BUILDING TIRANA’S

GREEN FUTURE:
TIRANA NORTHERN BOULEVARD
& RIVER PROJECT
Tirana, March 8th, 2012

Cino Zucchi Architetti (team leader)

One Works
Gustafson Porter
with
Buro Happold London
Antonello Stella Architects

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
 New Urban Environments

Cino Zucchi – Cino Zucchi Architetti

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 The city as a marketplace:
Ottoman Tirana

1901 = 15.000 inhabitants

1923 = 10.000 inhabitants

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Plan of Tirana, 1916

 The city as a capital:
Tirana under Zogu I
and the Italians

1937 = 35.000 inhabitants

1945 = 60.000 inhabitants

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Aerial picture, March 1936, and the first project of the axis by Brasini
 The city as social engineering:
The Hoxha years

1955 = 108.000 inhabitants

1985 = 200.000 inhabitants

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The Pyramid, Social Housing, Parades
 The desire for development:
looking for a democracy

2001 = 610.000 inhabitants

2008 = 726.000 inhabitants

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 The city as a living environment:
2012- 2030 and beyond

2015 = 936.000 inhabitants?

2020 = 1.226.000 inhabitants?

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Traditional settlements as a ”second nature”
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The contemporary territory as the sum of specialized functional parts
 The competition site is the crossing point between the historical north-south axis, driving
the urban expansion since the 1920s, and the east-west corridor, the driving force of recent
developments.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The competition site

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
 Durrës

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Aix Cours Mirabeau, Berlin Unter den Linden, Helsinki Poihoiesplanadi
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Firenze, Split, Paris, Madrid
 Urban voids as social attractors

The definition of a clear structure of new public spaces should be

viewed not as a final result, but rather as an instrument of
guidance of a wider process of urban regeneration, obtained by
the creation of “virtuous feedbacks” between the various forces
which drive the city.

Urban form is the catalyst of this process; but urban form is also
what will remain in the years and will be transmitted to future
generations.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 The new city will grow around the urban axis (Bulevardi) and the natural corridor (Tirana
River). A more structured urban space defines the boulevard extension, while a more
natural character identifies the park along the river banks.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Driving elements: the axis
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The context
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
 Informal settlements, derelict industrial sites and undeveloped leftovers also define the
competition area. The Concept Plan deals with this second layer identifying the catalysts to
boost the development and to govern the land use, as well as suggesting a reform strategy
for the built up areas.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Driving elements, the land
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Driving elements: streets and squares
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
 The two banks of the river will be driven by different urban characters, defining the borders
of the new park.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The river corridor

 The park on the north part of the Tirana River, bordered by a winding road with terraced
houses, can host sport and recreational facilities overlooking the new artificial lake.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The river corridor

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Bath, England
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The Tivoli Gardens, Copenaghen: culture and leisure next to each other
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
 An Urban Network

Leonardo Cavalli – One Works

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 The new green boulevard continuing the existing one is the catalyst for all main urban
destinations of a capital city and defines the formal character of the urban extension.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The Boulevard extension

 The two banks of the river will be driven by different urban characters, defining the borders
of the new park.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 The ring road carries great capacity to deal with the expected flows but keeps a strong
urban character, avoiding any separation between infrastructure and urban fabric.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The river corridor, the Ring road
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The river corridor, the Ring road
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The river corridor, the Ring road
 Most of the given site is informally built with low-quality housing and derelict industrial sites.
The general urban frame takes account of the present state and suggests a reform
strategy built on two main elements.

1- The Catalysts 2- The Superblocks

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Built up areas

 The “catalysts”, or district centres, concentrate non-residential and mixed-used
destinations to bring urban quality in the existing fabric

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Built up areas, the catalysts
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Built up areas, the catalysts and the Superblocks
 “Superblocks” are the envisaged strategy for the reform of built up areas and the
accommodation of an appropriate road network to support the development.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Built up areas, the Superblocks
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Built up areas, the superblocks
 Such a large masterplan will be implemented over time. The
general framework, as well as the local economy and property
market, may change or evolve along this process.

This suggests the need for a flexible planning approach with land
use and density, while other factors may be oriented to address
the general quality of the urban space and determine the
infrastructure supporting the development.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools

 The Masterplan identifies places and locations rather than prescribing land uses.

Residential
Mix used (residential, offices, retail)
District centers (Offices, retail, services)
Special destinations
Offices
Existing buildings
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools, land use
 Density is one instrument to allow the general strategy to succeed and is part of the wider
sustainability-driven approach applied to the masterplan at large.

FAR 0,3 > 0,8

FAR 0,8 > 1,2
FAR 1 > 2
FAR > 2

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools, density

 Inhabitants of dense urban areas consume approximately half of the energy of
inhabitants of suburban areas

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 Two tramway lines are suggested. The two lines are carried across the middle of the
development, maximizing public transport accessibility to the entire site.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools, public transport
 A supply strategy was chosen for other means of transport. The road network incorporates
dedicated bus lanes to support speed and service reliability.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools, public transport
 The superblock strategy clearly identifies road hierarchy. The interiors of the blocks are
naturally protected form through traffic.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools, road network
 Bicycle lanes and sidewalks are taken across the development. Minor roads across the
superblocks are the perfect environment for cyclists and pedestrians as well.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools, other means of transport
 Parking is provided at tram ends for interchange. All catalysts, Fair Centre, special
destinations and the City Centre carry their own parking provision.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Available tools, parking

 Superblocks are served by above ground multi-storey car parks on the edges and specific
developments will provide their own parking areas for residents.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 The Tirana River and Boulevard Landscape

Neil Porter – Gustafson Porter

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 Suburban/
Living
Foothills/Ecol
ogy
Informal

Plains Steep 1 Boulevard Park - District Park - A civic urban

Open Wild/Turbulent park bustling with events
Calm Quarries
Meander Contained 2 River Park - District Park - An ecological park
Agriculture Mountains and water management corridor
Green Stony Banks
Banks 3 North extension of the Boulevard Park – District
ark

4 Paskuquani Park - Metropolitan Park - A

recreational oasis on the edge of town
Urban/Huma
n 5 Green hills provide a productive landscape
Flat/Formal
Civic/Public 6 Local Parks - Network of pocket parks and
squares linked by suds

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project City Wide Landscape Strategy
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Topography and Water Catchment
 Water Chain

Extensive Green Roof - London Green Street Project - Portland Oregon Green Street Project - Portland Oregon Swale - Germany Tanner Spring Park – Portland Oregon

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Urban Space Strategy and Pedestrian Travel Distances
 Paskuqan Park

North
Extension
River Park

Boulevard
Park

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Landscape Design

 Existing topography

North road Agriculture plots Wetland River Wetland Dry woodland Play space Cycle route South Road

Typical Section

Meadow Terraces Lake / Wetland Water Cascade River Wetland Gabion Terraces Cafe Balcony

Existing Topography Boulevard Section

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project River Park Sections

 Wet Agricultural Dry Play Sport Football
Lake Balcony Woodland Plots Woodland Space Wetlands Fields Pitches

Fishing Wild Water Canoeing Westergasfabriek - Amsterdam Wetland - Albania Dry Oak Forest Guadaloupe River Park - US Terrasson - France

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project River Park East

 Sport Play Wet Football Agriculture Dry
Fields Space Wetlands Woodland Pitch Plots Woodland

River Park Restoration - Native flora and fauna

Acipenser sturio Pelecanus crispus Pelecanus crispus Rana dalmatina Allium roseum Paramoltkia doerfleri Bromus Sterilis

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project River Park West

 Pergola with Cafe

Green Street Project - Portland Oregon Nottingham Market Square

Cycling Route

Pergola with Cafe

Flower Terraces

Jacarandas Platanus Orientalis Pinus Pinea Water Retention Pond

Boulevard Extension

Lonicera sempervirens Terrasson - France

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Boulevard Park South

Nottingham Market Square - UK Plaza del Torico - Spain

Spectator Steps

Concert Hall
Terrace

Fountain Plaza

Nottingham Market Square - UK Zeitoune Square - Beirut Terrasson - France

Light Piazza

Shade Pergola

Tram stop

Pine forest

Westergasfabriek - Amsterdam Nottingham Market Square - UK

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Boulevard Park Centre – Implementation Area
Millennium Park - Chicago
Cafes set within
Land Form

Urban Balcony

Event Space
With Stage

Cafes Set
within Gardens

Serpentine Pavilion - 2011 Serpentine Pavilion - 2002 Orchard Picnic

Garden Rooms

Play Space

Vegetable Garden - Venice Biennale Rainwater Garden - UK

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Boulevard Park North

 Water sport possibilities on the Lake

Boardwalks through Reed-beds Cycling Trails

Serpentine Pavilion - Fun

Olympic Park - Munich 2009Fairs

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project North Extension to the Boulevard Park and the Paskuqan Lake Park
 An Integrated Approach to Sustainability

Wolf Mangelsdorf – Buro Happold London

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

 Assessment of Economic Development Impact

The long-term success of the project will be

shaped by:

➢improved strategic infrastructure

➢on-going fiscal reforms
➢improved ease of doing business

The macro-level reforms will lead to:

➢Increased Foreign Investment

➢Increased local employment
➢More resilient and diverse local economy

Interventions locally are likely to impact

positively on the quality of life for residents.

This will be manifested through:

➢Improved access to open space and public
infrastructure and services
➢Increased mobility of residents
➢A healthier natural environment
➢Access to housing

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Assessment of Economic Development Impact
 Urban Management Method

The successful regeneration of the area will

be achieved through:

➢ Strong Vision supported by physical plans

and rigorous development guidance

➢ Strong Leadership and management to drive

change
(and celebrate success!)

➢ Robust governance procedures to ensure

that change
is equitable and participatory

➢ Resourced appropriately (staff, expertise,

finance, land)

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Urban management method

 The Sustainable Approach

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project The sustainable approach

 Sustainable Transportation Strategy

Improved Road Network

➢Improvement at regional level

➢Improvement at City Level
➢Clear hierarchy

Provision of Public Transport

➢Means of Public Transport

➢Integration into the urban fabric
➢Provision of sufficiently dense network and
access

Priority to Pedestrians and Cycling

➢Integration into the public space

➢Provision of pleasant and usable networks
➢Integration into the transport strategy

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Sustainable transportation strategy

 Sustainable Design for a Low Carbon City: Urban Massing

The design of the urban framework has been driven complementary by control of solar gains and enhancing
natural ventilation.

Mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot,

clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and
wetter

Thermal comfort before / after passive

measures

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Low carbon city

 Designing for the Environment: Boulevard and Superblocks

The design and orientation of the boulevard is

based on the environmental criteria
established in the analysis with ventilation and
sun light the main drivers.

The Superblocks design favours narrow

streets and courtyards:

➢ Benefit to pedestrian comfort

➢ Solar gains in winter
➢ Shading in summer
➢ Perforation to allow ventilation

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Low carbon city

 Environmental Design Strategy: Energy, Water and Waste

The strategic approach to the three key environmental criteria follows the same hierarchical principle. Biggest gains
will be made through efficient design and integration of environmental strategies from the outset

➢Reduce Demand
➢Use efficiently
➢Final improvement through technology or additional benefits

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Low carbon city

 The implementation area:
a nearby future

Cino Zucchi – Cino Zucchi Architetti

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
 The implementation area perfectly represents the meaning of the project and builds its
character in the first place. It is the axis addressing the full development.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

 Location
The area stretches north
from the existing
boulevard. Its construction
is the first step into the
new “Green Tirana”.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

 Location
Position
The core of the
implementation area is
located 1 km north of the
Rruga Reshit Petrela,
acting as an anchor to
boost development all
along the length of the
site.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

 Location
Position
Focus
The intersection between
the north-south and the
east-west axes of public
transportation coincide
with a generous open
space, animated with
people and activities at all
hours of the day.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

 Location
Position
Focus
Meaning
The area includes major
public buildings such as
the town Hall, the Concert
Hall and the Civic Centre
to mark the presence of
the Institution in the new
area.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

 Location
Position
Focus
Meaning
Care
The area minimizes
demolitions of existing
buildings, helping the
process to proceed rapidly
in this strategic phase.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

 Location
Position
Focus
Meaning
Care
Size
Its size is big enough to
generate the articulation
and functional complexity
of a new center, but
compact enough to be
realized in a reasonable
lapse of time.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

 Location
Position
Focus
Meaning
Care
Size
Connection
The implementation area
reaches the existing
boulevard to immediately
build the relationship with
the existing city. It acts as
a booster for the project at
large.

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project Implementation area

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project
 Business plan advisors:

Adam Crozier

Tirana Northern Boulevard & River project