HHF
HHF
HHF
Durr
Naples Brindisi
Vlora
Patra
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February 2014
PROJECT STRATEGIES
DEFINING THE FIGURE OF PUBLIC SPACE
The public space of Vlora will double once the national road is pushed back and triple if the full area of the harbor is considered. This dramatic change of size and functionality will need to be assisted with a high level of clarity in design. The whole waterfront should form a continuous space without any dead ends. As in many similar sized coastal cities the waterfront of Vlora is a purely functional strip. There are better beaches close by, so why would one care about the waterfront? Zones such as the Old Beach are deeply instilled in the conscience of the citizens of Vlora with a specific name and program. The objective is to maintain these connotations while aiming at intensifying the current program and fully exploiting the areas potential. The result is a combination of the modern vernacular with a revitalization and renewal effort which conserves the local feel of the city. Furthermore waterfront development can help the revitalization of these streets themselves and transform them into continuations of a vibrant urban spine.
400000 m2
200000 m2 100000 m2
WATER RESTORATION
Unregulated effluent spillage is an issue that one encounters throughout the Vlora Waterfront. It needs to be dealt with as soon as possible in order to improve the conditions of the water as well as attract locals and tourists who would be distressed by the current situation. The optimum solutions to improve the water quality of the seaside is to install a big manifold along the coast which collects effluent from all sewer pipes currently discharging at the beach. The effluent would then be directly pumped to the city water treatment plant. Because of the length of that manifold it will be necessary to install different pumping stations with submersed effluent pumps and move all the flow to the depuration station. In order to reduce the amount of water to be treated is also necessary to keep a separate net for rain water so as to avoid mixing it into the sewer manifold. To prevent contamination of floating rubbish it will be necessary to install different grates at the rain water piping network which would remove plastics and other objects carried by rain water during strong rains. In addition, a specialized cleaning boat should collect the floating rubbish near the beach and a tractor with special beach cleaning equipment should work during the night to remove any rubbish from the sand. Since this is a permanent and costly solution the following alternatives are proposed which might serve as temporary interventions to improve the water condition.
The approach of the project to the coast of Vlora is that of a landscape including built and natural form. Some buildings need to be demolished in order to set an example of how informality will be dealt with in the future however, there should be a culture of reappropriation and a shift of perspective on buildings that could be used in the context of the waterfront by changing their visual and programmatic status quo. This is not just an economical way of reinterpreting the built form and perusing space for program, but also a different form of cultural attitude that has been completely absent from any intervention in the Albanian building and planning industry.
Since a particular section of the Old beach is occupied by informal houses, integration and public services should be created in order to include and formalize these morphologies into the general planning of the Waterfront. This area being so close to the center offers multiple opportunities for its development. This area should be preserved mainly for the citizens of Vlora, however being so close to the center it might become an attractive spot for visitors.
Wetland areas can be created on floating piers. Using standard equipment to build modular floating piers, this proposition uses the assembling of modules sized 50cm x 50cm x 40cm and able to hold 350kg/m2 as a support for an artificial freshwater pond. A waterproof membrane will be used to keep fresh water on top of the pier. Because of wave action, the pier will be moving and freshwater and aquatic plants should be fixed with a special hose used as substrate and diffusing pipe at the same time (as in the section). Treated water can then flow directly into the sea.
GREEN PIERS
By diversifying the modes of transportation, the waterfront can become an important secondary axis for travel in the city. The existing infrastructure either offers no circulation (the Old beach), or it offers a strictly automobile-oriented street (watergardens to the tunnel). The aim is to completely change this by diversifying the circulation possibilities.
Geotextile protection
Aquatics plants
Buoy support
There is many ways to make the 5km coast accessible and easily reachable publicly. A tram line for the Waterfront would give a service of transportation throughout the Waterfront that can be especially appreciated in the touristic Season when density and heat in the promenade can be disturbing. Another interesting option would be water-taxis which could connect the whole length of the coast through a number of water taxi-stations. There taxis could extend their routes to the whole length of the Vlora region, catering to all the smaller hotels and private beaches that punctuate the coast from the city to Orikum.
P P P P
In order to realize tertiary treatment with aquatic freshwater plants it will be necessary to build a large pond, properly waterproofed with a membrane and keep an inundated space to grow aquatic plants. Treated water can flow directly into the sea or into a drainage well build in the sand. This solution can create a nice landscape similar to a natural wetland area, and possibly become very attractive for different local and migratory bird species, which will create a more natural atmosphere around the area.
People that are using their personal cars should be divided in two categories: residents and visitors. Residents would be guaranteed continued access to their apartments while visitors would have to abide by stricter traffic regulations in the waterfront area.
P P
Geotextile protection
Drainage well
Public safety, including lifeguards, coastal police and doctors, should have their own offices in the Waterfront and operate full time throughout the touristic season. This is an important minor step in raising the quality of the services to those found in other similar destinations in the region. Again this would primarily be to the benefit of the citizens but indirectly improve the services for potential tourists.
PUBLIC SAFETY
HDPE pipe
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February 2014
Sewer pipe
Sewer pipe
An acute problem in the city of Vlora is waste management. The recent news that a task-force for cleaning touristic areas is being set up is very welcome news, however the newly created National Coastal Authority should create a long-term plan in preventing and disposing waste in touristic areas. These interventions in tandem with a new set of local regulations could raise awareness on the importance of conserving the environment.
OVERVIEW
1 OLD BEACH
water
sand beach
promenade
water
sand beach
promenade
1 OLD BEACH
2 WEST VILLAGE
water water
sand beach
promenade
promenade
west village
water water
water
promenade
west village
sand beach
promenade
4 WATER GARDENS
water
promenade
hotel bologna
water
walkway
water garden
stree
water
promenade
west village
water
walkway
water garden
water
promenade
hotel bologna
5 CENTRAL BEACH
4 WATER GARDENS
water water beach
walkway
water garden
stree
walkway
street
water
promenade
hotel bologna
water
beach
walkway
street
water
walkway
water garden
stree
water
beach
walkway
street
6 ROCKY WATERFRONT
water walkway water garden
stree
5 CENTRAL BEACH
water beach walkway street
7 WATERFRONT CENTER
water beach walkway street
water
walkway
street
bike path
path
water
walkway
street
bike path
path
7 WATERFRONT CENTER
water walkway street bike path path
water water
walkway
street
path
walkway
green space
9 VLORA RESORT
water bike path walkway green space
water
bike path
walkway
green space
water
bike path
walkway
green space
water
beach
walkway
street
8 NEW BEACH
water beach walkway street
water
beach
walkway
street
water
beach
walkway
street
water
path
street
9 VLORA RESORT
water path street
water
path
street
water
path
street
SECTIONS 1:500
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February 2014
VISIONS
OLD BEACH
From the Soda Woods to the port there will be some low-cost efficient interventions. Initially a wooden deck installed at the far edge of the beach would make the whole are more accessible to the locals - especially for retirees and persons with disabilities. Furthermore the derelict Kampi i Punetoreve might be regenerated with a new program. Since Vlora is a central city to the Albanian coast by its location as well as its importance it would be appropriate to found a Maritime Research institute and one wing of the Kampi i Punetoreve would be ideal being so close to the sea and preserving such an interesting shape. The other wing of the building could be transformed into a maritime musem with different leisure activities, different services, bars and restaurants. The Kampi would be the first in a series of activity nodes which are connected by the continuous boardwalk in the five kilometer boardwalk.
WEST VILLAGE
The informal developments close to the port create an interesting specificity that needs to be dealt with. The project envisions this as one of the only medium-term interventions in the old beach section. The area closer to the informal developments is unsuitable for being used as a beach because of the vicinity to the port as well as the informal houses. Therefore a gradual series of steps would cover this part of the old beach transforming this area in a social magnet to spend some time and have a drink from local stalls while enjoying the beautiful views and still being very close to the center of the city. The stairs section could also be used by fishermen to open their nets in as well as seating space for the audience of the stage in the sea. This area has a lot of potential to become a center of gravity for locals.
WATER GARDENS
An important element of this project is having a connected waterfront from the port section to the end of the new beach. The wategardens would supplement the strictly commercial program of the boulevard. However this long section of the waterfront has along its way a number of perfectly functioning beaches. In order to let these beaches thrive the project envisions for a strolling path to snake behind the beaches and return to the shore after them, in a way enclosing them while at the same time separating them further from the street and traffic. In sections such as the Watergardens the only need it to exploit the potential of what is already working, thus minor rearrangements are more than enough to integrate this already thriving area.
ROCKY WATERFRONT
The central waterfront offers amazing views of the peninsula of Karaburun and the island of Sazan. If traffic is slowed and different modes of transportation are implemented, this area could quickly become a more pedestrian section of the waterfront. Bicycle lanes and a continuous seating space can transform this area. Like in the watergardens there are huge amounts of pedestrian potential here. Narrowing the current automobile street would also create enough space for services while making the beautiful view much more accessible than today.
NEW BEACH
Most beaches will be complemented by green piers which disguise sewage in the vicinity, mask the odors, and help clean the effluent before it is spilled into the sea. These piers would become a constant sight in the city and would disappear only as the sewage problems are permanently resolved. As described in the water regeneration section these freshwater ponds would be isolated from the water and therefore no algae would pollute the sea. This low-cost idea could be easily replicated in all touristic villages in Albania, where sewage spillage into the sea is routine.
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February 2014
PROJECT PROPOSITIONS
SHORT TERM PROPOSALS
The collection of project propositions describes the possibilities for completely different activities. The project defines the appropriate areas for these elements and additionally it gives informed suggestions based on the perceived needs of the city. An important suggestion is to let the citizens of Vlora ultimately decide the program of some of these elements. The short term proposals can be adopted right away and be ready for the coming season. The priority is the health and environment issue. Improving the water quality, sport facilities and green spaces.
1
WATER TREATMENT
6 W2 5
SPORTS
This solution can create a nice landscape similar to a natural wetland area, and possibly become very attractive for different local and migratory bird species, which will create a more natural atmosphere around the area.
W1
Wetland areas can be created on floating piers. Using standard equipment to build modular floating piers, this proposition uses the assembling of modules sized 50cm x 50cm x 40cm and able to hold 350kg/m2 as a support for an artificial freshwater pond.
W1
W2. WETLAND
The Watergarden is a section of the coast that already exists in the Vlora bay. It will be improved, but without changing anything that already works. This would be a central activity node for children playgrounds, animal walking and exercising activities.
The trampoline is a very unique asset of the Vlora beaches. This specific trampoline has been used by different generations to learn how to swim, to do competitions or to simply enjoy a jump in the water.
L2. TRAMPOLINE
2 3 4
W1
The reprogramming of existing buildings in the Vlora Waterfont will happen in locations that the waterfront necessitates building mass and program. The buildings we propose in our intervention will become important elements of the waterfront activity nodes.
REPROGRAMMING
The Kampi i Punetoreve building, is a very recurrent building in the whole Albanian Coast and it is deeply engraved in the Albanian Culture. The building should be restored while reprograming it as half Maritime Research Center and half multifucntional leisure and entertainment services.
1. MARINE CENTER
The nautical Club, is the reprogramming of another existing building in the coast that curiously holds the shape of a classical nautical club. This reprogramming aims at enhancing the passion for sports and restoring a healthy sports culture in the city of Vlora.
2. NAUTICAL CLUB
This structure currently serves as an ambulance close to the new beach. It should keep fulfilling this same purpose however transformed in the form of a firstaid station. A simple aesthetic intervention should be considered in order to make it seem more part of the beach rather than a remnant of informal development on the coast.
The shopping strip is currently a Restaurant and will be reprogrammed as a shopping strip for the summer time, specialized in items related to summer coastal activities. It should be reappropriated and become the center of one of the activity nodes with shops, restaurants, market stalls while the existing pier could serve as a nice fishing spot.
4. SHOPPING STRIP
The Building that would serve as a cultural Center is a huge structure right as the feet of the boulevard of the port. A cultural center could make use of it as a see-through faade where the city can expose its artists, art, and culture. Furthermore because of its mass the building can accommodate even more services and become a multifunctional center.
5. CULTURAL CENTER
6. ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
We think these structures need a serius intervention, however they could be perfect for an artist in residence program in Vlora.
SPORT
Soccer is a long loved sport by the locals, it is typically played in the sand. This proposal would find soccer played in a platform on the sea, with the gorgeous view in the back and once in a while, with a refreshing jump in the water.
C2 M1 C1 G2 M2
L1 S1 G1
Basketball is a sport that has been slightly forgotten and should be brought back. The basketball field on the water is proposed as an attractive way to revitalize sports culture and healthy bodies in the city of Vlora.
W1 G3 S1 L3 L2 M3 R1
Perast, Montenegro
RETAIL
The stage would be the main attraction for anyone passionate of performance art. It would be located in the water, and the shows would be seen from the stairs. This could also work as a summer cinema with projected films.
C2. STAGE
The buvette is an absolute necessity in the Vlora waterfront, not only for the typical necessity for tourists and locals to have refreshments and fast food, but also because of the inevitable Albanian culture of coffee drinking and discussions over it.
R1. BUVETTE
Vlora, Albania
Berlin, Germany
Oslo, Norway
Morat, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland
MARINA
The steps would serve different purposes. Apart from being an alternative way of chilling at the beach they would be a gradual passage from the land to the sea. They could be used by fishermen to open their nets, or by the Stage Audience to sit on and enjoy the shows, the sun, or the stars.
GREEN SPACES
The pier would serve for anchoring local and touristic boats, or for an evening stroll. They will also make sure to fill some of the eroded beach mass in critical parts of the coast.
M1. STEPS
M2. PIER
Since the port of Vlora will be turned into a Touristic Port then a marina will be necessary for incentivizing tourism and foreigners to anchor their boats and some of their time and money in the city of Vlora.
M3. MARINA
Keeping in mind the intense construction that this landscape has suffered, green space should be given back in the hope that it will regenerate some of the flora and fauna that has been.
The small park would be a great place for elders to play their domino games while the youth tries to move human size chess, have picnics or local music shows.
Zadar, Croatia
Clevedon, England
Piran, Slovenia
Copenhagen, Denmark
Tirana, Albania
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February 2014
Aquatic plants - Phragmites Waterproof membrane Aquatic plants - Tamarix sp. Underwater observation window Geotextile protection Technical area Freshwater artificial lagoon Sea bird nesting area Aquatic plants - Salicornia sp. Sea birds resting structure
Picnic area Lookout point Lift station Trampoline Informal gathering point Ambulance Public swimming pool Nightlife bars&clubs Sport Green pier Green belt Wetland Boat pier Community center Outdoor gym Cultural house New landmark Urban plaza Children playgrounds Island Green terrace Vlora port
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February 2014