eno Muho + Enton Derraj 

Contents 

9

southern coastal strip and surroundings settlements 

01 

Competition brief 

Aim of the competition 

The purpose of the competition is to generate ideas that will lead to 

urban improvement detailed projects as well as public and/or private 

interventions. These will help each area foster a better identity while at 

the same time improve the area’s connection and interrelation with all of 

its surroundings. 

Beneficiaries 

The competition for southern coastal strip and its close settlements stems 

from the need to improve the urban condition and the use of the touristic 

area along the strip, as well as the connections that link the coastal strip to 

the new and old settlements nearby. 

The coastal strip is a national asset serving to all local and international 

tourists. It cuts through many small cities and in this perspective the whole 

country is the beneficiary, while the communities along the strip and the 

inhabitants of the old and new settlements will be direct beneficiaries. 

There is a need to extend the touristic season in order to generate more 

sustainable income for the region. 

Area of the competition 

From an organizational perspective the competition slices the southern 

coastal strip into three segments/ lots: Orikum area stretching from Vlora 

to Palas Beach; Himara area stretching from Palas Beach to Lukova Beach; 

Saranda area stretching from Lukova Beach to Butrint (Riviera Maps, 

Lot 1, 2, 3). While the competition defines the three segments/ lots, the 

competitors can in the stage 1 individually select their preference for 

specific intervention area(s). 

Methodology 

Atelier Albania is a unit of the National Territorial Planning Agency 

mandated with identifying alternative solutions and enriching architecture 

and planning with out-of-the-box thinking. In this context we aim to invite 

teams of international professionals that will work together with local 

teams as a consortium. We believe this team-based collaboration will 

enrich the way the project is informed with all necessary local knowledge 

and high level design expertise. Furthermore we want to experiment a 

co-creative competition process with the designers and several local 

stakeholders involved in an interactive selection process. 

10 

competition brief


Mountain 

Old village 

Main road 

Vlore 

Nature 

New village / Villas 

Service / Bar - Restaurants-Hotels 

Orikum 

Beach 

Sea 

Himare 

Sarande 

competition brief 11


Objective 

The output of the competition is to provide urban improvement design concepts for particular sites or areas in each of the three segments/ lots along 

the coastal strip. The competitors are asked to produce ideas that: 

• will improve the urban condition and the use of the seaside belt; 

• will rehabilitate the beach scape and the connectors to the urbanized areas; 

• will define a set of urban furniture and related service-equipment for the furnishing of the coastal strip; 

• will equip the area with necessary signage for orientation and storytelling; 

• will provide ways of exploring nature for touristic purposes; 

• will explore different ways to access the beach area form land and sea without impacting the nature; 

• will come up with a set of space-use regulations for appropriation of the beach, as well as building regulation for future construction on the seaside belt; 

• will offer a vision and policies for a year -long touristic season. 

Expected Outcomes 

STAGE 1: in this short-listing phase, the candidates represent themselves 

by illustrating their capacities, methodology and visions towards the 

subject of the competition. Each submission will be carefully reviewed by 

jury members and the teams will be selected by the terms of selection 

and evaluation criteria mentioned in Stage 1. From the selected teams the 

Jury will short-list the two best ranked teams for each lot (according to the 

evaluation criteria). 6 teams in total will be called to work during a second 

stage on a concept for the urban improvement in one of the segments/ lots. 

STAGE 2: in this Sketch Design phase, each set of concept-submissions 

will be carefully reviewed by jury members and one winning team for each 

of the three lots will be selected by the terms of the evaluation criteria 

Stage 2. The Jury’s duty however will not end with the selection of the 

three winning teams (one per each segment/ lot). Local members of the 

jury as well as international members with professional experience in 

Albania will collaborate in forming a continuous leading and mentoring 

body for the winning teams. Each team will have the chance to periodically 

meet with members of the jury to discuss their approach, solution and 

possible impact of the project. The teams will agree to keep an open mind 

towards adapting the project to possible contextual situations which they 

might have not been aware of beforehand. The Jury will therefore serve as 

a mentor to the winners but also as a partner to the client in order to help 

in achieving a better-rounded project which has the support of different 

actors and promises a fast and direct impact on the area intervened upon. 

These meetings will be held in-situ and online. 

Teams of local and foreign professionals 

Each international team will need a local partner and each local team will 

need an international partner. The client believes that in order to have 

visionary and contextual projects there is a dire need for the vision of 

someone who does not know the site and the contextual knowledge of 

someone who knows it well. The client believes such collaboration can 

increase the impact and improve the implementation of the project. In 

the call for interest stage not all teams might have a local or international 

partner. Having a partner by this stage is positive and necessary to achieve 

selection. To allow all participants to find a local partner a dedicated platform 

will be created at the competition website whereby the international and 

local teams can express their interest to find a counterpart. Each team 

interested in finding a counterpart will fill up a form on the website with 

some basic information on themselves and an online website or portfolio. 

Teams will then be able to contact one another based on this information. 

12 

competition brief


Suitability 

The competition is open to all professional architects, landscape architects 

and urban designers who, after teaming up (see above), meet either or both 

of the following requirements: 

1. Are registered or accredited by a formal registration or accreditation 

body in the entrant’s country of origin; or 

2. Where registration and accreditation is not available in a particular 

jurisdiction, the entrant is a member of the relevant professional institute 

in their country of origin. All entrants are required to provide evidence of 

relevant professional registration, accreditation or membership in the Team 

Composition Statement. Each Stage I competitor team is to include an 

architect, landscape architect, designer and/or an artist. All team members 

are to be identified in the Team Composition Statement. 

Evaluation Criteria 

The jury will evaluate the applications of Stage 1 based on the following 

criteria: 

• Power and rootedness of the Vision (context related) – 30% 

• Relevance of team/partnership for the subject of competition and Main 

Staff capacities – 40 % 

• Methodology of work¬ and collaboration proposal – 30 % 

The jury will evaluated the applications of Stage 2 based on the following 

criteria: 

• Creativity 

• High implementation factor 

• Relation and impact of the proposal in the context 

• Cost-impact rate (low cost, strong impact) 

Final Product 

The competition will result in the selection of three teams, composed of 

local and international professionals. Each of them will provide a concept 

design and a fully equipped team to be engaged in the post-competition 

process. The winning teams will be engaged afterwards in designing 

the execution design for one of the three segments/ lots along the 

southern coastal strip. The three designs – one from each winning team 

– will aim at improving the use and urban condition of the coastal strip 

and its connectors to the close urban settlements; at rehabilitating the 

beachscape and the connectors to the urbanized areas; at defining a set 

of urban furniture and related service equipment for the furnishing of the 

coastal strip; at equipping the area with necessary signage for orientation 

and storytelling; at providing ways of exploring nature for touristic 

purposes; at exploring different ways to access the beach area form land 

and sea without impacting the nature; at coming up with a set of space-use 

regulations for appropriation of the beach, as well as building regulation 

for future construction on the seaside belt; at offering a vision and policies 

for a yearly touristic season. The execution designs will be implemented 

as complete, partly through public investments and partly with private 

money. They will be like pilots equipped with ‘toolboxes’ to guide how the 

coastal strip can function in its totality and improve its quality in the future. 

Post - Competition Process 

Although each team will be working with one of three segments/ lots 

the client envisions two inter-team meetings in the two-month period of 

Preliminary-Idea preparation. The concept here is to try and isolate the 

teams for the first month in order to let them develop their own vision and 

then bring them together to share their findings and ideas. This process is 

repeated again in the second month. These meetings will be held in-situ 

and online. 



Termat e referencës 

Qëllimi i konkursit 

Qëllimi i konkursit është të gjenerojë ide që do të çojnë në përmirësimin 

eprojekteve urbane të detajuara, si dhe ndërhyrjet publike dhe / ose 

private. Këto do të ndihmojnë çdo zonë të nxisë një identitet më të mirë, 

në të njëjtën kohë të përmirësojë lidhjen e zonës dhe ndërlidhjen me të 

gjithë rrethinat e saj. 

Përfitimet 

Konkursi për vijen bregdetare jugore dhe vendbanimet e saj më të afërta 

buron nga nevoja për të përmirësuar gjendjen urbane dhe përdorimin 

e zonës turistike përgjatë kësaj vije, si dhe mënyrat lidhëse të vijes 

bregdetare me vendbanimet e reja dhe të vjetra në afërsi. 

Brezi bregdetar është një pasuri kombëtare që shërben për të gjithë 

turistët vendas dhe ndërkombëtarë. Ai shkurton rrugën lidhëse të shumë 

qyteteve të vogla dhe nga kjo pikëpamje i gjithë vendi është përfitues, 

ndërsa komunitetet përgjatë këtij brezi dhe banorët e vendbanimeve të 

vjetra dhe të reja do të jenë përfitues të drejtpërdrejtë. Ekziston nevoja 

për të zgjeruar sezonin turistik, në mënyrë që të gjenerojnë të ardhura më 

të qëndrueshme për rajonin. 

Zona e konkursit 

Nga pikëpamja organizative, ky konkurs ndan vijën bregdetare jugore në 

tre segmente/pjesë: zona e Orikumit që shtrihet nga Vlora deri në plazhin 

Palas; zona e Himarës që shtrihet nga plazhi Palas deri në plazhin e Lukovës; 

zona e Sarandës që shtrihet nga plazhi i Lukovës deri në Butrint (Hartat e 

Rivierës, Segmenti 1, 2, 3).Ndërsa konkursi përcakton tre segmente/zona, 

në fazën e parë, konkurrentët mund të përzgjedhin zonën e ndërhyrjes 

sipas preferencave të tyre. 

Metodologjia 

Atelier Albania është një njësi e Agjencisë Kombëtare të Planifikimit 

të Territorit mandatuar me identifikimin e zgjidhjeve alternative dhe 

pasurimin e arkitekturës dhe të planifikimit sipas të menduarit kreativ. 

Në këtë kontekst ne kemi për qëllim të ftojmë grupe profesionistësh 

ndërkombëtarë që do të punojnë së bashku me ekipet vendase si një 

konsorcium. Ne besojmë se ky bashkëpunim mes ekipesh do të pasurojë 

mënyrën se si projekti është pasuruar me të gjitha njohuritë e nevojshme 

lokale dhe ekspertizat e projektimit të një niveli të lartë. Për më tepër ne 

duam të provojmë një proçes konkurrues bashkë-krijues me projektuesit 

dhe me palët lokale të përfshirë në një proces përzgjedhës ndërveprues. 

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competition brief


Mali 

Fshat historik 

Rruga kryesore 

Vlore 

Natyrë 

Fshat i ri / Villa 

Shërbime/Bare, Restorante, Hotele 

Orikum 

Plazhi 

Deti 

Himare 

Sarande 



Objektivi 

Rezultati i konkursit është që të sigurojë koncepte përmirësuese të projektit urban për vende ose zona specifike të secilit prej tre segmentëve / zonave 

përgjatë brezit bregdetar. Konkurrentëve iu kërkohet të japin ide për: 

• përmirësimin e gjendjes urbane dhe shfrytëzimin e brezit bregdetar; 

• integrimin e plazheve të izoluara dhe rrugët lidhëse drejt zonave të banuara; 

• përcaktimin e një sërë mjetesh urbane dhe pajisjet për shërbimin përkatës për lëvizshmërinë përgjatë brezit bregdetar; 

• pajisjen e zonës me sinjalistikën e nevojshme për orientim dhe drejtim; 

• sigurimin e mënyrave të eksplorimit të natyrës për qëllime turistike; 

• shqyrtimin e mënyrave të ndryshme për të hyrë në zonën e plazhit dhe detit nga rrugë tokësorepa cënuar natyrën; 

• hartimin e një sërë rregullash për shfrytëzimin e duhur të hapësirëssëplazhit, si dhe një rregullore për ndërtimet e ardhshme përgjatë rripit bregdetar; 

• ofrimin e një vizioni dhe politikave për një sezon turistik gjatë gjithë vitit. 

Rezultatet e pritshme 

FAZA 1: në këtë fazë të shkurtër, kandidatët prezantojnë veten e tyre duke 

ilustruar kapacitetet e tyre, metodologjinë dhe vizionet ndaj subjektit të 

konkursit. Çdo pranim do të shqyrtohet me kujdes nga anëtarët e jurisë 

dhe ekipet do të përzgjidhen sipas kushteve të kritereve të përzgjedhjes 

dhe të vlerësimit tëpërmendura në Fazen 1.Nga ekipet e përzgjedhura, 

juria do përzgjedhë dy ekipet e renditura më lart në secilën nga zonat 

(sipas kritereve të vlerësimit). 6 ekipe në total do të thirren për të punuar 

gjatë një faze të dytë sipas koncepteve të përmirësimit urban në një nga 

segmentët/zonat. FAZA 2: në këtë fazë të vlerëzimit të skicave të projektit, 

secili grup i projekt-ideve të paraqitura do të shqyrtohet me kujdes nga 

anëtarët e jurisë dhe do shpallet një ekip fitues për secilen nga tre pjesët 

që do të përzgjidhet nga kriteret e vlerësimit të Fazës 2.Megjithatë, detyra 

e jurisë nuk do të përfundojë me përzgjedhjen e tre ekipeve fituese 

(një për çdo segment / pjesë). Anëtarët vendas të jurisë si dhe anëtarët 

ndërkombëtarë me përvojë profesionale në Shqipëri do të bashkëpunojnë 

në krijimin e një grupi drejtuesdhe mentoruestë vazhdueshëm për ekipet 

fituese. Secili ekip do të ketë mundësinë të takojë në mënyrë periodike 

anëtarët e jurisë, për të diskutuar qasjen e tyre, zgjidhjen dhe ndikimin e 

mundshëm të projektit. Ekipet do të bien dakord që të tregohen mendje 

hapur për përshtatjen e projektit për situatat e mundshme kontekstuale të 

cilat ata mund të mos kenë qenë në dijeni të parë.Juria, pra, do të shërbejë 

si një këshilltare për fituesit, por edhe si një partner i klientit që asiston në 

arritjen e një projekti të mirë harmonizuar,e cila ka mbështetjen e palëve 

të ndryshme dhe premton një ndikim të shpejtë dhe të drejtpërdrejtë në 

zonën e ndërhyrë.Këto takime do të mbahen në vend dhe online. 

Ekipet e profesionistëve vendas dhe të huaj 

Çdo ekip ndërkombëtar ka nevojë për një partner vendas dhe çdo ekip 

vendas ka nevojë për një partner ndërkombëtar. Klienti beson se është 

jashtëzakonisht i nevojshëm vizioni i dikujt që nuk e njeh vendin dhe 

njohuritë kontekstuale të dikujt që e njeh mirëatë, në mënyrë që të ketë 

projekte vizionare dhe kontekstuale. Klienti beson se një bashkëpunim i 

tillë mund të rrisë ndikimin dhe përmirësimin e zbatimit të projektit. Në 

thirrjen për fazën e interesit jo të gjitha ekipet mund të kenë një partner 

lokal apo ndërkombëtar. Duke pasur një partner në këtë fazë është diçka 

pozitive dhe e nevojshme për të rritur shanset e përzgjedhjes. Në mënyrë 

që të gjithë pjesëmarrësit të gjejnë një partner vendas, një platformë 

e dedikuar do të krijohet në faqen e internetit të konkursit ku ekipe 

ndërkombëtare dhe vendase mund të shprehin interesin e tyre për të 

gjetur një homolog.Çdo ekip i interesuar në gjetjen e një homologu do të 

plotësojë një formular në faqen e internetit me disa informacione baze për 

veten dhe një faqe interneti apo portofol. Ekipet do të jenë në gjendje të 

lidhen me njëri-tjetrin në bazë të këtij informacioni. 

16 

competition brief


Përshtatshmëria 

Konkursi është i hapur për të gjithë arkitektët profesionistë, arkitektët 

estetikë dhe projektuesit urban të cilët, pasi grupohen (shih më lart), 

plotësojnë një ose dy nga kërkesat e mëposhtme: 

1. Janë të regjistruar ose akredituar nga një regjistrim formal dhe/ose trup 

akreditues në vendin e origjinës; ose 

2. Ku regjistrimi dhe akreditimi nuk është në dispozicion të një juridiksioni 

të veçantë, pjesëtari është anëtar i institutit profesional përkatës në vendin 

e tyre të origjinës. Të gjithë të regjistruarit duhet të sigurojnë dëshmitë 

e regjistrimit përkatës profesional, akreditimin ose anëtarësinë në 

Deklaratën e Përbërjes së Ekipit. Në çdo fazë, një ekip konkurrues duhet 

të përfshijë një arkitekt, arkitekt estetik, projektuesin dhe/ose një artist. Të 

gjithë anëtarët e ekipit duhet të identifikohen në Deklaratën e Përbërjës 

së Ekipit. 

Kriteret e vlerësimit 

Juria do të vlerësojë aplikimet e Fazës 1 bazuar në kriteret e mëposhtme: 

• Fuqia dhe stabiliteti i Vizionit (sipas rrethanave) – 30% 

•Lidhja e ekipit/partneritetit për subjektin e konkurrencës dhe kapaciteteve 

të stafit – 40 % 

• Metodologjia e punës dhe propozimipër bashkëpunim– 30 % 

Juria do të vlerësojë aplikimet e Fazës 2 në bazë të kritereve të mëposhtme: 

• Kreativiteti 

• Faktorë të lartë zbatues 

• Raporti dhe ndikimi nga propozimet sipas rrethanave 

• Raporti Kosto-ndikim (kosto të ulët, ndikim të fortë) 

Produkti final 

Konkursi do të rezultojë në zgjedhjen e tre ekipeve, të përbërë nga 

profesionistë vendas dhe ndërkombëtarë. Secili prej tyredo të sigurojë 

një projekt-ide dhe një ekip të pajisur plotësisht në procesin e paskonkursit. 

Skuadrat fituese do të jenë të angazhuara më pas në hartimin 

e projekt-zbatimit për një nga tre segmentet/pjesët përgjatë brezit 

bregdetar jugor. Tre projektet - një nga secili ekip fitues - do të synojë 

përmirësimin e kushteve urbane të brezit bregdetar dhe ‘’urat’’ lidhëse të 

saj me vendbanimet e afërta urbane; në rehabilitimin e plazhit dhe nyjet 

lidhëse me zonat e banuara; në përcaktimin e një sërë mjeteve urbane dhe 

pajisjet e lidhura të shërbimit për mobilimin e brezit bregdetar; në pajisjen 

e zonës me sinjalistikën e nevojshme për orientim dhe drejtim; sigurimin e 

mënyrave për të eksploruar natyrën për qëllime turistike; për të eksploruar 

mënyra të ndryshme për të hyrë në zonën e plazhit me rrugë tokësore dhe 

detare pa cënuar natyrën; në hartimin e një sërë rregullash për hapësirat 

e përdorimit të plazhit, si dhe ndërtimin e rregullores për ndërtimet në të 

ardhmen në rripin bregdetar; në ofrimin e një vizioni dhe politikat për një 

sezon turistik përgjatë gjithë vitit. Projekt-zbatimi do të implementohet si i 

plotë, pjesërisht përmes investimeve publike dhe pjesërisht nga investimet 

private. Ato do të jenë drejtues të pajisur me mjetet e duhura për të 

udhëzuar se si një vijë bregdetare mund të funksionojë në tërësinë e saj 

dhe për të përmirësuar cilësinë e tij në të ardhmen. 

Proçesi post-konkurs 

Edhe pse çdo ekip do të punojë me një nga tre segmentet/zonat, klienti 

parashikon dy takime ndërmjet ekipeve në periudhën dy mujore të fazës 

përgatitore të ideve. Qëllimi është që të izolojnë ekipet gjatë muajit të parë 

në mënyrë që të zhvillojnë vizionin e tyre dhe pastaj t’i sjellin ato së bashku 

për të ndarë konluzionet dhe idetë e tyre. Ky proces përsëritet sërish në 

muajin e dytë. Këto takime do të mbahen në vend dhe online. 



JURY Members 

Johan Anrys 

Peter Herrle 

Eglantina Gjermeni 

Artan Shkreli 

Jonida Turani 

Sasa Randic 

Freek Persyn 

Johan Anrys 

Johan Anrys graduated from the HAISL in 

Brussels, having followed one academic year 

in Ireland at the University College Dublin. As 

student he participated in several architectural 

projects, design workshops throughout Europe, 

and master-classes like the ‘Floating Resorts’ led 

by Elia Zenghelis & Eleni Gigantes. He worked 

for Eugeen Liebaut before establishing the joint 

practice of 51N4E in Brussels and Tirana. 

Parallel to his professional activities at 51N4E, 

he has been performing on academic ground, 

as lecturer at the KHM Lucas Faydherbe – 

Interieur, as assistant professor at the Faculty 

of Architecture at the University of Leuven, 

as visiting critic at the Berlage Institute and 

the Academy of Architecture in Mendrisio, 

Switzerland. He acts on regular base as lecturer 

or jury member in various institutes both in 

Belgium and abroad. Johan Anrys is the lead 

partner in 51N4E’s Tirana office. 

18 

competition brief


Peter Herrle 

Prof. Dr. Peter Herrle, background in sociology, 

architecture and urban planning. Since 1981 

consultant to bilateral and international 

development agencies and NGOs in various 

fields including housing,urban governance, 

participative planning, urban management 

and urban planning in many countries mainly 

in Asia and Africa. 1995 – 2012 full professor 

for international urbanism and director of the 

Habitat Unit at Faculty VI, Berlin University of 

Technology, since 2002 Advisory Professor at the 

Tongji University Shanghai. Since October 2012 

retired and head of the Habitat Research Unit. 

Numerous publications on urban development 

issues. Editor of the Habitat International Series 

at LIT-Publishers. 

EGLANTINA GJERMENI 

Currently, Ms. Gjermeni holds a PhD in Social 

Sciences. She earned a Master’s’s Degree in Social 

Work from the Grand Valley State University, 

in Michigan, United States (1997-1998). She 

attended post-graduate studies in Social Work 

at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Social 

Sciences (1993-1994). She earned a Bachelor 

Degree in History from the University of Tirana, 

Faculty of History and Philology (1986 – 1990). 

In 2009, Eglantina Gjermeni was elected Member 

of the 18th Legislature of the Assembly of the 

Republic of Albania, representing the Socialist 

Party. She was re-elected in the 19th Legislation 

after the general elections held in 2013. She was 

successful in heading the Centre of the Gender 

Balance for Development for 10 years. She is 

one of the most outstanding gender balance and 

social experts in the country. 

In the course of her career, Ms. Gjermeni has 

attended a series of training courses in Albania 

and abroad on topics, such as Gender Balance, 

Project Management, Leadership, Women in 

Politics, Social Affairs that have been organized 

by highly reputable international institutions. She 

is Lecturer at the Social Affairs Department of the 

Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana 

since 1995. 



Artan Shkreli 

Artan graduated from the University of Tirana, 

Faculty of Architecture in January 1987. In 1991 

was specialized in Bologna, Italy as “Progettista 

assistito da CAD” and was hired as an architect 

at “Cuppini of Associati” studio in Bologna, 

Italy. It collaborated until 1997 with “Ricerca 

& Progetto” oriented in the bio-architectural 

problems. In 2004 he was invited by the US 

State Department, to participate in Washington 

at the “International Visitor Program” with the 

theme “Cultural Heritage Preservation”. In 2011 

he attanded in Ohrid a postgraduate course on 

“Energy Efficiency” on buildings, organized by 

“Eko Zentrum”. 

In 2003 creates NGO “Albanian Fund for 

Monuments” with the aim of promoting the 

cultural heritage of the country. In 2008 

he elected chairman of Albania Architects 

Association (AAA). From 2013 he is the adviser 

of the Prime Minister on urabanization and 

territory. Currently he teaches “History of 

Contemporary World Architecture” at the 

American University of Tirana, and since 2007, 

teaches “History of Albanian Architecture” at the 

Albanian Universitety in Tirana. 

Jonida Turani 

Jonida Turani is the director of Beyond Entropy 

Europe. She currently works as an architect, and 

lives between Italy and Albania. She completed 

her studies in Architecture, at University 

of Architecture of Venice, IUAV and McGill 

University, Montreal. After working in different 

architectural practices in Venice, London and 

Montreal she has collaborated with artists such 

as Marinella Senatore, Ragnar Kjartansson and 

Yoko Ono. Since 2013 she is the director of 

Beyond Entropy/ Europe. Jonida Turani and 

Stefano Rabolli Pansera curated the exhibition 

that was originally commissioned by the Ministry 

of Culture of the Republic of Albania for the 

Pavilion of the Republic of Albania at the 14th 

International Architecture Exhibition, Venice 

Biennale 2014. 

20 

competition brief


Sasa Randic 

Saša Randić was born in 1964 in Rijeka, Croatia. 

He graduated from the University of Zagreb, 

Faculty of Architecture, in 1990. In 1992 he 

graduated from the Berlage Institute Amsterdam. 

In 1993, together with Idis Turato, he established 

an architectural practice in Rijeka. In 2006 

Randić-Turato represented Croatia at the Venice 

Biennale with a research project in book form 

– Inbetween: a book on the Croatian Coast, 

transitional processes, and how to live with them. 

Between 2003 and 2007 Randić was President 

of the Croatian Architects’ Association (CAA). 

Since 2008 he has been editor of the bimonthly 

magazine of the CAA, Čovjek i prostor. 

FREEK PERSYN 

Freek Persyn is an architect and partner at the 

Brussels-based international design practice 

51N4E. Through the production of space, 51N4E 

envisions and directs the transformation of 

society. 51N4E designs development processes 

on a multitude of scales, from strategy to 

implementation. 51N4E uses design as an 

instrument for collaboration, making it possible 

to create collective knowledge and better results. 

51N4E operates today in Belgium, France, 

Switzerland, Turkey and Albania. 

As partner at 51N4E, Freek Persyn equally 

focuses on teaching, lecturing and debating, 

to strengthen 51N4E’s knowledge base and to 

create new learning opportunities. 



EvALUATION and Jury Decision 

Lot 1 – SARANDA 


winning team 

This project proposes scenarios with different perspectives, multiple 

scenarios and with a wide range of options to be implemented. These 

interventions were more oriented to concrete actions, rather than spatial 

interventions. Although the jury had questions about the focus of this 

project in the sense of integrating a large number of people, as well as 

doubts about the focus of interventions rather in regional than the regional 

than urban, selected this proposal as the winning project l for lot 1. 


The advantages of this project were concrete proposals, which were very 

clear and feasible. The fresh component brought by this proposal is the 

horizon line. This diversity of interventions at so many levels put into 

question the project design, if it was designed from the perspective of an 

architect or as a strategy, including also other partners? 

22


Lot 2 – HIMARA 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON Engineering & Construction + Vadim 

Vosters - winning team 

This proposal’s panoramic feature is the highway proposed, where the 

concept of the project is the preservation of coastline. However, it does 

not mean this area is deprived of development. Based on this intervention 

there may be program changes or adaptations in the future. One of the 

questions that indeed naturally arises is the purpose of this highway, 

whether it will constitute a limitation to the area economic development. 

The answer to this question was given through the project, where in their 

proposal this area has a high development potential and will be oriented not 

only to the tourists passing by car, but will also promote the development 

of local elements, such as Bed & Breakfast, Agro-tourism and so on. This 

precise intervention makes us believe that it is an example to be applied in 

Albania and this is the reason why this is the winning project. 


One of the advantages of this project was the very detailed analysis, which 

indeed exceeded the project demand and the way how they were able to 

respond to the questions or issues related to the space in land and sea 

showed that their preparation and knowledge were very good and was 

positively evaluated by the jury. However, one of the highly debatable 

issues was the contradiction, conflict between their desire to safeguard 

and the one of interconnection. 

Lot 3 – ORIKUM 


winning team 

This draft proposal was not focused only on urban development, but 

required the preservation of existing assets and their strengthening, even 

proposing that some part of the infrastructure could be removed in order 

to safeguard the existing assets. 

Meanwhile, one of the questions the jury posed in relation to this project 

was the way how the team proposed to realize the preservation of these 

assets and to restore this area into an European destination of Excellence. 

The project had a imbalance between the concrete and less achievable 

proposals. 


The proposal of that team was distinguished by the fact that there were 

some really impressive assumptions in their project. The first assumption 

was to see Albania as the largest National green Park of Europe and another 

very important assumption was the possibility to have real urbanization in 

relation to the greenery of this natural park. 

Although it was an exciting project, this proposal had problems to find the 

ratio between the built and the non-built components. Ambiguity of the 

proposed solutions is closely linked with the project scope, considering 

that the project was rather drafted at national than at local level. 

23


VLERËSIMI DHE VENDIMI I JURISË 

Loti 1 – SARANDA 


skuadra fituese 

Ky projekt propozon skenare me këndvështrime të ndryshme, skenare të 

shumëfishta dhe me një gamë shumë të gjerë mundësish për tu zbatuar. 

Këto ndërhyrje ishin më tepër të orientuara drejt veprimeve konkrete, 

sesa ndërhyrjeve hapsinore. Edhe pse Juria kishte pikëpyetje për fokusin e 

këtij projekti në sensin e integrimit të një numri të madh njerëzish, si dhe 

dyshime per fokusin e ndërhyrjeve më tepër në pjesën rajonale sesa atë 

urbane, zgjodhi këtë propozim si projektin fitues për lotin 1. 


Pikat e forta të këtij projekti ishin propozimet konkrete, të cilat ishin 

mjaft të qarta dhe të zbatueshme. Elementi risi që sjell ky propozim 

është linja e horizontit. Ky diversitet ndërhyrjesh në kaq shumë nivele, 

vuri ne pikëpyetje konceptimin e projektit, nëse ishte konceptuar nga 

këndvështrimi i një arkitekti apo si strategji duke përfshirë edhe partnerë 

të tjerë? 

24


Loti 2 – HIMARA 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON Engineering & Construction + Vadim 

Vosters - skuadra fituese 

Ky propozim ka si element panoramik autostraden e propozuar, ku ideja 

e projektit është ruajtja e vijës bregdetare, por kjo nuk do të thotë që kjo 

zonë privohet nga zhvillimi. Nëpërmjet kësaj ndërhyrjeje, në të ardhmen 

mund të ketë ndryshime apo përshtatje programore. Një nga pyetjet që në 

fakt lind natyrshëm është qëllimi i kësaj autostrade, nqs ajo do të përbëjë 

kufizim për zhvillimin ekonomik të zonës? Pergjigjia e kësaj pyetje u dha 

nëpërmjet projektit, ku në propozimin e tyre, kjo zonë ka potencial të madh 

zhvillimi dhe do të jetë e orientur jo vetëm nga turistët kalimtarë me makinë, 

por do të nxisë zhvillimin e elementeve lokale siç janë Bed&Breakfast, 

Agroturizmi e kështu me radhë. Kjo ndërhyrje precize na bën të mendojmë 

që është vërtet një shëmbull i cili mund të implementohet në Shqipëri dhe 

kjo është arsyeja pse ky është projekti fitues. 


Një nga pikat e forta të këtij projekti ishte analiza mjaft e hollësishme, e 

cila në fakt e tejkalonte edhe kërkesën e vetë projektit dhe mënyra sesi 

ata ishin në gjendje tju jepnin përgjigje pyetjeve apo çështjeve që kishin 

të bënin me hapësirën në tokë dhe asaj në det tregonte që përgatitja dhe 

njohuria e tyre ishte shumë e mirë dhe u vlerësua pozitivisht nga Juria. E 

megjithatë një nga pikat që pati mjaft debat ishte kontradita, kundërshtia 

midis dëshirës së tyre për të ruajtur dhe asaj për të ndërlidhur. 

Loti 3 – ORIKUM 


winning team 

Ky projekt propozim nuk përqëndrohej vetëm në zhvillimin urban, por 

kërkonte që të ruante pasuritë egzistuese si edhe ti përforconte ato, madje 

duke propozuar që një pjesë e infrastrukturës mund të hiqej, në mënyrë 

që të ruheshin pasuritë egzistuese. Ndërkohë një nga ato pyetjet që Juria 

shtroi në raport me këtë projekt, ishte mënyra sesi skuadra propozonte 

të realizonte ruajtjen e këtyre pasurive dhe kthimin e kësaj zone në 

destinacion Europian të Ekselencës. Projekti kishte nje disbalancë midis 

propozimeve konkrete dhe atyre më pak të arritshme. 


Propozimi i kësaj skuadre dalloi për faktin se kishte disa pohime vërtet 

mbreslënëse në projektin e tyre. Pohimi i parë ishte ta shihnin Shqipërinë 

si Parkun Kombëtar më të madh të gjelbër të Europës dhe një pohim tjetër 

mjaft i rëndësishëm ishte mundësia për të pasur urbanizim real në raport 

me gjelbërimin e këtij parku natyror. 

Edhe pse ishte provokues si projekt, ky propozim kishte probleme në 

gjetjen e raportit midis së ndërtuarës dhe të pa ndërtuarës. Paqartësia e 

impelmentimit të zgjidhjeve të propozuara lidhet ngushtë me shkallën e 

projektit, duke qenë se projekti ishte hartuar më shumë në nivel kombëtar 

sesa lokal. 

25

26 

Southern coastal strip and surroundings settlements


lot 1 

27


02 

Lot 1 

OPENFABRIC + CITYFÖRSTER + SYMBIOTICA + POLYLESTER - winning team 

Team composition: 

Landscape Architecture and Urban Design 

Openfabric 

Architecture and Urban planning 

Cityförster 

Architecture 

Symbiotica 

Art and Landscape 

PolyLester 

28 

OPENFABRIC + CITYFÖRSTER + SYMBIOTICA + POLYLESTER


Wandering through the Southern Riviera is journey of mix-feelings. Many different types of scenery are juxtaposed to 

each other, from crowded beaches to virgin bays; the massive urbanization to untouched nature. Steep mountains, 

the sea, and unique biotopes enriched with archaeological marvels are within a day’s travel. - But also many scars 

and unfinished projects mark the urban and the natural landscapes and undermine the aesthetic impression and 

the functioning of the region. This project aims to unveil the hidden potentials of the Riviera. Our aim is to improve 

accessibility to the many qualities of the area in a sensitive and strategic way and bring them to live. It is not a radical 

transformation, but a framework that enables to – restore, - connect and - activate the area starting from what is 

there. The project will develop parts of the competition submission further, especially the design guidelines, but will 

mainly focus on implementation projects in the City of Sarande. 

UNVEILING THE RIVIERA 

OPENFABRIC + CITYFÖRSTER + SYMBIOTICA + POLYLESTER 29


SARANDe STAIRS & CONNECTIVITY 

Saranda is located between the seacoast and the surrounding hills and is 

characterized by a strong topography. A series of public stairs are located 

especially in the eastern part of the city and they constitute a typical 

form of public space. Stairs are the pedestrian public space per excellence 

since they are not accessible by cars or other motorized vehicles, and 

they cross large part of the city center connecting the higher parts with 

the waterfront. We believe that starting from the stairs, there is a great 

potential of generating a new public space structure for Saranda that can, 

in the same time, address a number of other urban issues. 

Furthermore we believe that public stairs have the power to reinforce 

the identity of Saranda. Many other cities lying on a hill have developed 

through time a very strong relation between their topography and their 

public space structure; some examples: Genova [IT], Hong Kong and 

Lisbon [PT]. Our project will focus on the refurbishment of the existing 

stairs as well as the definition of new urban vertical connection elements. 

Special attention will be paid on the transition spaces: where the stairs 

or vertical connection element begins, where they cross vehicular traffic 

roads and where they end. 

One staircase, five public spaces 

A. Wide Stairs 

B. Panoramic Stairs 

C. Sitting Stairs 

D. Orchard Stairs 

E. Pier Stairs 

30 



Continuity 

It is of crucial importance to create a spacial and design language that can 

unify the different staircase’ stretches into one unique public space. That 

is pursued in 2 ways: 

1. Definition repeating elements over the different stretches: planters, 

lighting and vegetation 

2. Connection of the whole staircase as a pedestrian space with a special 

focus to the transition zones between staircases and car roads, where the 

pedestrian priority has to be regulated. 

The concept 

1. Continuity 

2. Diversity 

3. System 

Diversity 

Given the definition of repetitive elements, within such continuity, 

diversity can be addressed between the different stretches. The definition 

of characters is given by the different site conditions and the varying 

context throughout the space. Enhancing diversity also comes from the 

understanding of the city, which -often not in a positive way- combines a 

patchwork of different public spaces that do not merge onto each other. 

By creating a common language, working on transitions and ensuring a 

certain design quality, diversity could become driver of a renew urban 

identity. 

System 

The staircases have the potential to become a unifying element for different 

public space. In-fact they are intended as a backbone of a broader system 

of spaces linked to each other. Staircases can now directly connect with 

the waterfront promenade and pier, with the adjacent pocket spaces and 

with important built stricture as the church the kiosk, historical buildings 

and proposed hospitality facility. 



Proposed traffic scheme - cars + parking solutions 

Proposed traffic scheme - CARS 

The traffic system of Saranda is heavily congested and makes any attempt 

to get into or move around the city a frustrating and unhealthy experience. 

The reasons fro the congestion are on the one hand through traffic that 

is guided through narrow roads and the concentration of most traffic to a 

few and rather small arterial roads. Larger bypasses such as the so called 

‘fifth and sixth road’ are either not realized yet or are missing important 

links and still guide traffic towards the center. Our proposal suggests 

different routes to complete these bypasses and also identifies important 

links to make the road system in general more permeable and allow for 

alternative routes that will distribute traffic more evenly. Saranda’s public 

space is currently dominated by cars. Cars are blocking the view, access 

to the buildings but also overtaking the pedestrians zone. The only real 

solution to solve this problem is to strengthen other modes of mobility 

such as walking, cycling and public transport. We therefore propose to 

even reduce the amount of parking along streets and in the city center 

and to start introducing parking fees. The ‘first road’ shall even become a 

pedestrian zone. To make these (politically) enforceable we suggest three 

main parking hubs. One long term parking outside the city and two short 

term parking at either end of the promenade offering a viable alternative 

also for a short visit to the city. Saranda’s public space is currently 

dominated by cars. Cars are blocking the view, access to the buildings but 

also overtaking the pedestrians zone. The only real solution to solve this 

problem is to strengthen especially walking and provide central parking 

garages. 

Public parking garage should not just be technical infrastructure. They 

offer a unique opportunity to integrate other public functions such as 

squares or playgrounds and become mobility hubs in the city. They can 

also be integrated with private housing projects. 

32 





Proposed traffic scheme - priority for pedestrians & cyclists 

Proposed traffic scheme - PEDESTRIAN 

The pedestrian network spans between two main promenades. The main 

promenade by the water, that should be extended towards the south 

and a ridge path that should be established (almost) on top of the hills 

surrounding Saranda. It can start from the 40 Saints castle and lead into 

the valley between the two mountains in the north. The stairs and paths in 

between these two promenades have a clear priority for pedestrians. Give 

more space to pedestrians through wider and unobstructed sidewalks 

along roads. 

• Reduce the clear subdivision of the road profile towards a ‘shared space’ 

concept. 

• Close the most attractive areas such as city centre streets with shops 

and cafe for car traffic. 

• Provide attractive parking solutions outside the center area but close to 

the promenade. 

• Introduce parking fees and enforce penalties for parking violations. 

34 





Proposed Zoning 

The city of Saranda has grown from a picturesque town along a promenade 

into a serious city of considerable size. To stay attractive for tourism, still 

the main source of revenue for its inhabitants the city needs to urgently 

develop rules and regulations for its development. To develop meaningful 

and appropriate rules it in turn needs to develop a vision as to what kind 

of a city it wants to be. To make a first step in this direction and to stop 

the uncontrolled expansion of the city we have developed a first set of 

basic tools that protect a number of assets and prevent the worst. It has 

to be stated however that this by no means that the city does not need an 

elaborated set of rules and regulations. The main aspects of our proposal 

are: 

• Limit further expansion of the city, especially up the hills and protect the 

natural hill scape as a backdrop for the city. 

• Generate incentives to complete unfinished structures and establish 

rules for demolition of unwanted structures. 

• Diversify the typologies within the city to cater to different types of 

tourist and establish a broader economic base. 

• Enable the creation of public and green space in the city and along 

development axis such as towards Butrint. 

36 



Potentials to be unveiled 

Butrint National Park 

Butrint Archeological Park 

Beach Zone 

Urban Zone 

Productive Agricultural Zone 

Restored Agricultural Zones 

Natural/Park Zone along top hill 

Water Bodies 

City Park 

Restored Landscape Zone 

Natural Landscape 

Urban Waterfront 

Private Access Beaches 

Undefined Potential Beach Area 

Public Bays with facilities 

Virgin/Untouched Bays 



Proposed Interventions - priority projects for Saranda 

Proposed Interventions 

To develop the qualities of the city of Saranda further we propose a series 

of interventions that are complementary but mostly not dependent on 

each other. Their purpose is to clean-up and restructure the main public 

spaces of the city and create and attractive and well-maintained core zone 

of the city and leaves an excellent impression with every visitor. Today, 

although Saranda has obviously a lot of potential, the experience of the 

city is disrupted by large and small nuisances and eye-sores that Saranda 

and even Albania is unworthy of. Since Saranda and Butrint are the prime 

touristic destinations for upscale tourism in Albania, these projects should 

be declared a national priority. We will detail these project further during 

the next phase of the design process. 

38 





REHABILITATE THE LANDSCAPE 

1. Consolidate abandoned quarries and landscape scars. 

2. Remove illegal garbage dump sites; Relocate legal dump sites away from 

touristic and environmentally sensitive areas & tracks. 

3. Reuse construction waste (e.g. for trail & road construction, filling of 

abandoned quarries); Remove construction waste to legal dump site. 

4. Draw up clear boundaries and regulations of areas to be protected, 

preserved or re-naturalized; Identify which unfinished buildings can be 

removed or reused; Introduce art and temporary installations to activate 

desolate or unfinished buildings; Remove redundant building structures 

in remote, inaccessible or protected zones; Use greenery to cover and 

integrate unfinished buildings back into the landscape. 

5. Revitalize barren landscape areas with productive agriculture & 

nature. Approaching the coastal area alone is a mistake. The region has 

to be approached in its whole structure, a complex sequence of different 

landscapes intertwined together and dependent of each other. By restoring 

and improving the inherent potentials of the landscape, by increasing the 

accessibility and by promoting a year-round program the cities and villages 

as well as the agriculture fields, wetlands, beaches and mountain zones 

will be activated. Preserving the wild atmosphere and local traditions of 

the place will form the foundation for a respectful & profitable use of the 

landscape. 

40 



Concept sketch: The restored, Accessible & Active landscape 



CONNECT WITH ALTERNATIVE ROUTES 

1. Connect beaches, hills & mountains & hinterland with pedestrian trails. 

2. Create cycle connection from Saranda to Ksamil (following the EuroVelo 

network). 

3. Create network of new thematic trails along coast (serving all seasons, 

different target groups & bigger area). 

4. Exploit different water bodies as transportation means (with a focus 

on tourism); Connect different water transportation modalities & water 

bodies. 

42 



Multifunctional platform 



Activities - Year-round attraction 

ACTIVATE FOUR SEASONS 

1. Exploit further the good local climate conditions – extend summer 

holiday activities from May – October. 

2. Establish new activities and infrastructure for slow recreation (hiking, 

biking, bird watching). 

3. Extend local production & related activities (local food markets, special 

restaurants, mussel farm). 

4. Offer variety of nature experience and adventure activities: Paragliding, 

rock climbing, camping, horse riding, bird watching, sport fishing. 

5. Create more water activities: sailing, water-ski, scuba diving, windsurfing, 

kayaking on the canals. 

6. Improve public space for active urban entertainment: biking, roller 

blading, jogging, partying, relaxing, etc. 

7. Create attractive spaces & infrastructure for seasonal urban life: yacht 

club, cruise ship arrival, open air festivals, attractive shops, elegant casino. 

8. Improve permanent urban life activities: extend services for boat 

maintenance, increase local fishing industry. 

9. Establish all-year events (theatre, conference, sport competition, 

festivals, art exhibits). 

10. Promote the opportunities of the “Four-season trail & holiday” to 

international audience and travel agencies. 

44 



1. 2. 

3. 4. 

1. View from multifunctional platform to Lagoon. 

2. View from multifunctional platform to Canal of Butrint. 

3. View of the road. 

4. View from the beach. 



Location 

Implementation Zoom 1 

The Butrint canal is one of the most valuable area of the Southern part of 

the Riviera. Its value and uniqueness come from the variety and richness of 

landscapes that characterise the land next to the tiny strip of water. First 

of all the canal is one of the best fishing spots of the area because of the 

tide that is regulating the stream inwards and outwards of the lagoon. The 

wetland on the north side and the polder in the souther part of the canal 

create an astonishing contrast. Also the archeology remains of Butrint and 

Ali Pasha castle are extraordinary cultural attraction. Our intervention 

starts from the understanding of the background condition, to unveil the 

qualities make them accessible while protecting them. The Platform [P1] 

is an existing asphalt surface which is empty 10 month year. We here 

propose -with a subtle inter ventions and a propose agenda of events- to 

extend the use of the platform for a multitude of activities and events 

throughout the four seasons. A large parking lot for the busy summers 

becomes space for local markets, sports, small event and, on the top of 

all, a panoramic platform. Just by taking advantage of the level difference, 

steps can create a unique place where from people can relax and enjoy the 

view of the Ali Pasha castle, the Butrint plain with Corfu in the background. 

The platform is the starting point for trails that aim to create a narrative by 

joining different dots in one story. The dots are point-shaped attractions 

-panoramic towers, pockets spaces, little piers, art pieces, kiosks amongst 

others- are meant to enhance the accessibility of the landscape and create 

a new, fresh and subtle identity to be discovered. 

46 






Location 


The entrance point to the Lagoon of Butrint offers a spectacular setting 

of a diversity of different landscapes and attractions in utmost proximity 

to each other: - the Riviera coast with its beautiful virgin bays and views 

towards the open sea and West; - the mystic Laguna lake on the East side 

overlooking wide stretches of mussel banks in calm waters resembling like 

an endless reflective pool; - the historic Monastery of “Shen Gjergj”, located 

on top of a steep hill close by offers a splendid 360 degree panorama 

view across the whole region. Our intervention aims at strengthening 

and protecting this special landscape experience by implementation of a 

carefully integrated service infrastructure network. Right at the narrowest 

point of the Laguna peninsula and at medium level between sea, lake and 

hill tops we propose to implement a multifunctional service platform acting 

as a staring and end point to all close by destinations and performing the 

following functions: - viewing platform, - orientation to other destinations 

and pedestrian trails, - parking (shaded by trees), - local market area, - 

event space (e.g. open air cinema). Local public service points (such as 

toilets, shower, bars and resting spots) are proposed to be implemented 

directly at the singular attractive functions and can be also Integrated with 

private investments. 

48 






Location 


Saranda has to accept that it has become a real city. Albanians still 

remember Saranda as a small fisher village with its strolls along the 

promenade, the pearl of the albanian Riviera. The explosion of concrete 

in the past 25 years has irretrievably destroyed this serene atmosphere. 

But not all is lost. If Saranda leaves its past behind and looks for other 

role models it can become a thriving city in the south that is sought after 

as a destination but also as a home. Saranda boasts a fantastic climate 

and is – already now via Corfu – very accessible. It is located in beautiful 

surroundings and can potentially couple this with a clearly urban feeling 

and comparable amenities. As a basis we imagine the new ferry terminal 

to be extended to host also cruise ships. The promenade is in a good 

condition and can be complemented by a much larger marina at the heart 

of the bay, comparable to Corfu or Monaco. The promenade should be 

repaired in a few parts where the flow of pedestrians is hindered. A bike 

lane should be added that continues along the shore towards Butrint. 

Hotels and bars along the coast will profit from the increased number 

of visitors. An abandoned building and a storage area currently occupy 

the main hinge of the promenade. This could be developed into a much 

needed urban square. It brings the city to the promenade, negotiates 

between the different levels of the city and hosts truly urban program like 

markets, concerts and gatherings. Towards the east we imagine extending 

a main axis of the city into a “sunset boulevard”. The endpoint of this is an 

urban balcony at the fisher harbour that can be developed as a nightlife 

neighborhood, without nightly nuisance to the main bay but a great strip 

of bars and café to cruise along. 

50 



Connective new urban square 



V 

egetation is one of the linking elements of the staircase. The planters 

in fact are positioned at the side of it and will contain a dense plant 

layer. Mediterranean species create two continuous ‘green lines’ 

that provide shade and climate comfort to the users. Furthermore, the 

fragment A is characterize by planting scattered into the staircase itself 

creating a wilder identity. Fragment D is planted with mandarins and it 

refers to the outstanding orchards of the region. 

The lighting concept is both functional and scenic, and lighting elements 

are though as integrated to the proposed furniture. Side spot-lights, 

recessed into the planters and sitting elements, dramatically enhance the 

presence of steps, creating light lines visible from the waterfront. The 

vegetation layer is lit from up lighters that generate green reflections and 

cast singular shadows on the adjacent facades. 

52 



View from castle Lekuresi 



02 

Lot 1 



Architects and urban design 

Michele Reginaldi 

Corrado Annoni 

Stefano Parodi 

Daniela Saviola 

Moira Morsut 

Ramon Pascolat 

Giovanni Vragnaz 

Enrico Smareglia 

Camilla Pevere 

Francesca Ravasin 

Andrea Cester 

Architects 

Cristina Calligaris 

Eled Fagu 

Landscape design and Urban planning 

Alessandra Marin 

Civil and industrial engineering 

Gianni De Cecco 

Giulio Gentilli 

Artist 

Michele Reginaldi 

Collaborators and Consultants 

Herald Qyqja 

Arvjen Lushaj 

54 

Quattro associati + Mod. Land + IN.AR.co + E.Arch Studio


Quattro associati + Mod. Land + IN.AR.co + E.Arch Studio 55


Sketches of the concept 

Design strategy 

The geography of this area is characterized by the horizon of the sea 

reflected, and small valleys perpendicular to the coast line which represent 

connections between the horizon of the sea and the peaks of the area. 

Their importance and capability of “building space” can also be seen in 

the urban design of Saranda with its numerous historical -often steppedfootpathes 

running over the hill. To these small valleys we intent to give 

an important role; to become green breaks and footpaths between the sea 

and the higher parts of the built-up area and the open space. Breaks as 

well as inside the built-up area and the natural landscape. 

56 



Aerial view of the lot 



T 

he possibility of being repeated several times represents an 

element of identity and recognition of the urban and the natural area 

and a principal of unity of the shape and use which characterized 

our whole project. In this way the different project strategies find their 

coherence: starting from the big interventions (the marina, the new 

tourists port, the territory museum, etc), to the new mobility typologies 

and urban design till the small interventions of urban furniture. This kind 

of approach characterizes also the rules for the improvement and new 

interventions inside the existing settlements. 

58 



Sketches of the concept 



Masterplan of the competition area 

60 



Masterplan of the northern part of the lot 



Masterplan of the city of Saranda 

62 



Road sections 



Street view 

64 



Street view 



Road sections 

66 



park 

airport 

dock 

cruise 

ferry 

equipped beach 

beach 

birdwatching 

panoramic viewport 

tree-lined path 

sail 

canoe 

horse riding 

bike 

trekking 

museum 

monastery 

archeological and 

historical site 

agritourism 

camping 

Activities proposed in the lot 



The green ring of Saranda 

68 



The green ring of Saranda 


70 



lot 2 

71


03 

Lot 2 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON Engineering & Construction + Vadim Vosters - winning team 


Design Landscape Architect 

Bureau Bas Smets 

Executive Architects 

SON group 

Artist 

Vadim Vosters 

72 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON Engineering & Construction + Vadim Vosters


The Albanian coast is a contrasted environment. Mountains fall into the sea with 

different intensities and various topographic declinations. Our territory could be seen 

as first as an in-between area, a mitigation zone where the natural elements create 

several distinct environments along the coast line. These natural conditions have 

deeply influenced the human settlements along the road, creating on top of the natural 

landscape a man-made landscape, called cultural landscape. Following the coastline 

and its natural beaches, the natural landscape stretches inland following natural rivers 

and seasonal streams. It is also composed of the coastal areas presenting a strong 

declivity, preventing human settlements and offering a sparse maquis vegetation. Along 

the bays and the tributary rivers, some astonishing natural peculiarities can be found, 

such as natural caves, canyons, waterfalls and underwater springs. 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON Engineering & Construction + Vadim Vosters 73


Masterplan of the landscape 

RIVIERA DRIVE 

The project for the Albania Riviera offers the opportunity to radically 

rethink its image, its use and its organization. The Albanian side of the 

Ionic Sea is characterized by two lines lying at a variable distance : the 

Coastline and the Coastal road. Due to its rock formation the latter is not 

lying next to the former. The Coastal road is actually rarely very near to 

the Coastline at all. This has created a very interesting situation : On the 

one hand the Coastline is made out of singular and isolated moments. It 

is largely unspoiled and characterized by a series of beautiful beaches, 

lush tributary valleys and steep rocks formations. On the other hand the 

road connects the man made environment of villages, castles and terraced 

cultivation on the hillside. We propose to reinforce this double system in 

which the Coastline is revealed as a pristine natural landscape waiting to 

be explored, while the road becomes a ‘Riviera Drive’ offering vistas on 

both mountains and see while connecting all the elements of the cultural 

landscape. The relationship between the natural and the cultural landscape 

is thus defined by their section. The varying distance between Coastline 

and Riviera Drive creates a number of sequences that are very different in 

morphology and character : from the Inhabited Slopes of Dhermi to the 

Twin Towns of Himara to the Fertile Valleys of Borsh and Qeparo. Each 

sequence should have its own identity offering different opportunities for 

tourism and local economies. Every intervention and investment should be 

conceived as an integral part of this double system, reinforcing the dialogue 

in section. We propose to start with all the necessary interventions such as 

signage, street furniture, lighting and public places. All of these elements 

should be part of the same family of objects that reveal the landscape 

through a language of ‘applied land art’. 

74 



Aerial plan of the lot 



Masterplan of the cultural landscape 

COASTLINE AND NATURAL LANDSCAPE 

The Riviera Drive finds its way through the relief offering various 

astonishing panoramic views on the landscape. It crosses also distinct man 

made environments. A large part of the coastal area is characterized by 

olives, citrus and orange groves on terraces. Only a few villages are located 

along the coast while most of them are located along or near the Riviera 

Drive. Within their urban fabric, many singular religious buildings, castles 

and high value historic traditional centres can be found. 

76 



View of Riviera 



78 



Masterplan of the lot 

RIVIERA DRIVE AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE 

The entire coast is then perceived as a meeting area in between two 

parallel linear systems. Development should occur favorably within 

the cultural landscape while the natural landscape should be seen as a 

preserved environment, only sheltering light temporary accommodations. 

Considering these two systems could ensure a coordinated and integrated 

development along the entire coast. The exemplary landscape could also 

be integrated within the local masterplan and policies. Revealing the 

specificities of the road and coastline systems leads to specific strategies 

not based on mercantile approach or natural amenities consumption. 



INHABITED SLOPES 

On the northern part of our site, the mountains go down smoothly into 

the sea offering large terraces and long pebbles beaches. Here the natural 

and cultural landscape are mixed in between the Riviera Drive and the 

coastline. Once a strong productive environment, the slopes are now 

facing a strong urban pressure and present already numerous private 

developments within the groves. Villages along the Riviera Drive present a 

strong cultural interest with various religious buildings. 

80 



Plan of the area 

BEDROCK BALCONY 

The Riviera Drive and the villages are separated from the coast by a strong 

topographic boundary. Thus this area is still more natural and do not 

present a strong touristic related development. Some hidden bays offer 

great natural peculiarities such as caves and canyons. 




TWIN TOWNS 

Following the Riviera Drive, the two Himara towns are respectively on top 

and at the bottom of a cultivated valley. The new town is located on the 

seaside and it composed of numerous new developments while the old 

city, despite its historical and cultural value, is lacking of investment and 

renovation. 

82 



PORTO PALERMO 

The Riviera Drive is crossing a natural contrasted environment where high 

mountains directly meets the sea to create a unique protected bay along 

the coastline. The bay is one of the rare points where the Riviera Drive and 

the coastline meet. 




FERTILE VALLEYS 

Two cultivated valleys are surrounded by steep mountains. This dramatic 

landscape scenery offers a great variety of environments such as a long 

linear beach along the coast, old villages and castles on top of the cliffs. 

The groves are implemented along a geometrical rational irrigation system. 

84 



CULTIVATED TERRACES 

From the Riviera Drive to the coastline, the entire landscape was once 

reshaped by men. Cultivated terraces of olive and citrus trees has deeply 

shaped the ground and created a unique environment. The Riviera Drive 

crosses linear villages on top of the terraces. Due to the lack of accessibility 

the beaches are mainly preserved and present different natural conditions. 



RESEARCH THROUGH DESIGN 

Revealing the singularities of each landscape as a mitigation between 

two linear system helps us to identify possible priorities or singularized 

strategic developments for each sequence. Along the coast, several 

strategies could be implemented to push towards a specific development 

(eco-tourism, agro-tourism) and increase everywhere the experience and 

the attraction of each site. Those strategies are considered as a first step 

to discuss with all the stakeholders and the partners to identify what could 

be done before the next touristic season and what could be seen as long 

term vision. 

Landart 

86 



INHABITED SLOPES 

BEDROCK BALCONY 

TWIN TOWNS 

1. Reinforced urban structure and historic polarities. 

2. Hiking and Eco-tourism focus development. 

3. Light temporary accommodations along the coastline. 

4. Combined development. 

5. Footpaths within natural protected environment. 

6. Historic renovated village as unique accommodation 



STRATEGIC NECESSARY INTERVENTIONS 

Part of the strategy is also to include locals and inhabitants in the process. 

Renovating the villages, finding and marking old paths to climb, reinforcing 

the terraces and irrigation are seen as strong interventions and cannot be 

done without the local knowledge and experiences. It is a vital process 

to include everyone in the future development to reach an integrated 

territorial strategy. The Riviera Drive can become the real spine of the 

future economic and touristic development through its connections with 

the natural features and the touristic attractions both along the coastline 

and inland. Through this continuous spine the aim of the strategy is 

reinforcing the dialogue between the cultural and the natural landscape. 

Landart 

88 



PORTO PALERMO 

FERTILE VALLEYS 

CULTIVATED TERRACES 

1. Recreational objects implementation. 

2. Experience of dramatic views and contrasted landscapes. 

3. Enhanced living experience in the groves. 

4. Historical objects preservation and accommodation. 

5. Reinforced irrigation system and unique agricultural pattern. 

6. Preserved and reinforced unique terraces landscape. 



Perceptions 

APPLIED LANDART 

Once we have identified a specific strategy for each landscape sequence, 

we are able to develop a specific intervention to enhance the experience 

of locals and visitors on a peculiar site. Along the Riviera Drive, panoramic 

views and refurbished urban centre offer a new frame on the landscape. In 

the groves or in the maquis, lines, paths and trails could be drawn to create 

new pedestrian accesses towards the beaches. On the coastline, specific 

objects will enhance the variety of recreational uses while characterizing 

the beaches. 

90 





92 



Perceptions 



03 

Lot 2 

SEALINE + METRO POLIS 


Architect and Urban Planner 

Sealine - Universita di Ferrara 

MetroPolis - Polis University 

94 

SEALINE + METRO POLIS


Boosting accessibility through an infrastructural network based on relevant spots and di verse-scale itineraries (seaborne 

connections, pedestrian paths, trails ...). These spots will also support inter-modality between large scale flows and local mobility 

networks. Working as Touristic hubs, they are meant to be gates for wider territories: allowing to penetrate other adjacent regions 

of the country - making the whole tourist package of Albania and their economic program more sustainable; allowing to discover 

and access unknown landscape and coastal areas - maximizing social and economic impact of strategic public investments, and 

promote incremental public-private partnership. 

SEALINE + METRO POLIS 95


Reactive Riviera 

The strategic importance of the South Albania Riviera makes it necessary 

to rethink the role of this area in the national and regional context. When 

the circulation system, the accesses and the distribution of services are 

considered, the area under study is influenced by a series of national and 

international routes that can be exploited in order to improve the access to 

the Riviera. The Blue Corridor that connects the Ionian and Adriatic coast 

of the Balkans to the rest of Europe takes in this context a crucial role. 

The proximity to the Euro Port of Igumenitsa and the presence of the Blue 

European corridor will allow the region to become part of an international 

circle of qualitative tourism. In particular, in the Southern Albania this Euro 

Corridor can be intended as three distinct and complementing corridors: 

the North-South corridor, connecting Durrës-Tirana to Gjirokastra and 

Ioannina; the Bypass corridor that starting from Vlora goes to the inland 

using historical routes to go to Saranda; the Panoramic corridor that from 

Llogara touches all the beautiful sites of the Riviera, ending in Saranda. 

The three corridors, being complementary to each other, can be further 

connected through transversal routes that make possible the differentiation 

of the offered services and accesses to the entire South of Albania. In this 

way a network of regional services hubs can be created in the national 

level, allowing the Riviera to become a strategic area throughout the entire 

year. The touristic vocation of the area will still remain crucial but new 

and diverse opportunities can be created without further exploiting the 

invaluable landscape and territory. 

Infrastructural network 

96 



The networks 



Vlora 

Vlora 

Vlora 

Himara 

Himara 

Himara 

Borsh 

Borsh 

Borsh 

Saranda 

Saranda 

Saranda 

Tourism strategy 

This basic diagram shows the relationship between the components 

which contribute to the success of a tourist destination in a territorial 

perspective. The events and visitors’ attractions are the Primary 

Component, supplemented by services such as accommodations and 

catering, the Secondary Component is the human capital supplied from 

“Local Community” ensuring the operation of Primary and Secondary 

Component. These components mainly depend on the Transportation 

Component which ensures accessibility and popularity to the destination. 

And all this has to be wrapped together in a spatial-territorial planning 

and development approach, with strong sensitivity on public esthetic and 

public space. Objectives and challenges Tourism is the most important 

source for the Riviera segment identified as Himara Area to growth 

safeguarding and improving its environmental and cultural heritage. 

Environmental and cultural heritage includes mountain and coastal 

landscapes, villages and local communities, traditions and identities. A 

sustainable growth based on a sustainable tourism means a low impact 

development of infrastructures and facilities for a tourism that respects 

both local people and the travellers, cultural heritage and the environment. 

Protection of environment and development of natural sources can be 

compatible if they are based on a low environmental/ economic/social 

impact of interventions, a quite limited consumption of land, a strategy 

of improvement of accessibility and understanding of natural and cultural 

sites. These are the main objectives and the ambitious challenges of the 

Reactive Riviera Project. 

Implementing the maritime mobility system, 

a light and short-time infrastructure: 

1. Current situation. 

2. Improved multimodal access. 

3. Example of intermodal transportation. 

98 



Improving road access points / 

parking and transversal connections 

Control building typologies 

Ambitions and approaches 

Sustainable, ethical and local are the three important keywords that drive 

the conceptual approach of Reactive Riviera Project to the implementation 

of infrastructures and facilities for the growth of a cultural, sustainable 

and low impact tourism. Ideas and proposals focus intersection of 

environmental, social and economic issues, founding their feasibility on: 

data survey of environmental conditions, eco balance, potential risks and 

potential impacts produced (environmental sustainability); assessment 

of community resilience, local traditions, potential involvement 

and participation of inhabitants in the changes and growth (social 

sustainability); compatibility and balance between investors’ expectation 

and community needs, rights and participation (financial sustainability); 

Principles of business ethics drive the business models that the proposals 

of the Reactive Riviera Project are based on. Models will be further 

investigated, compared with the available ones in the Albanian legislation, 

and applied to the different business cases. Use of local and renewable 

resources will be considered the priority choices in the implementation 

and development of solution proposed. 



PALASA-DHERMI 

Key actions: 

1. Implementation of road connections between villages and beaches; 

restricted (service) access to the road along Dhermi beach. 

2. Revitalization of pedestrian historical paths connecting the historical 

centres and the beach. 

3. Paving and renewal of the facades in the main plaza of Dhërmi. 

4. Definition of intermodal nodes. 

5. Parking system organization - with temporary and seasonal access 

control. 

6. Dhërmi beach - waterfront promenade, new public plaza and belvedere, 

pier for touristic and private boat docking, beach facilities and info point. 

7. Definition of protected green areas. 

Dhermi networks / Sea plaza 

DHERMI NETWORK / SEA PLAZA 

1. Paving and renewal of the facades in the main plaza of Dhermi. 

2. Public plaza and belvedere in Dhermi beach. 

3. Promenade in Dhermi beach. 

4. Pier in Dhermi beach. 

5. Info point in Dhermi beach, revitalization of the historical paths between 

the sea and the historical centers. 

6.Parking system organization with temporary and seasonal access control. 

100 



The networks / Dhermi - Palase 



Concept 

The objective of the intervention in the area of Dhërmi is to create a series 

of virtuous cycles through minimal interventions. These reactivated cycles 

are intended to extend the touristic season by diversifying the offered 

activities, not by exploiting even further the territory but by highlighting 

the existing and hidden potentials of the southern Albanian landscape. 

The proposal for this area is based on the concept of strengthening 

historical paths with the intention to create a network of itineraries that 

weave together the landscape persistence, historical sites and vacation 

destinations. In this way, it is intended to create a complex system of 

activities and sites that reacts to the seasonal changes of the touristic 

demand and pressure. During the high season, the network will bring the 

seaside visitors up to historical villages of Dhërmi, Gjilekë, Kondraq and 

Palasë, better distributing in this way the benefits of the touristic activities 

to the local communities. While, during the off-season, the permanence 

of few activities will still allow specific typologies of tourism to be present 

in the territory, keeping in this way the villages alive even during the 

winter. The proposed network is based on a series of punctual and linear 

interventions. In particular the immediate interventions are proposed to 

take place in the historical center of Dhërmi and along the seaside. In the 

historical center, the revaluation of the plazas by redesigning the pavement 

and few facades will create very pleasant places from the tourists and 

inhabitants. The ending point of the street that brings the visitors down 

to the beach is proposed to become an important node for where the 

mountain, the beach and the sea itineraries meet and where a public plaza 

that bring a new image for Dhërmi can be created. Form this node the 

visitors can either choose to take the promenade along the seaside which 

offers basic bathing services or take one of the tracking itineraries to the 

inlands, or even use the proposed pier to take a maritime itinerary. In this 

way the inland, the beach and the sea get interconnected, increasing the 

tourism capacity without impacting the territory. 

102 





Connection with the land 

104 



Connection with the beach 



106 



Dhermi network / beach and promenade 



Vuno networks / Sea plaza 

VUNO-JALE 

Key actions: 

1. Bypass around Vuno village to limit nonresident traffic in the centre of 

the village. 

2. Parking system organization - with temporary and seasonal access 

control. 

3. Jale beach - pier for touristic and private boat docking, beach facilities 

and info point. 

4. Conversion of the old water basin into a theatre arena for concerts and 

plays and annex facilities. 

108 



The networks / Vuno - Jale 



VUNO NETWORK I EVENT CATALYST 

1. Creation of a bypass for traffic in the historical center. 

2. Creation of a pedestrian area in the historical center. 

3. Creation of a diffused hotel in the historical center. 

4. Conversion of the water reservoir to a cultural center 

5. Organization of parking lots on the road to Jali beach. 

6. Redesign and opening to the public of the GOV. residence. 

bungalows guest houses artists facilities arena bar/restoration services camping areas roulette area/parking 

110 



Masterplan 



C 

oncept. 3 main actions. One, dealing with the historical village, 

understanding its touristic potentials proposes to create a bypass 

in order to solve the one way traffic problem. By doing so, the 

historical village can become a pedestrian area where a diffused hotel can 

be implemented. This structure offers all the facilities of a hotel, using and 

readapting the existing local houses. Second intervention is intended to 

use the potentials of Jali beach and its appeal to the younger generations 

by reactivating the abandoned water reservoir and by turning it into a 

space for social events or music concerts. The camps on the beach and 

the temporary structures of the reservoir can create a unique location 

for international festivals. The third touches the governmental residence 

which accompanied by the local landscape and the car free village uphill 

can welcome regional and international summits. The residence can 

occasionally accommodate visitors becoming so economically sustainable. 

The combination of the 3 can turn the whole area in an active spot of the 

Riviera during the entire year. 

112 





Himare network / Waterfront promenade 

himara network / waterfront promenade 

1. Waterfront promenade. 

2. Linear Pine tree park along the promenade. 

3. Urban park and steps. 

4. Paving and renewal of the facades along the promenade. 

5. Pier. 

6. Reconstruction and extension of the harbor. 

7. New harbor terminal. 

8. Lighthouse. 

9. Mooring buoys. 

10. Sport structures near the stadium. 

11. Pedestrian path to the historic castle. 

12. Reconstruction of the historical square in the old city. 

HIMARA 

Key actions: 

1. Renovation of waterfront promenade to connect all the beaches. 

2. Linear pine tree park along the promenade. 

3. Development of urban park and steps. 

4. Addition of a pier at the end of the main road. 

5. Reconstruction and extension of the harbour, new harbour terminal, 

lighthouse, mooring buoys. 

6. Introduction of new facilities around the stadium. 

7. Restoration of the pedestrian path to the historic castle of old Himara. 

8. Reconstruction of the historical square in the old city. 

114 



The networks / Himara 



1. Harbour and lighthouse. 

2. Promenade and pier. 

3. Urban park and steps. 

H 

imara being the main locality between Vlora and Saranda takes 

a primary role in the general proposal for the Southern Albania 

Riviera. The city is able to welcome more visitors than the nearby 

areas and it has the potential to become a service hub for the region. 

For these reasons the intervention in Himara is proposed to be more 

substantial. The proposal intends to create not only a new image for 

the city waterfront but it aims to improve significantly the quality of the 

public space. A new circulation scheme allows most of the waterfront to 

be car-free. This pedestrian promenade creates a solution of continuity 

for the three beaches of the city. The visitors are accompanied along the 

promenade by the linear pine tree park, smaller urban parks and a system 

of steps that not only allows the natural connection between the city 

and the sea but also creates smaller plazas and spaces to stop along the 

beach. The promenade after crossing the new pier, branches off towards 

the northern end of the city leading from one side to the reorganized and 

extended harbor which can welcome visitors from the sea thanks to the 

new terminal. On the second branch, the linear park brings the visitors 

uphill, through the new sports center, to the historical city and the castle. 

The reconstructed square recreates the Mediterranean atmosphere and 

opens new panoramas towards the sea. 

116 



Masterplan 



Himara network / Today 

118 



Himara network / The new human promenade 



Porto Palermo network / Hosting bay 

Porto Palermo 

Key action: 

1. Addition of mooring buoys and pier. 

2. Parking system organization. 

3. Design of an Eco hotel/resort. 

4. Design of underground buildings for cultural, training and research facilities. 

5. Renovation of the path connecting the port with Alipasha Castle. 

Porto Palermo / hosting bay 

1. Reorganization of existing WHARF 

2. Organization of mooring buoys 

3. Creation of high quality resort 

4. Improved accessibility to Ali Pasha casrle 

5. Reuse of the military camp and submarine tunnels for the creation of the Cold War Museum 

120 



The networks / Porto Palermo 



Concept 

The concept of the key actions in Porto Palermo is based on the preservation 

and enhancement of the strong historical and landscape values of the area. 

The existing military base which includes also some fascinating submarine 

tunnels is proposed to be reconverted in the Cold War Museum using 

the existing structures as a base for reorganization. A compact and selfsustainable, 

high quality resort is proposed to be integrated into the rocky 

landscape of the bay. This presence will contribute to keep the area active 

during the whole year. Visitors can access the bay also from the sea thanks 

to the presence of the ex-military wharf and of the new mooring buoys 

which allows boats to anchor without disturbing the ecosystem of the sea 

bed. The presence of the better accessible castle of Ali Pasha will complete 

the tourism offer of Porto Palermo. 

Masterplan 

122 





The situation today 

Reorganization of the military camp 

124 



Eco-resort building typology 



Borsh-Qeparo network I Wellness park 

BORSH-QEPARO 

Key actions: 

1. Improvement of facilities in Qeparo and Borsh beach. 

2. Borsh central square, Improved accessibility to Borsh castle. 

3. Revitalization of Old Qeparo village. 

4. Creation of sports activity area. 

5. Improved connectivity with the inland by Borsh river valley. 

BORSH-QEPARO NETWORK I WELLNESS PARK 

1. Improvement of services in Qeparo beach. 

2. Improvement of services in Borsh beach. 

3. Improvement of Borsh central square. 

4. Revitalization of old Qeparo village. 

5. Creation of sports activity area. 

6. Improved accessibility of Borsh castle. 

7. Improved connectivity with the inland through the Borsh river valley. 

126 



The networks / Borsh - Qeparo 



Concept 

Borsh and Qeparo offer a difference in the landscape component, with 

its flatter terrain and cultivated regularly with olives. The strong natural 

presence is intended to be protected and the majority of the proposed 

interventions are facilities for open air activities and sports. These key 

actions will not only diversify the touristic offer but due to the nature 

of the proposed activities, will enhance the landscape value of the area. 

Some of the proposed sports tracks will allow the penetration inland, 

revitalizing by one side the old and historical centers, and by the other 

creating better connections to the historical routes that connect the 

area to Vlora, avoiding Llogara. While the activities and the access will 

progressively improve, the two beaches are intended to be equipped with 

better amenities recognizing the strong familiar character of the tourism in 

this particular area of the Riviera. 

Masterplan 

128 





Park accessibility system : parking lots 

also available for the seaside users 

Park connections: bike & pedestrian path 

slow trails 

Recreational areas: sport fields & facilities 

panoramic spots 

130 



Sport activity area 



The networks / Piqeras - Lukove 

PIQERAS-LUKOVE 

Key actions: 

1. Improvement of trekking and horse riding trails and biking paths starting 

from the beach area. 

2. Implementation of road connections between villages and beaches. 

3. Pier for touristic and private boat docking, free equipped beaches. 

4. Improvement of pedestrian road along Bunec and Lukove beach. 

132 



Masterplan 


134 



lot 3 

135


06 

Lot 3 

ATENA STUDIO + ATELIER4 - winning team 


Architect & Urban Planner 

Rossana Atena 

Marco Sardella 

Alban Eftimi 

Altin Premti 

Andi Eftimi 

Olsi Eftimi 

Architect 

Arianna Marino 

Davide Ventura 

Marika Martino 

Klodiana Millona 

Keti Hoxha 

Olisa Foto 

Forest Engineer 

Andrea Atena 

Biodiversity Consultant 

Ferdinand Bego 

136 

ATENA STUDIO + ATELIER4


RIVIERA a new identity 

The project will create attractive and sustainable products 

that provide unique and customized experiences. Therefore, 

it should develop a process promoting attractiveness and 

accessibility of coastal integrating archaeology, maritime 

heritage, underwater tourism, eno-gastronomic activities etc. 

ATENA STUDIO + ATELIER4 137


Territorial strategies 

RESOURCES, VALUES & ACTIONS 

National Park of Llogara 

Values: special landscape and natural values , the only real National Park in 

Albania (defining the existing boundaries). Actions: block of new buildings 

development, demolition of abusive buildings along the national street 

(especially: buildings on ridges) elimination of sheep-farming, reforestation, 

protection of the autochthonous pine tree, Pisha Flamur. 

Reserve of Karaburun 

Values: wild and untouched landscape, absence of fencing (re-define the 

actual boundary). Actions: elimination of sheep-farming and of the practice 

of burning the pastures, plan of reforestation necessary for shading. 

Wetland area/ the Lagoon of Orikum 

Values: exceptional environmental values, migration of avifauna in the area 

and compared with the wetland network of the Mediterranean (zoomed 

out ecosystem) mapping of the existing and old boundaries. Actions: 

demolition of the coastal street next to Orikum, reduce the military base 

and excluding the archaeological area from it (and including it in the park), 

recover the church of Marmiru (including it in the park). 

Karaburun 

Caves and bays in the peninsula of Karaburun with access only from 

the sea water touristic services from the existing Marina Harbour of the 

Orikum that passes through all the caves and bays with small and medium 

sized boats Use of the are of Karaburun during the whole year: -Hunting 

(October-January), rally with 2 or 4 routes (February-March), hiking, 

alpinism, extreme sports (March-September), diving and snorkeling almost 

during the whole year. 

Old Tragjas 

VALUES: Positive traditional elements, the connection of the old Tragjas 

with other parts of Riviera and the new Tragjas . ACTIONS: Ultra Light 

Intervention - for the objects of particular values for touristic scopes 

and Light Interventions: An experiment of the process of Public-Private 

Urban Transformation Society. Diffused hotel with plural property ( in 

one side are the old property owners which gather there once a year. The 

Municipality takes part in the management of the hotels. 

138 



Topography 

Existing Main Road 

Vlora Bypass 

Inhabited Centers 

Military Base Boundary 

Archeological Sites 

Vehicle Road 

Religious Building 

Castle 

Cave 

“Flag” Pine 

Marine 

AquaDuct 

new Park: Karaburun-Orikum Laguna-Llogara 

Park entrance Gate 

Waterfront Promenade 

Pedestrian Route 

Park Significant Paths 

Bicycle Lane 

Reforestration Inland 

Intervention Zones 

Building Buffer Zone 

Bird Watching 

Camping Area 

Proposed Water Tracks 



phase 1 

Planning agenda 

140 



phase 2 

Planning agenda 



ECO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT TOURISM OF EXCELLENCE 

The scope of this project is creating a Centre of Excellence by creating 

attractive and sustainable products that provide unique and customized 

experiences. Therefore, it develops a process promoting attractiveness 

and accessibility of coastal areas integrated with archeology, maritime 

heritage, underwater tourism, eno-gastronomic activities, etc. 

142 



Map of ecotourism’s development 



National park 

The scope of this project is creating a Centre of Excellence by creating 

attractive and sustainable products that provide unique and customized 

experiences. Therefore, it develops a process promoting attractiveness 

and accessibility of coastal areas integrated with archeology, maritime 

heritage, underwater tourism, eno-gastronomic activities, etc. Aim: The 

project will create attractive and sustainable products that provide unique 

and customized experiences. 

Therefore, it should develop a process promoting attractiveness and 

accessibility of coastal integrating archaeology, maritime heritage, 

underwater tourism, eno-gastronomic activities etc. Action: diversification 

and integration of coastal and inland attractions. 

144 



Intervention map 



Anthropic system 

Oricum Valley & New Dukati 

Little interest in the action of competition, surveying of the design of 

the cultivated fields and of urban grid system, insertion of new rows of 

eucalyptus and / or poplar trees as windbreaks eventually to be inserted as 

a continuity of the design of the plantation of new trees on the coastline, 

stimulation versus B & B and agro tourism, recovery of farming activity to 

produce agricultural products for tourists. New Dukati as a basis for tourist 

excursions NOTE: For all new construction, such as the two visitor centers 

in the park, or camping equipment etc. Always consider areas contained in 

the valley, never on the mountain ridges, possibly against the mountain so 

as to limit the maximum impact of vision. 

146 



Marina / new facilities 



Water system 

North Coastal Area 

Prohibition of any type of design and/or building on the coast : minimum 

300 m of buffer zone MFS Modular Furniture System - system of modular 

furniture for the coastal line : bar, kiosks, restaurants, shore facilities, urban 

furniture, benches, barriers, changing rooms, showers, hygienic services, 

recyclable waste, storing small boats(canoes, windsurfing, etc.), Jetties, sea 

water slides. Necessity of spreading light covers for shading of the coast 

Oricum. Construction of limited number of new hotels, back from the 

sea, in the portion of narrow valleys rear, never on the mountain ridges. 

Architectural restoration and preservation of buildings of downtown 

Rradhima and intended use as B & B. New and diffused planting spread 

throughout the coastline, eventually a continuation of rows of the center 

of Oricum Design of public spaces and windbreak rows in the rear of the 

farmland in the valley Oricum. 

148 



Viewport lagoon 

Coast line facilities 



Ecology system 

P 

ublic Spaces inside the urban pattern of Orikum: Urban fabric of little 

value. Limiting the expansion lock in the direction towards the sea. 

Structuring a new fabric “weak” designed with solid sinuous lines, 

derived from the coastal strip north and then going back scattering in the 

valley for agricultural and realized mainly with rows of new planted trees. 

The new fabric generates interstitial areas and new urban spatiality to be 

completed with the design of public open spaces conceived as “fields” 

or “rooms” fictionalized predominantly as entertainment and service in 

support of tourism. 

150 



Belvedere 

Viewpoint on the lagoon 



Reforestation process Karaburun 

and preservation of Llogara forest 

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTION KARABURUN RESERVE 

According to a computational aided approach the numerical results is not 

only a descriptive outcome but also, and above all, a numeric input, needful 

to plan a design strategy algorithmically connected to the initial analysis 

outputs. In this case, to each test point of the entire morphology, is firstly 

assigned a numerical value in terms of solar radiation (accordingly with 

the analysis outcome) and afterward a set of rules, algorithmically defined, 

establishes the specific design strategies. The amount of insulation in 

terms of Kwh/ m2 represents the starting point and the computational 

input which determines the density and the correct position of the new 

vegetation. This strategy aims to achieve the following goals: - To muffle 

the overheating of the overexposed areas during the summer period; - To 

supply touristic public areas with a high standard of therm-hygrometric 

comfort: -To re-establish and balance the original ecosystem environmental 

conditions. 

152 



Lagoon park 

This strategy aims to achieve the following goals: 

- To muffle the overheating of the overexposed areas during the summer period. 

- To supply touristic public areas with a high standard of therm-hygrometric comfort. 

- To re-establish and balance the original ecosystem environmental conditions. 



Reforestation process Karaburun 

and preservation of Llogara forest 

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERVENTION ORIKUM LAGOON PARK 

Strategy of intervention Catalyst: Identification of catalysts by intersecting 

the main axes related both to the canals and to the orthogonal directions 

which define the field in original. Voronoi: After identifying the catalyst 

points, Voronoi diagram allows to establish a relationship among them and 

in relation with the context. 

Strategy 1: Voronoi diagram identifies a number of directions that are 

recommended to place close to the catalysts, in favour to the summer 

wind and in opposition to the winter wind. Metaball: After identifying the 

catalyst points, metaball diagram allows to establish a relationship among 

them and in relation to the context. 

Strategy 2: Metaball diagram identifies a number of isocurves which 

defines a more organic pattern for the new planting, close to the catalysts, 

in favour to the summer wind and in opposition to the winter wind. 

154 



METABALL DIAGRAM 

Metaball is a component of Grasshopper that uses algorithm. Metaball is a method of modelling surfaces. It 

uses parametric equations to define points on surface which can then be connected to give polygonal meshes. 



Modular furniture system providing facilities. 

New identity of the national park 

1. Entrance gate from Llogara 

2. View point 

3. Picnic area 

4. View point to the church of Marmiru 

5. Bird-watching 

6. Lagoon of Orikum 

7. Underwater archaeological site 

8. Archaeological site 

9. Entrance to the archaeological site 

10. Cultivated fields 

11. Sitting elements and pier 

12. Entrance gate form Orikum 

156 



Resting module 1 

Modular furniture system 



Renovation of old buildings / methods 

the process of Public-Private Urban Transformation 

Society / old tragjas 

ACTIONS: Diffused hotel with plural property ( in one side are the old 

property owners which gather there once a year. The Municipality takes 

part in the management of the hotels. Positive traditional elements, the 

connection of the old Tragjas with other parts of Riviera and the new 

Tragjas. Keeping the inside of the village unaccessible by vehicles and 

restoring pedestrian paths. Creating a system of squares inside the village 

There are two zones created in the village: -the area of diffused hotel that 

has three typology of residences, the main hotel buildings, youth hostel 

and residence for artist; -the area of existing untouched buildings. Each 

of this area have their corresponding square with different functions, 

such as artistic performances, art installation, community centre, open air 

cinema. The intervention is minimal and the new buildings are hidden in 

the existing walls of the buildings, giving a low visual impact to the visitors. 

158 



Renovation of old buildings / facades 



PROJECTS & IDENTITY, Radhima 

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESSIBILITY 

-Completing the infrastructure system by making the pedestrian the 

primary user. 

-Division of the pedestrian path from the emergency street with greenery 

-Connecting the new Bypass with the waterfront and Radhima. 

-Creating new parking spaces and services along the main street, away 

from the waterfront. 

DEMOLITION AND CLEANING COAST LINE 

-Demolition of abusive buildings along the coastal line 3 -Cleaning the 

beach area and the coastal line. 

- Transforming the concrete existing piers in wooden piers. 

NEW DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE 

-New Buildings Resort in the existing village of Radhima only and leaving 

the faces of the hills completely natural. 

-Development of agriculture. 

160 



Section 

View of the coastline strip 



Greenery and waterscape intervention 

Network of Public Spaces to structure the Urban 

PATTERN of Orikum 

Urban fabric of little value. Limiting the expansion lock in the direction 

towards the sea. Structuring a new fabric "weak" designed with solid 

sinuous lines, derived from the coastal strip north and then going back 

scattering in the valley for agricultural and realized mainly with rows 

of new planted trees. The new fabric generates interstitial areas and 

new urban spatiality to be completed with the design of public open 

spaces conceived as "fields" or "rooms" functionalized predominantly as 

entertainment and service in support of tourism (other sites for tourism, 

as Tragjasi old Rradhima, or the coast, are mainly residential, here instead 

focused the necessary tourist services). 

162 



View of the proposal 



07 

Lot 3 

BEL ARCHITECTEN + ENO MUHO + ENTON DERRAJ 


Architect & Planning 

Bel architecten BVBA 

Architect & Urban planner 

Enton Derraj 

Urban planner 

Eno Muho 

164 

BEL ARCHITECTEN + ENO MUHO + ENTON DERRAJ


The bridge taking the old coast road to Vlorë on the east side of the intersection between the two main streets. We would 

like to turn it into a link between the river, the SHB road, Orikum’s centre and the Orikum beach. We would develop it as a 

bridge plazza, as a formal meeting and events square. 

PANORAMA 

BEL ARCHITECTEN + ENO MUHO + ENTON DERRAJ 165


Albania, the land of the white mountains 

Albania is situated on the Mediterranean coast, east of Italy, where the 

Adriatic and the Ionian sea meet. It covers 28,748 square km and has 

3.6 million inhabitants. It’s about as large as Belgium, the country we 

come from, but it has three times fewer inhabitants. So it’s fairly sparsely 

populated in comparison. 

The Albanian coast 

Albania’s coastline is 576 km long. The northern part is flat, easily 

accessible and developed. The south, the Albanian Riviera, however is 

quite mountainous, difficult to reach, but extremely beautiful thanks to its 

abundant unspoiled nature. 

The Albanian Riviera 

The Albanian Riviera reaches from Vlorë in the north to Sarandë in the 

south near the greek border. The SH8 coastal road links the villages in 

between: Orikum, Dhermi, Himare, Porto Palermo, Qeparo. 

Geography wise the southern part contains three areas: 

1. Vlorë to Dhërmi, rugged and tough with its over 2000m high sometimes 

snowy peaks close to the sea - lot 3. 

2. Dhërmi to Lukovë: green, idyllic and unspoiled - lot 2. 

3. Lukovë to Butrint: the touristic part near Sarandë with its numerous 

bays and ots view of Karkyra ( Corfu ) - lot 1. 

166 



Albania’s and Riviera’s map 



Proposal 

We see the Riviera as one large national park: “The Riviera National Park” 

1. We therefore propose a maximum expansion and linking together of the 

various natural areas still separated now. This could be done by: defining 

as nature reserves those natural areas not yet defined as such; defining 

the great mountain ranges as nature reserves and integrating them into 

the green network. This is only logical as these great mountain ranges 

are at the origin of the Albanian identity; integrating agricultural areas 

into the green network of natural reserves at strategic spots. This can be 

done by yielding abandoned farmland to nature. Defining green corridors 

within existing agricultural areas, introducing a different way of farming 

in certain agricultural areas. Smaller scale organic farming for example 

generates more biodiversity: even by creating additional “nature” for the 

green network. 

2. We propose from now on to consider towns and villages as well defined 

islands in this green network. Construction outside them should no longer 

be allowed. The implantation of tourist developments should be well 

argued and integrated into the network. Implantation in relation to the 

towns and villages will be preferable. Implantation outside them will only 

be permitted at specific and well arguments locations. 

3. We suggest to create a framework for the construction of infrastructure 

such as new roads and railways. Defining the Albanian Riviera as a large 

nature reserve will help develop a vision on how to integrate these 

elements into the landscape. For example: will there be a road at ground 

level or will there be a tunnel, or a bridge, to maintain nature’s continuity? 

The Riviera National Park 

168 



Map of Orikum 

Built up mass 

That’s why we would like to put Orikum really on the seaside! We would 

do so by adding a new neighborhood, by developing the coastal strip north 

of the river mouth into Orikum on the beach, the ideal spot for seaside 

tourism. The curved bay and the topography behind it would define 

the new neighborhood’s boundary. A boundary looking like a blade or a 

wing. Between the development and the sea we would conserve an area 

approximately 100 m wide for the beach, a long green park with pine 

trees and the road. The park would provide space for small scale tourism 

infrastructures such as cafes, surf clubs, fitness businesses, petanque 

strips and sports fields- besides, maybe some public buildings. 



orikum land use, existing situation 

The transition from the urbanized coat past Vlore to untouched nature is 

clearly visible in the bay of Orikum. The river is clearly a boundary. There’s 

where a nearly undeveloped coastline starts. We propose the river as a 

border between culture (buildings) and nature (no buildings). We propose 

to develop an urban plan for the bay of Orikum, using the basic principles 

elaborated above: 

1. Natural areas such as the lagoon will be restored to their former glory. 

They will be expanded right up to the limits of villages and towns as we 

want to maximize the contrast between nature and built-up areas to 

create exciting spaces. 

2. Clear boundaries, evident edges will be defined for the existing urban 

tissue and for the areas to be developed in the future. We want to create 

a clear structure to halt the rampant chaotic development spillage all over 

the bay. 

3. The infrastructure will be considered as a network between nature 

and built-up areas. Public spaces such as squares and parks, even public 

buildings, will be nodes connecting nature and culture. 

170 



urbanization 

large scale agriculture land 

beach dunes 

broad-leaved forest 

coniferous forest 

moor and heat land 

natural grassland 

sclerophyllous vegetation 

sparsely vegetated 

transitional woodland scrub 

Map of existing situation 



Map of the land use / Proposal 

orikum where nature meets culture 

1. The Karaburunit Peninsula - hiker heaven. With plenty of interesting 

sites such as its caves and its marvellous beaches, the Karaburunit 

peninsula would be the centre of Albania’s largest national park. One could 

easily stay and have fun there for several days. So at specific sites like the 

Gramma bay or near the lighthouse ancient ruins would be turned into 

guest houses and campsites. They would always be situated close to the 

sea and provided with their own pier so visitors and goods could always be 

brought and fetched and waste collected. A Vlorë-Orikum on the beach- 

Pasha Limanit-Himarë ferry might be arranged. To improve the nature 

reserve’s accessibility the existing trails would be repaired and upgraded 

to permit multi-day hikes and the local trail network would be linked to 

the great European long-distance trail network traversing the continent. 

And finally, if new trees are planted to replace the forests burned in recent 

decades to create pastures for sheep over time a glorious Llogara National 

Park will once again reach as far as the seal. Two more large open spaces 

exist in Orikum’s core. We propose new development plans to give them 

more meaning for the community: 

2. The Terraces on the hill in the south. They would become a citrus and 

olive archard traverse by walking trails. 

3. The Bridge taking the old coastal road to Vlore on the east side of the 

intersection between the two main streets. We would like to turn it into 

a link between the river, the SH8 road, Orikum’s centre and the Orikum 

beach. We would develop it as a bridge plaza, as a formal meeting and 

evening square. 

172 





Isometric view 

The whole would be structured according to the following principles: 

STRIPS - Built up strips and open ones alternating consistently to allow 

sufficient public space and greenery. LOW DENSITY - One or two 

levels higher densities at the ends. DIVERSITY - Each strip would have 

its own typology to attract its own typical tourists, users and residents. 

There would be villas, multi-family houses, small guest houses and some 

apartment buildings or high-rises on the corners of the square. Commercial 

businesses like shops might be included. A GRID - Oriented east-west and 

rotated 45 degree with respect to the coast. In that way all streets, even 

the side streets would face the sea and the new nieghbourhood would 

maximize its relationship with the beach and the sea. 

Research example of the wing: 

1. Existing parcels - 32.5ha 

2. Strips east west - 32 ha 

3. Grid - 40.5 ha 

174 



Isometric view of the proposal 



Plan of the gatehouse 

a gatehouse 

Positioned where the city “slops” nowadays. In the future Orikum will be 

accessed via the new Vlore bypass however and traffic will enter the city 

here. We propose to shift and connect the end of the Vlore bypass to the 

city. We suggest a building in the shape of a gate at this location, positioned 

in the middle of the plaza and flanked by a gas station, a bus station, a 

supermarket, a roadside restaurant and ample parking opportunity, all 

of them features focused on serving the region around Orikum. Private 

housing overlooking the pretty valley would surround the plaza. 

176 



View of the gatehouse 



Market Hall / Front isometric view 

market hall 

A market hall at the intersection of the lagoon, the city and fields of 

organic agriculture. Basically the hall would be shaped like a canopy 

allowing farmers and fishermen to sell their crops and their catch to 

residents and tourists underneath. In its optimum version it would be 

a building with several “sides”. A “fields-side” space for dealing with the 

harvest ( auctioning, processing, packing and turning the organic waste 

into electricity by means of a biomass plant). A “city side” with restaurants 

offering local specialities. A “lagoon side” with rooms to process the fish 

and mussel harvest and a tourist information point selling tickets for 

cruises on the lagoon and trips to the Orikos archaeological site. And 

finally even a “roof side” with photovoltaic panels producing electricity. 

178 



Plan of the Market Hall 



Plan of the beach 

the beach 

That’s why we would like to put Orikum really on the seaside! We would 

do so by adding a new neighborhood, by developing the coastal strip north 

of the river mouth into Orikum on the beach, the ideal spot for seaside 

tourism. 

180 



The riverside view 

riverside view 

An observation tower is placed on the triangle’s northerner corner closest 

to the sea. The existing main street would be extended until here as a 

promenade along the river. The observation tower would be great fun with 

its ice-cream parlour, its climbing wall and a panoramic restaurant at the 

top offering moules-frites with samphire! 



View of the strips 

strips 

Built-up strips and open ones alternating consistently to allow sufficient 

public and green space. Between the development and the sea we would 

conserve an area approximately 100 m wide for the beach, a long green 

park with pine trees and the road. The park would provide space for smallscale 

tourism infrastructures such as cafes, surf clubs, fitness businesses, 

petanque strips and sports fields-besides, maybe, some public buildings. 

182 



View of the housing complex 

Embracing the existing 

The egg-shaped lawn in the core’s western part. It would embrace a park 

and playground, part of it situated in the city and part of it in the lagoon. A 

housing complex would circle and define it. 


INTERNATIONAL Urban DESIGN 

COMPETITION 

For the southern coastal strip and 

surrounding settlements, [3 lots] 

No. 2

ORGANIZERS 


National Territorial Planning 

Agency (AKPT) 

Atelier Albania 

PARTNERS 


Municipality of Orikum 

Municipality of Himara 

Municipality of Saranda 

COMPETITION CONTRIBUTORS 

AKPT 

Adelina Greca (team leader) 

Ditjon Baboçi (project coordinator) 

Andi Shameti 

Anisa Qorri 

Eno Kotmilo 



PARTICIPANTS 

Openfabric + Cityförster + 

Symbiotica + PolyLester 

Quattro associati + Mod. Land + 

IN.AR.CO + E.Arch Studio 

Graphic Design & PRINTING 

Irola Andoni 

Publicita Sh.P.K 

Bureau Bas Smets + SON 

engineering & construction + 

Vadim Vosters 

Sealine + Metro POLIS 


Bel Architecten + Eno Muho + 

Enton Derraj 

Copyright © 2015 AKPT. All rights reserved.

Riviera

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