Eu Magazine 06 ENG

european magazine 2

This edition of “European Magazine” will deal with spatial�urban planning and development at the local and regional lev�el. The aim of this sixth edition is to contribute to raising of widerpublic awareness in relation to these very important conceptsfor planners worldwide, but hardly known by the Kosovar pro�fessional wider public. This is particularly important when deal�ing with European integrations and influence of planning for asustainable development of a space, economic, environmentaland social development. European integration vis�à�vis spatial�urban planning; spatial�urban developments Concepts of planning and spatial and urban development, asform and notion, to most population look the same, they do notsee any essential difference. Challenges of spatial and urban developments deal with dailychallenges, starting from political, development, environmen�tal and energy ones, challenges of inter�neighborhood and in�ternational cooperation, those in the field of development of ed�ucation, habitation, infrastructure development, as well as is�sued of capital and budgetary investments. Urban development vis�à�vis requirements of the European Unionare: Inclusiveness and urban developments; Public�privatepartnership and urban developments; Management of immovableproperty and urban developments; Urban development for met�ropolitan urban regions; The role of architecture in urban de�velopments; Free public spaces; Cultural heritage and urban de�velopments; Control of urban developments; Habitation and so�cial developments vis�à�vis surging urban developments; Urbanand sustainable growth; Illegal constructions and legalizationprocess; Urban life and civil society; Urbanization and tourism;Influence of daily politics in architecture and urbanism; Ur�banization and climate changes in Kosovo; Urban identity else�where and in Kosovo, and many others.We are all aware that the European Union is about to becomean undivided continent, where territories are faced with simi�lar economic, social and environmental challenges, but who knowno borders. This happens while, at the same time, these terri�tories are governed institutionally and administratively throughtraditional borders. While there are no borders in the European Union territory, itmeans that there should be rules in place agreed by all that ad�here there, in order to make it function that way, for an inher�ent economic, social and environmental cohesion.So, European integrations raise the issue of TERRITORIAL CO�HESION between many territories, already a new objective forthe European Union, based on Lisbon Treaty, cooperation betweenterritories, beyond borders and various respective institutions, bybecoming more important for their governing way, multifold gov�ernance for new functional regions (Seider, M., 2010). Spatial planning is very important to make an entrance into thesame yard of the European Union, since it functions as com�munion of states without borders (with freedom of movementof people, goods and services). To manage to move freely all over Europe, one should feel safe,

whereas in order to fell safe, everybody should follow the samerules of the game, so including knowing what is happening andwhat will happen in respective territory – of the neighbor andfurther.In order to know what will happen further in territory x in theEU, the future should be projected through long term plans, whichensures that respective countries will respect the common rulesof the game. This includes spatial planning!Due to different changes, the European Union has in its terri�tory regions that possess similar development features, whichare supported by development funds and are presentedthrough maps because of many important issues. One of the mapscurrently important (if you search in the internet by writing “Eu�ropean regions” nor ESPON.eu ) you will come across to is theEU map related to issues of economic welfare and employment.Soon you will see maps, which many ministers in the EU con�sult, discuss about, agree on, talk about present and future. So,the future presented in space! In conclusion, in this issue of the magazine it will be elaborat�ed on many challenges of urban developments by different lo�cal and international experts, from different viewpoints, variousdimensions, just like SPACE, HUMANS, SOCIETY, LIFE, DEVEL�OPMENT, FUTURE, GENERATION OF THE NEW, PRESERVATIONOF THE OLD, that are multi�dimensional.

IDA. Elvida Pallaska, masters degree in urban managementand development

INTRODUCTION

This Magazine was initiated and realized by the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society. Opinions expressed by the authors of published articles do not represent positions and attitudes of the Foundation. • Editorial Board: Luan Shllaku, Agron Bajrami, Venera Hajrullahu, Iliriana Kacaniku, Fatmir Curri, Ilir Deda

and Alban Zogaj. Coordinator for this edition: Vera Pula, Design & Layout: Sami Kçiku. • Kosovo Foundation for Open Society � Address: Ulpiana, Imzot Nikë Prela, Villa No. 13, 10000 Prishtina; Phone no.: +381 38 542 157; e�mail address: [email protected]

European Regions 2010 Economic welfare and unemployment

european magazine3

PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP VIS-A-VIS URBAN DEVELOPMENTS Ark. Agron Sallova

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URBANIZATION AND CHALLENGES OF URBAN PLANNING IN KOSOVO MSc. Besim Gollopeni

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INFORMAL CONSTRUCTIONS AND BETTER ADMI -NISTRATION OF THETERRITORYDr. Besnik Aliaj

Faqe 8

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING ASMEANS FOR INTERRELATION AND RELATIONSHIP OF COMMUNITY WITH THE PLACE IDA. Eliza Hoxha

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PLANNED SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT – ANINDICATOR OF COLLECTIVE AWARENESS –SOCIAL PROGRESS IDA. Elvida Pallaska

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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN KOSOVO IDA Faton Deva

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QUEST FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENTFlamur Kuçi

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IMPORTANCE OR NEGLECT OF SPATIALAND URBAN PLANNING IN KOSOVO Ark. Hidajete Zhuri

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DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC SPACE INKOSOVO THROUGH HISTORY Ark. Ilir Gjinolli

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ADVANTAGES OF INTER-BORDER COOPERATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT OF WESTERN BALKANSArk. Ilirjana A. Mejzini

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CARTOONSPage 30-31

THE CITY IN TRANSITION: ARCHIS INTERVENTIONS IN PRISHTINAFlorina Jerliu, Kai Vöckler

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HERITAGE AND PLANNING Luan Nushi

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JUNIK, AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACHOF SPATIAL DEVELO-PMENT, BASEDON CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SELF-PLANNING Mirian Bllaci

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KOSOVA – WITH “DISTURBED”URBAN-ARCHITECTONICSArchitect Nexharije Buçinca

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A VISION FOR KOSOVAPërparim Rama

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THE GIS ROLE IN URBAN PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Rizah Murseli

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URBAN DEVELOPMENT VERSUS REALESTATE MANAGEMENT IN KOSOVOVisar Hoxha

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LEGISLATION IN URBAN DEVELOP-MENTS IN KOSOVO Vjosa Vela

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ARCHITECTURE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS INFLUENCE OF WESTERN-EUROPEANARCHI -TECTURE ARCHITECTURE OF PRISHTINA 1878 – 1912IDA. Vlora Navakazi, Mrsc

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URBAN IDENTITY IN KOSOVO Arch. Ylber Vokshi Ylli

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IN THIS ISSUEURBAN DEVELOPMENT

Urban

devel

opme

nts

european magazine 4 Urban development

Advantages and novelties introduced bylegislative reform in the area of urbanplanning are already visible in manyKosovo cities. Majority of municipalitieshave met their legal obligation to issueUDP. Whereas managing of the processof drafting of these documents enduredpositive advancement, it seems thatrarely was anticipated that the most sig�nificant investments come from the pri�vate sector. These investments are alwaysdirected towards development of busi�ness capacities, whereas all this happensby construction of growing capacity.This is the reason why it cannot be con�cluded that there are scarce investmentcapacities, but quite the opposite, lack ofadequate instruction based on plan�ning and coordination of interests be�tween the private and the public sector.A critical period to be achieved in entirethis process is opening of the dialogueto balance private and public interestsand declaration of medium and long termprojects by both.. Until reaching this pe�riod, private sector is acting vehement�ly, whereas confused administrationwithout having a policy on how to act.Nevertheless, there are examples thatmay be followed, phenomena that re�quire attention and possibility for “par�allel progress” to intercross more oftenin future.

Examples to be followed

Both examples come from Peja andhave to do with positive effects that par�

ticipatory planning brings, when, apartfrom realization of public interest,achieved through intensive eighteenmonths long negotiating, it enables theprivate sector to capitalize new urban val�ues. We are talking about a project of freearea for pedestrians in the center of thecity, in my opinion, the only one inKosovo with adequate attributes. A goodexample to be followed in this case is thestand insisted on by municipal adminis�tration that for one of the most frequentlyused roads to be turned into pedestrianarea. The second example deals with theproject of releasing a segment of the riv�er bank and ensuring free access there.The objective of engagement of privateand public capital in strategic municipalprojects was articulated very simply bymunicipal authorities through exchangeof municipal property with the privateone. A specific issue in this case is the ap�proach towards the private sector, whichwas requested to buy properties that ob�struct project development, whereasproperties that do not obstruct any cap�ital public project and that represent valu�able development asset for the privatesector were offered in return. Exchangeswere formalized through relevant deci�sions of the Municipal Assembly.

Concentration of activities – phenomenon that seeks attention

Howsoever in low level, our cities alsosuffer from the syndrome, which occupied

the entire globe, of high level of increaseof urban territory and economic global�ization. In majority of cities “industrialzone” was defined according to urbanplans with the functional zoning of thecity as part of urban part. These zoneshave served to establish socially ownedenterprises which after the war were sub�ject to privatization. In most cases, in thebeginning, privatization failed to bring ex�pected economic growth mainly due tolack of investments declared by new own�ers. But, we can often come across sit�uations when new owners have sold orrented considerable parts of these assetswhich mainly result with opening of smallbusinesses within an area. No matterhow naïve they may look, with passingof time these developments prove to bevery reasonable mainly because thiswhole process brings concentration ofcommercial, service and handicraft ac�tivities in a certain area, where there aremultiple advantages, such as better con�nection to the city and highways, easy ac�cess for customers with vehicles to serv�ices, sufficient space to travel and parkwithin the area, variety of offers and serv�ices, more stable power supply, etc. De�spite the scheme that functions in a nat�ural manner, because the variety is amagnet for a customer, often proposalsof plans require their transfer to greaterdistance or opening of a new area?!This development offers an expartent op�portunity to “populate” these areas,with proper management of the planningprocess, with all those businesses which

PRIVATE-PUBLICPARTNERSHIP

VIS-A-VISURBAN

DEVELOPMENTS

Arch. Agron SallovaPublic �private partnership � needed for effectiveness

european magazine5Urban development

in most cases are noisy and cause bad im�age in dense urban areas. Tire repairers,car washing, vehicle mechanics, marketswith articles that cannot be transportedby car, etc. with a proper program basedon private�public partnership could betransferred to this area. Current trendsshow that customer’s visit is not simplythe need for supplies or services, but alsoentertainment, therefore we often noticerecreation functions, sports and cateringin these areas which provide free trans�port center�zone due to frequent visits.

Systematic and structured communication

Public hearings for medium term budg�etary plans of municipalities are moremeeting of a legal obligation than prag�matic approach of identification of pointsof common interest. On the other hand,these draft budgets do not approxi�mately reflect recommendations of urbanplans, whereas the private sector is re�quired to develop its capacities in com�pliance with approved plans. It still is nota practice of any municipality in Kosovoto invite private sector to explain in de�tails the budget for the future and at leastlisten to the opinion from perspective ofthe entrepreneur on how this budget canbring more projects of the “win�win”concept. This communication should be

planned, systematic and well�structured,in order to create a long term platformof cooperation, so that the draft budg�et always declares anticipated invest�ments from the private sector.

Partnership programs in the area of habitation

In current conditions, planning of domi�ciliary fund cannot be carried out with�out the involvement of private sector andthe support of the banking sector. Main�tenance of density of habitation recom�mended by urban plans for an area is of�ten contradictory to perspective of theprofit of project developers. In bothcases investments are carried out in plan�ning and its result is conflict of ambitionsin the same space. Habitation, as primaryfunction, is not developed according towidely supported development policy,concerning legislative aspect it failed todetermine relevant entities in the privatesector that have the right to conduct habi�tation planning and development vis�à�vis the requirement for habitation spacein conditions of accelerated urban de�velopment. In this situation, outlining ofenterprises for this activity, joint planning,which could be financed by private sec�tor, involvement of crediting banks in theprocess of habitation space planning maycreate better conditions for better bal�

ancing of parties involved in the process.The quality of habitation space, infra�structure and services, supplementaryfunctions, etc., all of them should be de�termined through intensive negotiationsof a residential ensemble or compound,whereas implementation plan shouldspecify investment parties for each cat�egory specifically. This is possible onlythrough partnership on contractual ba�sis between involved parties.

Reasonable social, environmentaland economic study

Every capital project, private or public re�quires beforehand a study of investmentjustifications (feasibility), then draft pro�posal, respective evaluation of impact, etc.To date, I have not come across any casewhere a municipality has pledged mon�ey from its budget for something like this.This is the reason why often, even whenopportunity arises for realization of anyproject, which requires a feasibility studyin advance, long procedure of pledging themoney for this study postpones its real�ization for at least one year. On the oth�er hand, it seems that the private sectorstarted to realize more serious projects inlast three years and almost in every caseinvestments are based on advanced plan�ning and at least pre�feasibility. This prac�tice should be understood as the oppor�tunity of the public sector to, in a certainperiod of time, address private sector withrequest for professional consulting, bor�rowing of means from contractual basisup to allocation of pledged means or sim�ply request support for the project. This isespecially valid in case of realization ofcapital infrastructure of the city, such asthe implant that manages black water, reg�ulation of river bed, territorial reregulation,urban regeneration, etc. The post war reconstruction brought anew experience, which means that uni�lateral action causes great damages toeverybody.

(Author is construction and engineeringarchitect, ShPK “Dukagjini” – Peja)PPP�public�private partnership, for more functional and attractive city


Urbanization and living of urban life inKosovo, together with its pattern and di�mension, is new, although it is knownthat some cities possess a relativelylong history and tradition. Natural basis,specific social�historic heritage, late in�troduction of elements of capitalisteconomy, colonial position of Kosovo dur�ing the entire past century and absenceof economic development in general havecreated a special type of population. In�sufficient and late social�economic de�velopment and slow spatial transfor�mation of Kosovo enables a special lev�el and development of urbanism.At the end of XX century, differences be�tween the population growth and func�tional dimension of urbanism grew big�ger because secondary urbanism as im�portant indicator of the process of ur�banism had difficulties, whereas theprimary urbanism grew even stronger. Until the beginning of the second half ofthe XX century changes in spatial and so�cial mobility of population were small, inconcentration and underdevelopmentof cities, as well as in territorial expan�sion of urban structures. After theseyears, especially in the first decade of theXXI century there were big changes in de�mographic concentration and spatialexpansion of urban areas and suburban�urban areas. In this time moving ofpopulation from villages and small townsto big cities turned into every day phe�nomenon and everybody that was giventhe chance used it, where the aim of es�pecially the youth (students) was and stillis Prishtina. This city became generatorof concentration of population and so�cial�economic developments, as well as

a place that gave hope to population, be�cause the possibility to have a better life(education, a job, etc.) was greater thanelsewhere. This happened due to the factthat the entire state (central) adminis�tration, international organizations, em�bassies, big centers of Kosova and foreignbusiness etc. settled in Prishtina and vicin�ity. In the last decade, uncontrolled ur�ban and suburban�urban (unplanned) de�velopments took place throughout theterritory of Kosova, mostly in 7 big urbancenters, particularly in Prishtina. While in�stitutional preparations for good man�agement of spatial development espe�cially urban and suburban�urban areasare at a modest level. In this undesiredspatial situation there are several differentfactors that influenced this and below wewill provide some of them that are be�lieved to be among the main ones:

1) Lack of human capacities – is oneof the most influential factors in the areaof spatial/urban planning. After 1999,apart from the absence of profession�al planners, there were also big prej�udices among profiles that dealt with spa�tial planning. But this situation is notsomething to be surprised with due to thefact that there is still no faculty on spa�tial/urban planning in Kosovo. Anotherproblem is absence of proper organiza�tion in the field of local spatial planningin two aspects:a) there is still no proper organization inlocal government. In this situation com�petences of directorates are mixed. Dur�ing the research carried out in spring2011 it was found that most of Kosovamunicipalities call spatial/urban direc�

torates with different names. This situation cause mixing of compe�tences and difficulties of non (coopera�tion) nature –non (cooperation) be�tween municipalities. Take for examplePrizren region, which is composed of fivemunicipalities (with the exception of Ma�musha Municipality), spatial planning di�rectorates of all of them are called dif�ferently.b) during analysis and researches in lo�cal government it was realized that todate no municipality had drafted a mu�nicipal and urban development planwith its human capacities. All munici�palities that have and are in the processof drafting spatial plans have contract�ed private local and international com�panies/organizations, whereas unfortu�nately many companies that deal withspatial planning in Kosova do this not be�cause they are professionals in this areabut because this area, in the form and themodel they draft development plans, isvery profitable. On the other hand, with�in the process of drafting of developmenturban plans there are many manipula�tions of professional, technical and oth�er nature that are carries out by the com�panies themselves, whereas due to lim�ited capacities the local government(most of municipalities) are unable tocontrol in the best possible way the workof private companies during the draftingof urban plans. Therefore, the quality ofurban plans is questionable.

2) Lack of finances – huge amount offinances is needed to draft a municipaldevelopment plan, therefore, in most cas�es, local management structures due to

URBANIZATIONAND

CHALLENGES OF URBANPLANNING

IN KOSOVO MSc. Besim Gollopeni

Photo: Besim Gollopeni, Prishtinë, 2010


lack of means (finances), knowingly orunknowingly, put drafting of develop�ment urban plans at the end of the pri�ority list, by concentrating more onphysical projects (road asphalting, wa�ter system network, sewerage, buildings,etc.), which are visible to wider popula�tion and by carrying out this manner ofgovernance (policy and decision makers)aim at gaining more voting (electorate)for themselves. But, there are somemunicipalities that have drafted urban de�velopment plans for four years now, suchas: Peja, Ferizaj, Gjilan, Gjakova etc., butnevertheless implementation of plans inpractice is not satisfactory. On the oth�er hand, some municipalities are more fo�cused in drafting regulatory urban plans(for certain smaller neighborhoods),such as Prishtina, and this causes diffi�culties when it comes to harmonizationof development urban and municipalplans. In such situation social inequali�ties, urban de�integrations, etc. are un�avoidable.

3) Lack of political will – there is lackof political will to deal with drafting ofurban development plans and regulationof the territory, work that will give its firstfruit (result) after a relatively long peri�od of time. As said above, policy makersand implementers of those policies aremore engaged in physical projects, whichare more directly visible to the popula�

tion rather than draft local plans andstrategies for a short, medium and longterm. But something like that happens inmost of the cases because of the absenceof understanding of the role and impor�tance of urban development plans. Thisis supported even more so by the analy�

sis/research conducted during the gen�eral campaign (at the central level) in2010, when not even 1% of all the in�terviews, draft proposals, promises, tel�evision debates, etc. of Kosova politicsleaders and their representatives men�tioned the area of spatial/urban planning.Due to lack of knowledge and acceptanceof spatial planning in a desirable level,the spatial chaos continues to degradethe space of Kosova in all parts. See thefollowing picture. As a consequence of everything that waselaborated above, we come to conclusionthat uncontrolled developments arepresent in all municipalities, especially inbig urban centers, thus causing loss ofagricultural land, unbalanced spatialdevelopments, degradation of naturaland cultural values, social inequalities, ur�ban de�integrations, etc. and bringing thecountry to a spatial chaos the conse�quences of which will be unpredictableand long term.

(Author works in the Institute for SpatialPlanning as spatial planner/sociologist)

Chalenges of urban development


Presently, Albania is experiencing rad�ical changes of territory and ownershipsimilar to the situation in England andthe United States two centuries ago.During the last decade, at least 1/3 ofthe nation’s population, which lived inarduous mountainous terrain, has aban�doned the traditional way of life in or�der to move from these isolated rural ar�eas to major urban centers and labormarkets. The population of Tirana hastripled, that of Durres has doubled,Kamza and Fush�Kruja’s populationhave increased 10�fold, and the Al�banian coast is currently experiencinga demographic boom. In the early2000s, the World Bank estimated thatjust in the Municipality of Kamza (95%of which has been built in an informalmanner after 1990), the local commu�nities, within a decade, have invested atleast 100 million US dollars on buildingsthat serve the purposes of shelter, busi�ness, and basic infrastructure, while inmany cases public investments havebeen totally absent or, in the best casescenario, have not surpassed the sum of100,000 US dollars per year. Approxi�mately 6�7 out of 10 objects built after1990 in Albania have been constructedin an informal/illegal manner.

The “mysteries” that prevent Al�bania’s development � The notion ofproperty includes a series of vital ques�tions which are genuine challenges forcountries like Albania. These questionsdemand serious answers. Ignoring theseissues can cause their transformationinto frightening “mysteries” which will

seriously inhibit the administration ofthe nation’s territory.The poor have admirable abilities re�garding the accumulation of assets. Itsuffices to look at the permit�less build�ings in our cities. Their volume is ex�traordinary but the majority of theseconstructions are practically “dead cap�ital”. In the world, the monetary valueof constructions without permit ap�proximates at least 10 trillion US dollars.About 70% of construction in Albaniaafter 1990 is considered to be (partly orcompletely) without permit. A statementfrom the government resources statesthat after 1990 in Albania, at least200000�300000 buildings have beenbuilt without permits, equaling a mon�etary value of 6 billion US dollars. Thisis an understated value because only thephysical investment value has beencalculated and not the market value. Inthese conditions, precisely in the poor�est neighborhoods filled with permit�less buildings, exist millions of dollars,ready to be used if the authorities incharge can discover the mystery oftransforming assets into “living capital”.The inhabitants of these areas are notthe problem. They are precisely the so�lution! The mystery of property – Actually, thenotion of property has been comparedto “the hen that lays golden eggs”. Butno one could show where this “hen” is:What is property? How is it produced?What is its relationship with money? Atthe end of the Cold War, a number ofcountries like Albania sought help from

developed countries. The advice they re�ceived was to imitate the West but, eventoday, the fact that the real reasons forthe success of developed nations liemuch deeper than the surface has notbeen understood. Indeed, the widely ac�cessible systems of lawful property arethe engine that enables economical de�velopment and a successful adminis�tration of the territory. The mystery of the awareness of politics– If there is such a great amount of deadcapital in the power of the extra�legalpopulation how is it possible that suchpotential for prosperity is not taken intoaccount? This oversight results from theabsence of necessary information, fromlack of understanding the results of thepopulation’s relocation, and the fact thatthe poor have changed their way of lifefrom small to wide scale is neglected.When it surfaces that the “unlawful” in�habitants of our cities control a con�siderable amount of real estate and theeconomical units of production, it willbecome clear that a great number of thenation’s problems result from the dis�crepancy between existing laws and theactual way in which society functions.If the written laws are in conflict withthe “laws” that concretely guide peo�ple in reality, then surely poverty and dis�satisfaction will rule. The fundamentalproblem is not that people conquer andbuild their cities without permission, butthe fact that “unlawful” inhabitants cre�ate extra� legal social contracts, whichimpose an essential redistribution ofwealth and well�being. When the au�

INFORMALCONSTRUC-TIONS AND

BETTER ADMI -NISTRATION OFTHE TERRITORY

Dr. Besnik AliajIllegal constructions


thorities accept this reasoning, then theywill no longer be objects of attacks buta part of the solution.The Missing Lecture from the AmericanHistory – What is currently happeningin Albania has previously taken place inWestern Europe and the United States,but until today no one has analyzed theways in which these successful countriesovercame this challenge. Recognizingand integrating the right of extra�legalwealth has been a key element in mak�ing the United States the market’smost important economy and theworld’s main manufacturer of wealth.The American key to success has beenrevolutionizing property rights. Even ifnot always willingly and conscien�tiously, Americans gradually legitimizedthe extra�legal norms and regulationsof property that pertained to society’sfringe elements by integrating them withthe land law and a new formal systemof real estate. Indeed, it was the inte�gration process that created the possi�bility of prosperity by substituting thestatic nature of secured property, whichis protected against swift changes,with the dynamic aspects of ownershipwhich directly serve economical growth.The transition toward the formalizationof extra�legal property in the UnitedStates resulted from the line of thoughtthat legal institutions can survive only

if they respond to social needs. The bestlesson from the United States is that agreat mistake is made by pretendingthat the extra�legal sector does not ex�ist, especially if this sector is formalizedwithout a clear strategy. Thus, the du�ties of the authorities in charge are: i)the identification of the real socialcontracts of ownership; ii) the integra�tion with the official law; iii) the de�

velopment of a strategy that provideslegal regulations in this area.The mystery of the law’s failure – Sincethe 19th century, different nations hasimitated Western laws with the inten�tion of providing their citizens with a le�gal outline that stimulates the cre�ation of wealth and well�being. But of�ten, they have failed. The majority ofpresent day Albanian citizens still can�not use these laws to convert their sav�ings into material well�being. The miss�ing piece that makes the law function�al remains a mystery. However, thedrafting of the legislation on the le�galization of illegal/informal construc�tions must aim at the creation of a realestate system that is accessible to all.The final aim of the urban legislationand that of the real estate system is notthe drafting of elegant statues andregulations; nor is the aim the invest�ment in amazing computer networks orthe printing of beautiful, colorful maps;above all, the aim is the legal guaran�tee of property and its placement in thehands of the rightful citizens.

(Author is rector of the University POLIS in Tirana)

Informality in urban developments

Demolished illegal buildings


We have listened everywhere that com�prehensiveness is a value of democratic so�cieties. Different social, ethnic, gender, ageand cultural groups have various needs andrequests within a neighborhood, city or re�gion. In order to answer such a vastrange of requests of these groups for analternative future for everybody, it is verydifficult for a small group of planning ex�perts to accomplish that from the office,as it used to be done in the past.Involvement of different groups of inter�est in the process of planning and urbandevelopment known in the world as“comprehensive planning” has started inthe seventies, when modern paradigm wasfading and when new communication andplanning platforms would appear as a needto include many different voices for jointfuture. Involvement of community in making thecountry was something that started to re�awake the city and its sleeping spirit. It wassomething that gradually started to rebuildthe feeling of communities’ affiliation tothe country, considering that they al�ready had the opportunity to be part of acommon journey of development of piecesof their city. But not only this, local busi�nesses and other social groups were ableto find their place in the visionary frame�work for the future of the country, theneighborhood or their city, by putting in theframework their investments and interestsfor common public interest. The idea to in�volve in the process of planning and urbandevelopments communities that have aninfluence on the plan and those affectedby the plan caused creation of a commu�nication platform for a consensus on the

future and the common interest, whereeverybody has things to say and give.Within the new context, local authoritiesmove their focus from service suppliers tomanaging of resources and opportunitiesfor services, even beyond institutionalframeworks, in order to enable commondevelopment of the city.Kosovo is late in this journey being thatthese open and comprehensive process�es for the city started to be promoted onlyafter the last war. The new legal frameworkfor Spatial Planning in 2003 promotedstrategic planning as possibility to directand manage urban and municipal devel�opments throughout the territory of Koso�vo. According to this law and other bylaws,the planning process should be open andinclusive, starting from identification of is�sues and urban diagnosis to the vision forthe future. It often happens for the processto be open and to have a public debate inrelation to any plan for development of thecity or regulation of a neighborhood, butthey are over by one�way communication,with a technical professional language andan exhibition of maps and sketches whichare often distant, unknown, illegible andsometimes incomprehensible to citizens.On the other hand, it is important to men�tion that Kosovar legislation on planninglacks a link that would make it compulsoryfor the architect and the planner to be in�volved in partial developments of small�er urban scale, which are more tangible tothe community. Given that the Urban De�velopment Plan is a futurist document,which guides developments of a city for along�term period, it is the regulation

plans that, in a lower scale, bring rules andcriteria for directions of future developmentor regulation of former neighborhoods thatare undergoing transformation now.These plans are the legal basis to issue con�struction permits at the city level, but whenthe plan of urb�architectonic level emergesthe process has difficulties and often im�plementation of plans is also impossible.This causes loss of urbanism in our citiesevery day given that “we have legged farbehind in making places, running after bigconstructions”, as White used to say. Local authorities seem to have given in tothis new pattern of uncontrolled devel�opments, which have started to hinder thelight of the city by an increasing mini�mization of public space at service of com�munity.

“How do we regain the place”?!...It seems that people have forgotten thatlife in the city has a bigger value and weightin common spaces, in public spaces wherethe city celebrates, whirs, breathes andlives. And they are not involved exactly inthese processes of making these spaces,where they socialize, fall in love, entertainor anything else. Usually the design of pub�lic spaces, parks or boulevards in Kosovowas done through companies engaged bylocal authorities, which are more focusedon design and its elements than on theprocess. There are cases when urbanlandscape in general is determined by a city“cleaning company” or any other companythat cultivates young plants, which isalso engaged by local authorities. The sec�ond case is more outrageous since apart

COMPREHENSIVEPLANNING AS

MEANS FOR IN-TERRELATION ANDRELATIONSHIP OF

COMMUNITYWITH THE PLACE

IDA. Eliza HoxhaParticipatory planning in Africa


from citizens, professional community isalso out of the process.Nevertheless, situation is not all black andwhite. There are cases of some movementsin Kosovo cities, where with the initiativeof the civil society or the community itselfpartial developments for improvementof public spaces and creation of a new ur�ban landscape have started.I would like to share with you my experi�ence with the NGO “Project for PublicSpaces (PPS)” from America, since 1975“they have helped communities to createactive and vital public spaces” throughoutthe world, through open process of vi�sioning and their development. They be�lieve that “ the process of public involve�ment, which defines and responds toconditions of communities and needsfrom the very beginning is one of most crit�ical factors in designing public space”(PPS). This approach seems very importantfor them since at the same time “throughyears it strengthened the tradition ofpublic participation in issues of governanceas democratic practice”.Supported by the Rockefeller BrothersFund, PPS came to Kosovo in 2009, aftera 15 year experience in the region. The PPSidea for Kosovo was development of ca�pacities and pilot�projects. Two projectswere conducted, the one in Peja with theNGO�s from Dukagjini region and youthcenter “Zoom” as a one day workshop onthe PSS platform as a planning platformor framework and implementing possibilityin the Kosovar context, as well as the pi�lot�project in Gjilan, park “Arbëria”.

Park “Arbëria”The process for park “Arbëria” has start�ed in March 2009, when together with thePPS we conducted a filed observation sincethe mayor of the Gjilan Municipality com�municated to us the designated area. Lo�cation “Arbëria” known in Gjilan as “for�mer cattle market” was wasteland, every�body’s and nobody’s space at the sametime. The first analysis in the field con�tributed to our being aware more closelyabout space features, its relation to neigh�borhood and the city of Gjilan.Then, in May 2009, the first workshop was

organized where different representativesof community, local business and social so�ciety took part. They worked in threegroups and produced lists of issues, needsand their requests to be addressed in fu�ture. In July 2009, the second meeting ofcommunity and other actors was held, withthe purpose of discussing the final list ofissues and their spatial extent. The spatialdiagram or the vision for park “Arbëria” waspresented in the third public meeting in Sep�tember 2009, after consensus between par�ties was reached. After a six months longprocess, the Gjilan Municipal Assembly ap�proved the vision for park “Arbëria”. For thePPS this was simultaneously fulfillment oftheir aims and conclusion of their project,since their work is focused on the processuntil consensus on the vision of space isreached and program of content based onissues identified together with communi�ty. This document or program frameworkcould serve now to the Municipality of Gji�lan as a guide to further develop the tech�nical process with professional local actors.The process of visioning of the park withcommunity enabled them to be articulat�ed and active in their request to continuethe second stage of the project, which isongoing now. During this journey, other ac�tors have expressed their interest to be partof it. The Muslim community intends to helpthe implementation because of their interestfor the space of the boulevard opposite themosque, which has a small and insufficientyard. At the same time, actors of local busi�nesses have shown interest in participat�ing and the Gjilan Municipal Assembly in�tends to carry out some partial investments

there through framework of Public�PrivatePartnership (PPP). Involvement of banksthrough their community fund to cratespaces – and children playgrounds will alsobe present. Lastly, “UN�Habitat” will alsobe part of the journey of this park to pur�sue the idea of promotion of developmentof sustainable spaces in process of its im�plementation. The entire process has manyimpacts in respect of relationship of com�munity with the place, increase of re�sponsibility in relation to it, maintenanceand love for it. This kind of processstrengthens and helps development andpromotion of open and democratic insti�tutions, which are close to the citizen andfor the citizen. A success story as this one,in relation to visioning process and creationof park “Arbëria”, could be a good lessonfor all of us that participate in planning anddevelopment process of our cities. Only thisway we would be able to build a commonfuture, where each of us has his role, im�portance and responsibility in the mosaicof an environment that meets our re�quirements as a community, in the face ofthe process of creating an image that wouldidentify us satisfactorily and in a dignifiedmanner as a state also. In order to enablethis process to take place in other cities tooand help municipal planners in this respect,the PPS manual called “How to revive aplace” was translated into Albanian inMarch 2011, by the NGO ”UrbaniaK” fromPrishtina.

(Author works in the Faculty of Architec�ture / Department of Urbanism/PrishtinaUniversity)

Participatory planning in Kosovo


Space is the most valued resource of alltimes, which made people fight over it andwhich causes fights with modern meanseven today. One cannot call manipulationswith space now as accidental, not even un�der justifications for its planning. Al�though this is the twenty�first century, onlymeans are different from the ones of thepast used to achieve ownership/possessionover space, from fighting to peacefulmeans of electronic format and daily po�litical zigzags today.I support the theory which says that spa�tial planning is and could be used as in�strument to measure the level of collectiveawareness, good governance and level ofdemocracy in a country.I support the theory that spatial�urban plan�ning/development is politics and vice�a�versa, and if spatial and urban plan�ning/development is efficient then prop�er politics is being conducted in thatplace, there is good governance anddemocracy, and the opposite!

How should it be!Let us feel good, happy, safe! As far as de�velopment of surroundings we live in isconcerned, we see positive results everyday, that we touch, experience, while go�ing to school, home, work, on foot or bycar.We should have unhindered view fromwindows every morning, a view that

gives optimism, with the sun getting insidethe rooms without being hindered by build�ings, smoke and sooth, and hear birdssinging.Let us feel safe for our small and teenagechildren, old parents, who have a place togo out to, play, leave behind melancholy,in the morning, noon or afternoon, be itsummer or winter, in urban open natureor not.Let the only challenge of our family be:Where to spend the afternoon or the week�end, in which park of the city, by rollers orbicycles, trotinette or on foot, in this na�tional park or the other one, in this lake orthat swimming pool, in this theatre playor the other one, at the cinema, should weengage on this voluntary�social activity orthe other one that makes you be proud ofwhat you have done!Let the roads beside our houses be widefor all cars and let us be free to walk onpavements, push baby prams to go to nu�merous parks and squares of the city, letus be able to warm our houses withoutfeeling guilty of cutting wood, let ushave lights on roads allover, let us see facesof our fathers and our faces beaming withpride for achievements of the Kosovar so�ciety, dignified life…, without fear, with�out suffering, without pollution.Let our officials gather us in numerous hallsof local community offices or municipali�

ty in order to ask us about needs, requestsand possibilities to built a beautiful and safefuture together for everybody in the city.We speak freely and motivated, listen withattention and are aware that taken deci�sions are the best possible … for all of US!“The plan” is completed; it has been doneaccording to our measures, requests andneeds. We pledged to support such im�plementation of the plan and to contributewhile people we chose have carried outtheir work, implemented projects with ex�actness and full responsibility! Everybody in the planet feels good, hap�py and safe in the environment we live in!

What about today?We are every day discontent with unex�pected situations in our neighborhood, cityand municipality. We feel unsafe and dis�gusted every day about and with the sur�rounding we live in, with those that canprotect our living surrounding but do notsee it as their priority!Roads and pavements overwhelmed bycars, lack of security to cross the road, plen�ty of concrete and asphalt instead of greenareas, uncontrolled restrictions of powersupply, broken traffic lights, buildingsthat occupy pavements, cutting of trees incity roads up to their trunk, cutting of en�tire trunk because of a kiosk locatednearby, cutting of a decade old forest in or�

PLANNED SPATIALDEVELOPMENT –

AN INDICATOR OF COLLECTIVE

AWARENESS – SO-CIAL PROGRESS IDA. Elvida Pallaska

Prishtina 1965

Prishtina 2008 (Origin IPH)


der to build a collective block of flats, over�all wood cutting only for heating not forany wood processing factory, diversified en�vironment pollution, immense space swal�lowing … In the name of development(read: construction).Nowadays in Kosovo we experience enor�mous and quick changes of city views, ADHOC and inertia driven changes…. Nobody asks the citizen, whereas publicdebates as an instrument of transparenceand inclusiveness prove, where the bestpossible version of the plan should be out�laid, are very formal and mismanaged andare done only for the sake of reports andminutes, which is a legal obligation. On the other hand, we cannot even speakabout implementation of plans that are notapplicable, for example spatial plans, al�though they should have been an overviewof municipal development plans and usedto draft municipal development strategies,annual work plans, creation of annual draftbudget plans as stages of plan imple�mentations, they are used only to meet alegal obligation and have one more ten�der at disposal … On the other hand, while plans are not

used, they are abused in Kosovo and aresubject to change under the pretext of dy�namic and strategic planning and oppor�tunities to change them based on “ground�ed multiple justification” which is usual�ly “absent” in Kosovo….Of course, when it comes to an AD HOCchange of plans, we will conduct an anal�ogy with good lawyers who use gaps andambiguities of laws in order to win judi�cial cases, whereas planners togetherwith municipal officials change greatly spa�tial and urban plans, in an unprofession�al and intentional manner for concrete gain. This happened in most municipalities of

Kosovo, by using the Law on SpatialPlanning, lack of other legal acts supportingthe law, ambiguity and lack of clarity ofspatial�municipal�urban plans, throughtheir “dignified” use to conduct numerouschanges for private interest, the interest ofthe political elite, thus by greatly chang�ing plans APPROVED by their municipal as�semblies.In a meeting of planners’ forum with thetopic “What about the legalization processof illegal objects in Kosovo”, where afterplenty of facts emerged an urgent need todetermine a measure of allowing changesof spatial�municipal�urban plan and reg�ulation urban plan by the Law on spatialplanning in the name of the same “spa�tial and urban plan”.The same informal meeting of planners’community came forward with the needfor greater support of politics, as the firstmeasure, as well as setting of instrumentsto measure the percentage of changes ina plan together with their implementation! Referring to Kosovo, this is a very acute andimportant problem, but it is beyond anydoubt that this happened in other coun�tries in transition too! For example: A regulation plan in a mu�nicipality in Kosovo, recently approved bythe Municipal Assembly (electronically),was subject to change two or three times,depending on the need to grant urban per�mits for several collective buildings, where�as in the initial official version approvedby the Municipal Assembly the respectivespace was a vacant green area. We are aware of what one can do by us�ing programs CAD and GIS, if the final ver�sion of the plan approved by the Munici�pal Assembly is not preserved in hard copy,is not printed, bound, sealed and archivedto serve as reference to any other laterchanges, but granted permit always refersto the “official” changed plan, whereas civ�il society is silent… and this suits officials…Such phenomenon will maybe spread,while renewal�overbuilding of plans hasbeen foreseen by law to be carried outevery five years. This plan overbuildingshould only adjust to alienated and createdsituation every day.. I wonder whether, after some time, we willbe interested to know who gains and wholoses in these cases? I wonder whether

Aerial photo of Prishtina

Visioning of the future


such phenomena caused the population tofall in collective apathy, consequentlyleading to refusal to take part in local andcentral elections in future, with absence ofactivity in an organized manner as civil so�ciety, because anyway nobody cares aboutthem?

Developed countries possess advanced societies Advanced societies are included from thestart of the planning process, requiretransparency in fulfilling interests of majorityof society, are allies but also a mean or“watchdogs” of their governments. This ishow it should be in Kosovo too, where ma�jority of society represented through or�ganized groups of interest or as individu�als have a role to play in every planchange, implementation and monitoring.If an unplanned thing changes the courseof development without the involvementof society, it should not be good, neitherfor planning managers nor for politicalleaders.In the context of implementation of plans,accountability and influences on dailypolitics, one of challenges of the developedworld nowadays is what has bigger impact,daily politics followed by officials on dai�ly basis1 or of politicians with longercourse of action!So, this is the reason why spatial�urbanplanning is efficient: proper policy thatchooses to conduct good governance, byrespecting democracy, its principles, oth�erwise where there is no democracy,there is no good governance or efficient

planning. In line with this, there is the tau�tology: “Efficient spatial�urban planningrepresents high level of democracy in acountry”!In conditions of transition and political andsocial uncertainty, Kosovo fails to institu�tionally support the planning process in thecountry, starting from the fact that spatialplanning is NOT a priority yet, even one

decade after the war!On an occasion Mr. Cendrowicz – officialfor Kosovo issue in the Directorate for Ex�pansion of the European Commission, whois responsible for the drafting of theProgress Report for Kosovo, responding tothe question whether spatial planning isan evaluation topic, gave a positive answeradding that the (dis)course of priority set�ting by the Government of Kosovo is as�sessed too!While a successful plan is progress, ful�fillment of interests and objectives it hasbeen created for, and comprehensive andsupported plan would result with 1+1=3,therefore at least one more fulfillment outof those planned, whereas in Kosovonow we anyway have 1+1<2.

(Author is lecturer in the European Uni�versity in Prishtina and works as architect�urban planner in the Institute for SpatialPlanning)

1 For example: with the change of the plan without consen�sus or control, or (not) granting of permits as a daily task

Democracy in process!

Triangle of Economic Development in Kosovo


Study from aspect of Strategic SpatialPlanning in Kosovo and of interest to ap�proximation and membership in the Eu�ropean Union (or observation of EUregulations in member states)

Which are planning levels inKosovo? According to the Constitution, there aretwo administration levels in Kosovo.Based on the Law on Spatial Planning no.2003/14 and the Law on its amendmentno. 03/L�106, on the entire and certainterritorial space, strategic plans aredrafted: space plans for the central lev�el and development and urban plans formunicipal (local) level.

What is strategic planning?Differently from overall planning destinedat surfaces, strategic planning, like in alldeveloped countries, is drafted by con�sidering challenges and issues, namelytheir certain indicators. These indicatorsshow attained level for certain informa�tion, from any thematic field (social, eco�nomic, environmental) or of different sec�tors within them. In Kosovo, like else�where in the world, such indicators aremore credible when secured and providedby official census of population andmaterial goods, by central authority ofstatistics. Credible indicators are also con�sidered to be the data deriving from re�searches – scientific studies and from dif�ferent surveys based on reliable officialinformation, which cannot be ensured di�rectly from the abovementioned au�thority.

Are there correct divisions of statis�tical regions in Kosovo?Fortunately or unfortunately, in Kosovothere may be drafted strategic plans forboth mentioned levels (central and mu�nicipal), based on applicable legisla�tion and collection of reliable statisticaldata. Kosovar planners (but also politi�cians), if they want to draft a plan –strategic development project (positiveincrease of the value of any indicator) ofa certain region (area), they cannot besure their data are reliable. The reason be�hind this further processing of data ob�tained from the municipal level, name�ly their inadequate (irrelevant) groupingin regions designated by the StatisticalOffice of Kosovo (SOK). Currently group�ings of data (information) in regions areinherited and irregular because theyare divided in seven regions for severalcertain sectors, whereas other sectors aredivided in 6 and 5 of them. It is neces�sary to mend this irregularity and this isalso verified by long announced SOK re�quirements that are addressed to theKosovo Government and Assembly, in or�der to conduct correct and official divi�sion of statistical regions.

How does this function in EUmember states?From the viewpoint of approximation toEU, like all member states of this Euro�pean family, activities of the Governmentof the Republic of Kosovo should also bein full compliance and accordance withpolicies and regulations of this commu�nity. In this case, it is necessary to em�phasize the need and requirement for di�

vision of territory of Kosovo in an exactnumber of regions, in the beginning thestatus of statistical regions, which in theEU are known as NUTS – NomenclatureUnits for Territorial Statistics. As it is known, information is obtained fromsmaller areas (neighborhoods, local com�munity offices, the village, etc.), but offi�cially it is the municipal level that collectsdata in relation to LAN (Local Adminis�trative Nomenclature). Data collectionand their division in statistical regions haveits hierarchy, starting from lower lo�cal/municipal cell towards the high�est/central one. So, from LAN, i.e. munic�ipalities, going up to statistical regions –wider local space (meaning the district orcounty), which is expressed by acronymNUTS�3 and is composed of several mu�nicipalities. Another level of informationsharing in statistical regions is the one ex�pressed by acronym NUTS�2, which againmay be local, but is a little wider and iscomposed of two (2) or more regions ofthe NUTS�3 level. Usually, the level de�termined by NUTS�1 and NUTS�0 is re�served for the central/state level as sta�tistical region, which is at the same timethe territory of entire country and is com�prised of several categorized regions suchas NUTS�2 (or in cases when NUTS�2 is alsoreserved for the central level, then the lo�cal level ends with NUTS�3). An exceptionto this are countries that are bigger (pop�ulation and territory wise) or federationsbelonging to the highest level of statisti�cal region NUTS�0, which contain sever�al greater spaces or states (such as landsin Germany) that are determined as sta�tistical regions by the acronym NUTS�1.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

IN KOSOVO

IDA Faton Deva

(Scheme of Kosovo division into development zones of similar potentials and development characteristics)

Should such a division happen heretoo?By all means, as in all EU member statesand in candidate countries and those as�piring integrations in the EU, Kosovo alsoshould sooner or later get organized anddetermine the division of statistical re�gions. As an issue of curiosity, Croatia hasformalized the division of its territory inNUTS as an aspiring�candidate countryseveral years before Slovenia, whichwas already member of the EuropeanUnion. Why shouldn’t the Republic ofKosovo use the opportunity to preparedraft projects for application in joint de�velopment funds, addressed according tonames of different EU policies, such as:regional, rural, territorial cohesion, traf�fic network and capitals, balanced de�velopment, inter and trans�border, in�terregional etc.? First of all, this regional division shouldbe organized not only for the sake of ap�plication to joint development plans, butalso because it is an EU requirement, es�pecially of the European Statistical Net�work EUROSTAT (European Statistics) andESPON (European Spatial Planning Ob�servation Network), respectively thenetwork of providing an overview of thesituation of all spatial indicators through�out the territory of the European Union.All the maps produced to date by ESPON,which are used by all EU member states,were based and compiled consideringstatistical indicators (data) for the re�gional level NUTS�2 and NUTS�3. Inshort, if we draw a parallel in relation tothe role, responsibility and tasks, such asthe ones that EUROSTAT and ESPON haveat the European level, then the KSO(Kosovo Statistical Office within theMPA) and the ISP (the Institute for Spa�tial Planning within the MESP) have thesame tasks at the Kosovar level. Yet again, there should not be any hes�itation regarding the division of statisti�cal regions in Kosovo, which shouldnot, by all means, be administrativetoo in the beginning, whereas meanwhilethey might assume responsibility and de�cision making role for projects and plansdetermined for that region. Establishment

of mini regional assemblies, which is car�ried out by designating delegates fromrespective municipalities, strengthensthe decision making role. Representationof delegation of municipal assemblymembers to a certain statistical regionfrom each represented municipality isachieved by considering the number oftheir population, as the only criterion fordivision, which is also valid for EU mem�ber states.

What is the logical division of statistical regions in Kosovo according to the EU?Division of Kosovo in eight (7 + 1 = 8) re�gions for level NUTS�3 is based on EU reg�ulations and simple logics. First, due to ex�istence, regular functioning of seven biggestcities of Kosovo with municipalities sur�rounding them and (plus) one urban cap�ital (with several municipalities divided with�in it), would meet the only criteria (divisionof regions as per number of population),which is used in EU member states.

What document may we refer to inorder to start this regional division? In the document approved by the Gov�ernment and the Parliament of Kosovo –Kosovo Spatial Plan 2010 – 2020+(which is a review of KSP 2005 � 2015),in Chapter III – the Framework of Spa�tial Developments that expresses desiredprediction for spatial developments inKosovo is built on concept and structureof future spatial development and its or�ganization.According to the concept of future spa�tial development (KSP, pages 121 and122) Kosovo is divided in four typical ar�eas, which have been determined basedon some common features of these ar�eas. These features represent varietyand at the same time are unique for eachone of them, such as: development po�tentials, geographic features and socialand economic activities that are con�ducted in these areas. Names of these ar�eas represent a certain identity that in�clude some of their features, whereas


Scheme of the division of Kosovo into zones with similar potentials and characteristics of development


they are presented with different colorsin maps, such as:• Treasury of Kosovo (Green areas) � in�

dustrial, service providing and com�mercial– represents the northern partof Kosovo composed of following mu�nicipalities: Mitrovica, as the maincenter, Vushtrri, Skënderaj, Zveçan,Leposaviq and Zubin�Potok, as small�er municipalities, which are in theneighborhood of Mitrovica.

• The port of Kosovo (Blue area) � ad�ministrative, service, commercial, agro�industrial, touristic– represent thenorthern part of Kosovo comprised offollowing municipalities: Prishtina, asKosovo capital and the main center,Obiliq, F.� Kosova, Podujevo, Drenas,Lypjan and Shtim, which are in theneighborhood of the city of Prishtina,regional.

• Kosovo bridges (Yellow spaces) – serv�ice and commercial, agro�industrial andtouristic – represent the southeasternand southwestern parts of Kosovo,composed of the following munici�palities: 1) Ferizaj, Shtërpce, Kaçanik,Gjilan, Viti, Novobërdo and Kamenica,in the center with the cities of Ferizajand Gjilan; 2) Gjakova, Deçan, Rahovecand Malishevo with Gjakova city in thecenter.

• Kosovo gardens (Orange spaces) – cul�tural�touristic, service and commercial,agro�industrial representwestern/northwestern and southernparts of Kosovo, composed of the fol�lowing municipalities: 1) Peja, Klina andIstog, with the city of Peja in the cen�ter; 2) Prizren, Suhareka and Dra�gash, with the city of Prizren in the cen�ter.

Conclusion!Finally, apart from the interest of inte�gration in the EU, this regional statisti�cal division should also take place due toinjustice happening to municipalities ofFerizaj and Gjakova, in relation to ap�plication and winning of developmentprojects in the Agency for Regional De�velopment, according to which Kosovoterritory is divided in five regions. Such

a division is not acceptable to majoritypopulation because it has been inherit�ed by Serbian authorities, which being un�able to govern all regional centers, car�ried out such an adjustment with the pur�pose of ruling easier.Thus, professional experts of relevantfields (governmental sector, associationof municipalities, University, business,NGO�s and civil society in general)should gather together and determineterritorial division of the Republic of Koso�vo in eight statistical regions due to fu�ture developments. Insistence to divideNUTS�3 regions (while the level of regionsNUTS�2 remains an option to be deter�mined) that are handled by and belongto local management and administrationlevel, does not require big changes of ap�plicable legislation. While the level re�served for the central level, for entire ter�ritory of the Republic of Kosovo and themass of its population, can and shouldat the same time be the level of NUTS�1 and NUTS�0, whereas again levelNUTS�2 should be determined betweenthe central and the local levels, whichmay be a division in two wider geo�graphical regions: Dukagjini and Koso�vo Plains. Nevertheless, the Law on Spatial Planningshould be subject to slight interventionand it should also be supplemented.Apart from the institutional developmentof the ISP, as the only central coordina�tion authority for spatial planning and de�velopment, rural development and re�gional division (of counties) should be in�cluded too as a level of spatial planningand development. Then, regional plan�ning and development units will be es�tablished with the passing of time, withprofessional selected experts and ISP rep�resentation and also relevant municipalityof the certain region.Therefore, the division of statistical re�gions would look as follows:1. The region of the capital with com�

posing municipalities: Eastern Pr�ishtina, Southern P., Western P. andNorthern P. (or with their names ac�cording to biggest neighborhoods foreach area�municipality);

2. Prishtina region with composing mu�nicipalities: Prishtina, Obiliqi, F. �Kosova, Podujevo, Drenas, Shtimje,Lypjan, Graçanica and Novobërdo, towhich Prishtina is the main regionalcenter;

3. Mitrovica region with composing mu�nicipalities: Mitrovica, Vushtrri, Skën�deraj, Zveçan, Leposaviq and Zubin�Potoku, as smaller municipalities thecenter of which is Mitrovica;

4. Peja region with composing munici�palities: Peja, Klina and Istog, with thecity of Peja at the center;

5. Gjakova region with composing mu�nicipalities: Gjakova, Junik, Deçan, Ra�hovec and Malishevo, with the city ofGjakova at the center

6. Prizren region with composing mu�nicipalities: Prizren, Suhareka, Ma�musha and Dragash, with the city ofPrizren at the center.

7. Ferizaj region with composing mu�nicipalities: Ferizaj, Shtërpce, Kaçanik,Han i Elezit, with the city of Ferizaj atthe center, as well as

8. Gjilan region with composing munic�ipalities: Gjilan, Viti, Kllokot, Partesh,Ranillug and Kamenica, with the cityof Gjilan at the center.

ConclusionSuch strengthening of Kosovo in re�gions NUTS�3 (districts or counties),with their centers (Prishtina the capital,the county of Prishtina, the county ofMitrovica, the county of Gjilan, thecounty of Ferizaj, the county of Peja, thecounty of Gjakova and the county ofPrizren) would make easier the collectionand overview of data in a certain space.Further, state, regional, sectional strate�gies etc., may be drafted based on thesedata. Finally, reasonable, strong andwidely accepted plans and projects aredrafted – whose only aim is: particular�ly the improvement of situation of indi�cators that are at poor level and life ofcitizens in general.

(Author works as professional planner inthe Institute for Spatial Planning)


IntroductionThe theme of Urbanization is increasingimportance amongst the internationalprofessional and political debate. Obvi�ously there process and the impact andstress it causes over the limited re�sources are an increasing concern of theworldwide societies. The phenomenon is impacting signifi�cantly more in less developed countries,which previously had lower levels of ur�banization compared to the developedcountries.

ObjectiveThe objective of this paper is to provokethe reader through few questions tryingto generate reflections over the nature,direction and dynamics of the urban�ization process that is marking the de�velopment process in countries like Al�bania and Kosova.The article elaborates on the case of Al�bania, but across the elaboration it layssome parallels with the situation inKosova. In fact, the objective is to seewhether some of the observation on Al�bania could be of any relevance to theKosova’s context.

ContextAlbania has gone through a dramaticchange of the urbanization process in thelast 20 years. The political and econom�ic changes that followed the ‘wind ofchange’ of the ’90 in the Eastern Europeare marked by the most significant re�forms taken by a government oriented to�ward the free market economy. Indeed,the most significant reforms of the dem�ocratic government of early ’90 were fo�

cused on the privatization process of theinefficient state enterprises, but alsothe privatization of the land. The objec�tive was to establish the fundament ofthe free market economy. The liberal�ization of the movement of the popula�tion within the country led to a freneticurbanization process oriented toward thebiggest urban centers in the centralwestern part of the country.Obviously the process reforming processtoward a free market economy has rec�ognized also set backs like the crisis of1997 originated at the failure of the ‘pyra�midal’ schemes and evolved in a politi�cal and institutional crisis.However, in the last 10 years Albania hasentered a solid phase of stabilization andintegration to the European Union, rec�ognizing a new area of the economicaland institutional development of thecountry.Kosova has gone through a different spi�ral of events although there are signifi�cant similarities with the economic, in�stitutional and political format of Alba�nia. Kosova emerged out of the the dis�solution process of the former Yugoslavia,(where, for historic reasons, was nevercomfortably part) accompanied fromdramatic events such as a criminal eth�nic cleansing of the regime of Milosevictoward the albanian population.Kosova engaged in reforms that consol�idate the independence with a clear ob�jective of belonging in a near future tothe European Community. Both countries face challenges in launch�ing a competitive economy based on pro�ductive sector as well as the sector of the

services. Both countries has almostabandoned (although due to the last 5years of the market changes of theprime materials there are some signalsof reconsideration) the heavy industry. The process of urbanization has been sig�nificant in both countries. Although thestarting points are quite different the ur�banization process has marked the de�velopment of the last 20 years. Obviouslythe urbanization imposes considerablechallenges in reconstruction of the in�frastructure and restructuring of themanagement system of infrastructure andservices. On the other side the urban�ization process has involved considerableenergies and investments in the centralregions

Quest for Urban Development; Doesplanning really make a difference inAlbaniaIndeed it would be fundamental to un�derstand whether planning does makeany difference in the developmentprocess in realities like Albania andKosova? Has planning the right tools toface the challenges of development? Is,in fact, planning managing to influenceeconomic development of our cities? Or,we should change and adopt the toolsfor an effective planning system?Albania and Kosova come from a systemof rigid planning centrally based. The eco�nomic resources and distribution, the in�frastructure and investment as well as ba�sic elements of the urban developmentwere planed at a central level. The com�munist system (although in Albania im�plemented in an orthodox way while Yu�

QUEST

FOR URBAN

DEVELOPMENT

Flamur Kuçi

Sustainable development

goslavia adopted more liberal policiesand instruments) was based in a rigid pe�riodic central planning obsoleting the ba�sic elements of the free market economy.The approach adopted led to the failure(especially the Albanian case) of the econ�omy due to impossibility of the socialisteconomy to compete in the global econ�omy or at least to interact with the glob�al markets.During the transition process not muchefforts were devoted to planning initia�tives. In fact the Albanian cities experi�enced the transition in almost total ab�sence of rules and guidance. A large partof the population living until the 1990 inthe mountainous rural areas, aban�doned these areas heading toward urbancenters in search for better living, em�ployment and education opportunities. Land. The land reforms undertaken in thetransition period aimed at privatizingmost of the agriculture and urban landas well as the housing stock in the effortof establishing the basis for a free landmarket and real estate in the country. In�deed the reforms managed to establisha vivid real estate sector mainly fueledby the high demand of the urbanization

process. However, the fragmentation ofthe tenure led to scattered, fragmentedand unbalanced nature of development.The land use system has served mainlyin orienting and paving the way to theconstruction process, not necessarily inalliance with the public interest. Indeedthe system has accommodated the de�mand for construction and real estate, butthe entire process has deliberately neg�lected the public interest for public

spaces, schools, kindergarten, sportfields and recreation. It can be conclud�ed that the urban planning system hasprovided for a model where the privateinterest (in many cases subject to spec�ulation) has prevailed over the public in�terest.Housing. Housing sector restructuringaimed at shifting the role of the gov�ernment from a direct housing providerinto a facilitator of the service that at bestcreates the basis for affordable housingfor especially low income people. The newrole implies better organizing capacitiesof the government. In the absence of suchcapacities housing has become less ac�cessible leading to an explosion of the‘self�provision’ approach, that resultsmainly in low quality housing provisionmostly of informal and illegal nature. Informal developments. Albania countsaround 320.000 informal/illegaldwellings. Some 250.000 were addressedthrough a legalization reform, whichfailed, however, in stopping the phe�nomenon (only in the last 3 years therehas been built some 80.000 more). In factthe phenomenon is the sole result of thefailure of the housing provision and theurban planning system. Unless bothsystems create an affordable housing andbalanced land development the viciouscircle of the informal development mod�el will prevail and will put at risk the sus�tainability of the urban development ofthe country.Infrastructure. Although lots of efforts


Participatory planning for sustainable development

Open competition for student ideas, organized from Tirana municipality for the lake park area of the city of Tirana

have been put in the decentralizationprocess, capacities of the local govern�ment remain low. Indeed the investmentand management of the infrastructure isstill a challenge especially for the localgovernment. In this context the fiscal sys�tem faces difficulties in providing for arealistic coverage of the operationalcosts, not to mention maintenance andcapital investments. The land develop�ment structure need to be changed in or�der to better distribute the benefits of thedevelopment therefore to generate theright resources to provide for the cover�age of infrastructure and services costs.Environment. The dynamic and freneticurbanization process has been accom�panied by a neglecting attitude towardthe environment. Indeed the changes ofthe 1990 meet the albanian society in antotal absence of education over the en�vironmental issues due to the back�ward economic format of Albania thatdidi not face environmental debates.Soon enough the albanian society learnedat own expense the dialectic, sometimeconflictual, between development andenvironment.Economic development. The reforms un�dertaken in the transition period have led

to the opening of the albanian economyto the global markets. Obviously the re�structuring reforms have generated eco�nomic growth (at a beginning stage evena two digits growth). Albania’s challengeis shifting rapidly from generating intoconsolidating the economic growth.However, should be said that urbanplanning has never been seen as relevantto the economic growth. This miscon�ception originates at the narrow physi�cal physiognomy of the traditional urbanplanning.

ConclusionThe transition from a centrally planed eco�nomic and political system into a freemarket economy and democratic systemhas been complex and, unavoidably,complicated. The shift from a rigid plan�ning approach was followed by a ‘lais�sez�faire’ one. Both the models with verydifferent results, but commonly not pro�viding the sustainable economic wealth. The tools of the urban planning systemare insufficient to cope with the in�creasing challenges of the urbanizationprocess. Indeed instruments of urbanplanning need to be sustained with ap�propriate organizing capacities of the lo�

cal and central government. Urban planning exercises should beabundant and should serve the pur�pose to lead public and private invest�ment, rather then serve only at the nar�row purpose of construction process. Urban plans should provide compre�hensive models of organizing thespace, but even more; should be theappropriate grounds to organize the ac�tions needed to create quality livingcenters.The emerging crucial point is the needto address urban planning as a complextool (i) to generate economic growth andemployment (ii) protect and develop en�vironment (iii) provide the ground for bal�anced public and private land develop�ment. Integrating these dimensions inthe urban planning system throughcomprehensive view for urban devel�opment will make sure that Urban Plan�ning will make a difference in the Eco�nomic, Social and Environmental de�velopment process in societies like Al�bania and Kosova.

(Author is advisor for Territory and Property Issues to the Prime Minister of Albania)


Gjakova (Origin: IPH)

Ferizaj (Origin: IPH)

Achievements of European Union in thearea of spatial planning are an excellentguide for development of urban settingsin our areas. If our aim is to really be in�tegrated into Europe, then we need aquality system of spatial and urbanplanning.Member states of European Union haveno unique approach towards spatialplanning, but there are some commonprinciples that are followed by everybodyand which are summarized in the docu�ment “European Spatial DevelopmentPerspective” (ESDP). These principlesare as follows: social and economic co�hesion; preservation and management ofnatural and cultural heritage, as well asbalanced competition of the Europeanterritory. Despite the fact that it is not compulsory,ESDP is a document signed by ministers re�sponsible for regional planning of EuropeanUnion member states, which tells about theinfluence of this document in spatialplanning policies in regions of Europe andin member states, thus creating precon�ditions for sustainable and balanced de�velopment of European territory.Therefore, planner should understand theessence of expression “sustainable de�velopment”, which is reflected in under�standing of system of values, way of liv�ing, rapport towards natural sources andliving environment, and, in general, rap�port towards space and way of living in it.Now, from European spatial planning letus focus our attention on the other lev�el – urban planning in Kosovo. Empha�size should be put on some values be�cause their non�recognition or neglectcauses the process of urban development

to result with non�functional urbanspaces that lack quality. The current situation in Kosovo may becharacterized as being chaotic, namelyabout the high time that the few re�maining spaces and resources are pre�serves, whereas the degraded ones arerehabilitated. In the first years of international ad�ministration in Kosovo, it could not be ex�pected that urban planning would be giv�en priority since focus was on more ur�gent issues. The wish of individuals tobuild, no irrespective of the damagecaused to the environment and the pub�lic property, was not hindered by the thenadministration. On one hand, the surplusof individual energy to compensate de�ficiencies of the past and inability of in�stitutions to channel that energy, on theother hand, in an environment with in�complete legal framework and devel�oping institutions, undoubtedly was re�flected in unplanned and uncontrolled ur�ban developments. Institutional and le�gal framework was created to the func�tion of spatial planning and manage�ment. Within the Ministry of Environmentand Spatial Planning was established theDepartment for Spatial Planning (in2002), the Institute for Spatial Planning(in 2003), and the Law on Spatial Plan�ning, the Law on Construction and ad�ministrative instructions augmentingthese laws were drafted, and also oth�er laws and institutions.

Spatial and urban planning documents Despite great difficulties, law imple�

mentation is necessary. Urban prob�lems, such as heavy traffic, urban trans�port, illegal construction, unemploy�ment and many others are also ad�dressed through spatial and urban plans.Although late, several spatial and urbanplans of the central and the local levelhave been approved. Following many ef�forts and prolongations, the Assembly ofKosovo has this year approved the Spa�tial Plan of Kosovo as a multi�sectionalstrategic plan, which determines longterm aims of spatial planning for the ter�ritory of Kosovo for a fifteen year period.Whereas, when it comes to local level,spatial and urban plans have also beenapproved by the municipalities of Peja,Gjakova, Gjilan, etc. It is worth men�tioning that despite being establishedonly two years before, the municipalityof Junik also has such plans. However,there are still municipalities that dialedto draft their spatial plans. Although theirissuance is compulsory within a certaindue term, the law fails to foresee puni�tive measures for delays or the failure todraft them. Several regulation urban plans, which ac�cording to the definition should havebeen detailed plans for inhabited surfacesor other areas where construction is totake place, were drafted for certain ar�eas of Kosovo cities and were present�ed in public debates. The Municipal As�sembly of Prishtina approved several ofthem, such as “Vellusha”, “Qyteza Pej�ton”, “Dardania”, “Lakërishte” etc. But, do these plans correspond to real�ity? Can they be implemented at thesame level they are drafted? Were they


IMPORTANCEOR NEGLECT

OF SPATIALAND URBAN

PLANNING INKOSOVO

Ark. Hidajete ZhuriKosovo parliament, approval of the strategic development documents

subject to supervision during the draft�ing process? There are also other ques�tions that seek answers. The entire process and responsibilities un�til the regulation urban plans have beenapproved are described in the Law onSpatial Planning. But, the content, as wellas the manner of presentation of draft�ed plans in most cases are not in com�pliance with determined legal conditions,even, on many occasions, with the cur�rent situation of the surface to be regu�lated. Why? Maybe the low budget des�ignated for their drafting may be one ofcauses that the quality is poor. Never�theless, irrespective of quality, thoseplans are approved and, as such, remainin drawers, inapplicable. Aiming to achieve the product within avery short period of time, no matter whatit may be, there are whole steps bypassedor formally passed despite them being im�portant for the planning chain. Avoidingcomprehensive planning, as well asnon�involvement or formal involvementof citizens in the process of identificationof problems and addressing of theirneeds, resulted with unreasonable andunsustainable solutions. Also, the dia�logue between representatives of centraland local authorities, experts of urban de�velopment field, as well as citizens,does not result to be productive giventhat involved parties are not clearlyidentified with their interests and do notprotect them sufficiently with necessaryarguments. This lack of culture of dia�logue, as well as the low level of trans�parence and accountability, makes plansinapplicable and nobody is held re�sponsible for such anomalies. Drafting of applicable plans is a real chal�lenge because the planning process re�quires a multidimensional approach andresponsibility of all actors. A good man�aged process requires from the local lev�el possession of an elaborated commu�nication strategy with citizens, by con�sulting them also about concrete solu�tions, and by organizing wide informa�tion through print and electronic media.The public debates with citizens, expertsand other factors should be moderatedin a professional manner in order to en�sure that participants provide their con�

tribution, by expressing real interests ofgroups they represent.Whereas, drafters of plans should respectlegal requirements for the content andgraphic presentation of the plan, inclu�sion of community in early stages of theplan drafting, until the consensus, co�operation with local and central level ac�tors, as well as transparency criteria arereached. The central level (MESP) should organ�ize discussions with key actors in relationto possible legal obstructions duringthe drafting process of urban regulationplans, their addressing, inspection su�pervision during the process of plandrafting, etc.

Control of developments The joint Committee of MESP�MPALG onthe review of lawfulness of acts issuedby municipal assemblies in the area of ur�ban and rural planning has been oper�ational for a year and a half now. Thechain of information and compulsory re�porting in different levels should be at theservice of constant following andprogress of every initiative for develop�ments of urban planning in municipali�ties. But, there are difficulties in secur�ing information on all developmentssince not all municipalities report on thework they do. Thus, for example, theCommittee received acts from somemunicipalities, but non whatsoever fromthe Municipality of Prishtina, although itis widely known that the Municipal As�sembly has issued several decisions per�taining to this field. This shows that ur�ban planning is an area where more workshould be done in respect of law en�forcement.

Institutional negligence or...?In spite of engagement on building theinstitutional and legal basis for spatialand urban planning, the problem cov�ering this area is not dealt with by de�velopment documents of Kosovo issuedin the last years, thus failing to recognizeits importance for the future of thecountry. Also the Constitution of the Re�public of Kosovo does not refer to spa�tial planning, differently from the Con�

stitutional Framework for ProvisionalSelf�Governance which used toe deter�mine responsibility in this area. The Pro�gram of the Government of the Repub�lic of Kosovo 2011�2014, is based on fourmain pillars, such as: 1) Sustainableeconomic development; 2) Good gover�nance and strengthening of rule of law;3) Development of human capital; as well4) Social welfare. The first pillar of thisprogram includes aims of the Govern�ment for public�private partnerships, in�cluding meeting of requirements forpublic services by municipal authoritiesin urban transportation, public parkinglots, sport, recreation activities and cul�ture, as well as garbage collection. But,although a spatial or urban plan shouldprecede establishment of such partner�ships, the Government Program fails toaddress spatial planning in none of fourpillars. Development Strategic Plan of theMinistry of Environment and SpatialPlanning 2011�2014, approved by theGovernment in July 2011, among eightstrategic objectives lists strengthening ofspatial planning as the third one. But,new organizational structure of theMESP, which is executor of this plan, fore�sees merging of Department of SpatialPlanning and Department of Constructionand Habitation, which has an impact onreduction of the capacity of the Ministryto manage an important aspect of itsfunctioning, which, ironically, is part ofthe name of the Ministry. The known saying “failing in planningmeans planning failure”, although de�veloped by business community in theseventies, is in any case valid for spatialand urban planning too. This is proven bythe up to now experience in Kosovo,where absence of such plans resulted inurban chaos in cities, environment pol�lution, degradation of agricultural landand forests, limitation of opportunities tobuild quality roads, and many othernegative effects that impact the qualityof life of the citizen and the potential ofthe country for sustainable economic andsocial development.

(Author works in the Department of Spa�tial Planning, the Ministry of Environmentand Spatial Planning)


Public space in general is understood asspace where we can freely and on equalbasis gather together within the legalframework. Public space is characterizedwith its opening. In principle, every itsmembers can participate in everythingthat happens there, depending on his orher choice. Public space is not open onlyto powerful people. It belongs to every�body equally – all of them are its own�ers.Public space is governed by the law notby individuals or entities.In recent years, the value of publicspace reached highest levels of politics.The interest of the top of politics reflectsan increasing perception for public spaceas public service. There is also evidencethat public space may bring profit – beit economic, social or environmental.In general, creation of public space is at�tributed to the need for:• Public spaces as an area to conduct

economic activities – trade and serv�ices.

• Public space as culture and publicevents space

• Public space as leisure space • Public space as representative space.

1. DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC SPACEIN KOSOVO THROUGH HISTORY

1.1 ORIGIN – Building of urban struc�ture was undoubtedly conditioned by cre�ation of public space, respectively divi�sion of private space from the one ded�icated to public. In most cities of Koso�vo it is possible to distinguish historicallayering of forms of public space char�acteristic for different periods of histor�

ical development they have gonethrough.Given that all cities of Kosovo, in the formand location as we find them today, havebeen established in the period of Ot�toman Empire, the genesis of public spacemay be attributed to fundamental needsof citizens for economic activities, suchas trade and craftsmanship on one handand other needs, such as religion, otherpublic services – administration, educa�tion, recreation activities and economicones – such as markets, Bezistan pas�sages and inns, which were built by pub�lic income through waqf, altogethercalled ‘kyllije’(in Turkish külliye”� whole).One kyllije was composed of a mosque,around which were built the madrasah,hospital, library, ham am, inn, bezistanand basic forms of public space wereformed � çarshia�commercial/handicraftroad and bazaar�city market. 1.2 POST�OTTOMAN PERIOD – be�tween two wars, brings to Kosovo a tran�sition that was not caused solely by warand occupation of Kosovo by Serbia, butalso by the change of economic and so�cial system of the Ottoman Empire sinceeconomic, social and cultural ties with theformer Empire – Republic of Turkey werenot severed. This period marks the cre�ation of first public spaces for culture andpublic events.1.3 THE PERIOD AFTER THE SECONDWORLD WAR –the period of socialism informer Yugoslavia, modernization agesaw the appearance of three ways of in�tervention in space – new parts of the citywere developed in the form of territoryannexation, existing urban structure

was transformed or reconstructed and theold urban part was revitalized as in thecase of Çarshia e Gjakovës. In this period, public space is expandedalso with public space for recreation andrepresentative activities of the city, withthe purpose of glorifying the socialiststate dedicated not to the individual butto the ‘society’.New buildings mainly brought forms ofpublic space of modern city, which wereconcentrated more on physical and visualdimension, light and insulation, withouttaking into account the perceptual andsocial dimension and the need for in�teraction between people – friendship,communication and involvement in ac�tivities, which take part in public space.We are able to see these phenomena inplanned residential neighborhoods in Pr�ishtina and other cities. What in most cas�es is considered as a result is the absenceof people and consequently mainte�nance.

2. CURRENT PROBLEMS OF CITIESIN RELATION TO PUBLIC SPACE –

Transition after the war in 1999 broughtthe third stage of modernization – lib�eralization in urban development. Usu�ally liberalization brings few changes or�ganized in urban historical structure. Lo�cal governance authorities failed to suc�cessfully manage liberal city developmentin Kosovo cities. This was mainly causedas consequence of difficulties in imple�menting applicable laws and influence ofcertain groups of interest, which did notallow control over construction.


DEVELOPMENTOF PUBLIC

SPACE INKOSOVO

THROUGH HISTORY

Ark. Ilir GjinolliPublic space in Peja

2.1 MISTAKES OF THE PAST All Kosovo cities are faced with mistakesof the past, caused by wars, change ofeconomic and social system, economic,social and cultural downgrade. Thesechanges were manifested through un�controllable construction – with or with�out a plan, but without a vision, thusbuilding the new one over the old one.Non�understanding of importance ofpreservation of built architectonic and ur�ban heritage caused massive loss of his�torical urban part, including public space– especially çarshia, as essential spacefor social interaction of people.Unkempt, often with ugly constructions,attacked by usurpers and traffic motor ve�hicles, public space is often regarded as‘someone else’s problem’ (DouglasAdams).

2.2 SPECULATIONS ON LAND OWNERSHIP

Public space has also been damaged dueto lack of clear legal framework for thereturn/compensations of properties thatwere taken during different periods ofgovernance in Kosovo. In most cases,such properties, which used to be pub�lic spaces, were speculatively returned toowners and buildings were constructedthere, which shrank even more the pub�lic space of the city.

2.3 UNCONTROLLABLE LIBERALCONSTRUCTION

The uncontrollable liberal developmentof the city caused very low standard con�structions. In regard with quality of con�struction and construction index – whenit comes to constructed surface and un�occupied surface, the latter remainsvery small. It serves only for installmentof underground infrastructure and cre�ation of travelling corridors mainly ded�icated to motor vehicles traffic, where�as during its planning people usually re�main ‘invisible’.

2.4 OCCUPIED PUBLIC SPACES In transition periods in cities, the phe�nomenon of occupation of public spaceis common. In absence of rule of law,public space is occupied for personal or

group gains by constructing temporaryor ‘permanent’ buildings. Such a phe�nomenon took place in Kosovo too. Butdrastic occupation of public space is con�ducted by cars, which occupy public spaceto move and park, thus turning socialspace into space for traffic. Increasednumber of cars after the war in Kosovocaused great problems to municipal au�thorities because they failed to providesuccessful solutions to pedestrians’ mov�ing, vehicle traffic and parking.

2.5 REGAINING OF PUBLIC SPACE Following changes in economic and so�cial system, cities have inherited de�graded spaces and also spaces whosefunction has ceased. Regaining of pub�lic space is mainly directed towardspaces occupied by cars.In general, in relation to usurpation ofpublic space, what has slowly started tobecome practice in Kosovo cities is returnto and taking care of usurped publicspace abused by municipal govern�ments. Although they have just started,municipal governments consider that re�gaining of public space for the use bypublic and for the public is necessary. Thishas also to do with political gain, becauseevery improvement in the public sectoraffects the awareness of citizens and their

expectations from the government theyhave voted for.There are such developments which canbe considered as successful examplesfrom the point of view of encouraging in�terest for public space.• PRISHTINA – Turning of boulevard

“Nënë Tereza” in Prishtina into a freefrom motor traffic boulevard – an un�finished project that could be consid�ered as one of the greatest successesof the municipal governance in relationto public space. This transformationbrought many benefits – in social as�pect, citizens have gained space wherethey can walk freely, communicate, rest,do shopping and also take part in allevents that are organized during hol�idays, fairs or other celebrations. In as�pect of environment, traffic – smokepollution and noise are almost elimi�nated.In economic aspect, not only that it in�creased revenues of businesses locat�ed in the boulevard but it also con�tributed to multifold increase of valueof apartments and business premises.

• PEJA – Turning of Peja’s walking areainto an area for pedestrians and free�ing of the boulevard from car parking.Although disputed by business com�munity of that part of the city, this


Public space in Peja

transformation proved to be very use�ful in all aspects – social, environmentaland economic, especially given that allshops saw an increase of income. Inthis project supported by the “UN�Habi�tati”, participation process – especiallyconsultations with business communitythat had biggest doubts about the suc�cess of the project should be com�mended.

• GJILAN – A project about regulationof Mirusha river bed is ongoing in Gji�lan. The project is composed of threeelements – the environment element– city sewage and creation of a greenbelt throughout territory of the city, thesocial element – the 4 kilometers riv�er bank will be turned into recreationarea – for walking, jogging, cycling andresting, as well as the economic ele�ment, where owners will be allowed toopen small business to support activ�ities around the river. In spite of lackof support by the central government,the local government is committed toimplement this project by self�funding.

2.6 DESIGN While the desire and ideas to advancepublic space in Kosovo cities are alreadypresent as part of governing policies, thequality of design is still at a very low lev�el. With exception of few cases, most ofinterventions are ad hoc, with superficialdesign and without being based onmodern principles of urban design andlandscape design. Poor quality origi�nates from lack of professional urbanplanners and very limited experience inurban design. In most cases it is formal,non�transparent and affected by rigidpublic procurement procedures. Com�petitions of urban design, which are or�ganized to this end, are usually with shortdeadlines, unclear tasks and non�trans�parent selection process conducted by in�competent evaluators.Prishtina Municipality has announcedcompetition for “Boulevard of Inde�pendence” four times. In the last com�petition selected proposal won in acompetition with one more proposal. This

shows that current manner of organiz�ing public competitions is not attractivefor architects and urban planners. An�other shortcoming should be added tothis. Prishtina, as capital of a new Eu�ropean country, should organize inter�national competitions when it comes toimportant public projects. Such eventsare a good opportunity to promote thecity but also the state. We have to con�clude that projects funded by seriousdonors such as USAID, EC, UN�Habitat,do not represent successful practicethat could serve as example in relationto the process or urban design of pub�lic space.

3. PUBLIC SPACE MANAGEMENT M.Carmona, in its book on dimension ofpublic space management concludesthat “...all public spaces, irrespective howcomprehensive and democratic theymay be, need some forms of manage�ment, which enable effective realizationof their role. The idea of public space andmanagement of public space is neces�


Mother Teresa boulevard

sarily interrelated to public sector, name�ly local governance”. According to him,there are four management elements thatshould be considered by local govern�ments:a) Regulation of use of space formallyor by sanctioning practices. This impliesa regulation framework on how to usepublic space, solution of conflicts be�tween different functions and determi�nation of which behavior is allowed inpublic space and which not. The mannerof understanding and supporting rulesis of vital importance for public space.This segment has not been regulated yetin our local governments. There are nomunicipal regulations which determinethe manner of public space use and whatfunctions can be carried out in whatplace, the time of use and benefits, bethem public or private. For example, mu�nicipalities often allow or disallow useof public space for public related eco�

nomic activities, but they could neverstop parking on sidewalks that shouldbe considered usurpation of publicspace.b) Maintenance of physical compo�nents in public space. This implies thepublic space that is unused, clean andsafe, maintenance of urban layout,lighting, green spaces and all equipmentof urban inventory. With rare exceptions,generally our public spaces are notmaintained well and are often subject tovandal actions. c) New investments in public space andforms of investment, which enablespace to always be attractive and re�newed with new interventions. Cur�rently, there is no successful tried prac�tice of allocation of financial resources– be it from the budget of municipalitiesor supported by other sources – public�private partnerships or contribution ofinternational agencies that support ur�

ban development in public domain.Municipalities should find the formula forinvestment funding in renewing publicspace through the use of all instrumentsallowed by the process of municipalbudget projections, including publicpartnership forms and concessions withprivate investors.d) Coordination of interventions inpublic space – During past ten years, weoften saw direct or indirect uncoordi�nated interventions of persons and or�ganizations. This coordination should beapplied in all levels and layers of gov�ernance – within municipal depart�ments, municipality and central gov�ernment, as well as development agen�cies and civil society.

(Author works in the Faculty of Archi�tecture/Department of Urbanism/Uni�versity of Prishtina, also heads projectioncompany Urban +)


Mother Teresa boulevard

In every country of the world, capitals arethe instigating development force, whereinfrastructure is more advanced, moreproductive population is in greater con�centration, where schools, cinemas, the�atres may be chosen … “a place whereeverything happens”. Lucky for cities lo�cated in its vicinity because they are any�how influenced by reciprocity with thecapital, but is life as attractive to moresuburban communities and dwellingplaces?! In most developed countries ofEurope this doubt started to be dealt withby in the seventies. City communities lo�cated further from the capital started tosearch for possibilities of meeting theirneeds through inter�border coopera�tion, through which elimination of bor�der barriers was gradually achieved,thus resulting in interregional develop�ments and full freedom of movement inevery corner of the EU. If we superficially look back to the back�ground of Western Balkans nations,who in the world would need such co�operation experiences to break segre�gation taboos, which always causeddifficulties not only to freedom of move�ment but also to enjoyment of basic hu�man rights to live and work. Although lo�cated in the triangle Rome�Constan�tinople and Athens, which symbolized thecenter of European civilization, the West�ern Balkans is still identified by thenickname “black spot” of the old conti�nent. There are numerous reasons behindthis, but thanks to novelties for access toknowledge, they are becoming easier un�derstandable. First, for centuries it wasa meeting place of empires, social iden�

tity of communities suffered changes andimpositions, even within a city. The morecenturies allowed combinations (varia�tions) between components of lan�guages, language dialects and religioussects, the more differences that dividedcitizens and ancient dwelling placeswere born, up to the point when such dis�tinctions caused the First World War in theheart of the Western Balkans. It was theland of the Western Balkans the onewhere the entire world, after five decadesof “Balkan peace”, came together to putan end to devastating cannons of oneethnicity directed against the other onefor almost a decade. Besides the com�munities, the heritage of world treasure,such as the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Dio�cletian Palace or the Mostar Bridge,which linked empires for centuries, suf�fered too. Unfortunately, consequencesof Balkan border divisions are still not let�ting the region at peace. The only hopeis the European Union, which by open�ing doors for integration, will encouragedivided communities to reach benefits theEU countries gained through inter�bor�der cooperation.In the last two decades, the biggest EUallocated funds were dedicated tostrengthening of inter�border areas andthese funds were managed jointly by twoor more countries in order to fulfill jointdevelopment projects. Typical experi�ence of such cooperation proved to bevery efficient in the region of Oresund,which covered territories of Denmark andScandinavian Peninsula, especially afterbuilding of the gigantic bridge connect�

ing Copenhagen and Malmo. Despite be�ing located very far from its capitalStockholm, Malmo, through its cooper�ation with Copenhagen, was developedin many urban and spatial aspects. It isworth mentioning the phenomenon ofdaily travel of a great number of inhab�itants of both sides of the bridge, whoused to work in the metropolis of Copen�hagen, but chose to live in moderndwelling compounds in Malmo. BothDanes and Swedes benefitted from urbaninter�border cooperation, thus managingto ensure for themselves comfort andquality by living in the quiet city of Mal�mo and using more ample opportunitiesof advanced employment that a capitallike Copenhagen can offer. Another ex�ample are cities of the Alps�Adriatic re�gion, (Trieste in Italy, Graz in Austria,Khoper in Slovenia and Rijeka in Croat�ia), up to 200 km far from one another,which were enabled to enjoy reciprocalsupport of their development perspectivesthrough joint interurban projects, bycombining local resources of each loca�tion in favor of the entire region. Thinking about current barricades onMitrovica and “other hot spots” or in�terethnic and interreligious “Jerusalems”in every part of the Balkans, inter�bordercooperation sounds like utopia. Devel�opment of science and technology is in�fluencing many aspects of life by mak�ing communication easier towards glob�alization as an unstoppable process.With admission of Croatia in the Euro�pean Union, “the black spot” is gettingnearer Europe, to which it will cause in�


ADVANTAGES OFINTER-BORDER COOPERATION

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DE-

VELOPMENT OFWESTERN BALKANS

Ark. Ilirjana A. Mejzini Sharri mountains

ability to reach spatial cohesion and bal�anced development. It is time to effi�ciently use EU initiatives for potential in�tegration countries, known as IPA (In�strument of Pre�Association), a compo�nent of which is inter�border cooperation.An assessment of multidisciplinary pos�sibilities for cooperation in identifying mu�tual stagnations should be carried out,by providing space for action to initiativesfor economic development, which will di�rectly influence the increase of materialbasis. Optimal economic security will re�sult in social welfare, which would cre�ate “milder” climate for communities toenjoy good neighboring relations and tol�erance in the unstoppable process ofglobalization. Feudal divisions will be re�placed by the synergy of social diversi�ty in solving mutual challenges and in ef�ficiently using common local resources,in order to achieve continuous regionaldevelopment and prosperity.The community, as the main benefactor,should be aware of opportunities, thatthrough common inter�border projectsthey will be able to absorb funds allo�cated by the EU for different strategic tar�gets. Only thanks to multidimensionalcomponent of inter�border cooperation,there is hope of including handling andregulation of numerous chaotic devel�opments, both in urban and ruraldwelling places. In many border areas ofthe Western Balkans, there is still lack ofbasic infrastructure for movement of peo�ple, despite their being faced with sub�urban inferiority, since they are too farfrom the capital. To illustrate this, we canelaborate on the example of territorial in�tegrity around the lakes of Ohrid andPrespa with cities such as Ohrid, Mana�stir, Florina, Kozan, Korça and Pogradec,separated by lines that divide lakes inthree countries. They would be able to re�place periphery and distance from dy�namics of capitals by increasing freedomof movement among themselves, throughcommon development strategies thatwould be based on optimal use of mostunique resources, such as:� two lakes with the national park in the

middle; � areas for winter tourism;

� he climate for more profitable agri�cultural, livestock and forest prod�ucts; and

� urbanized cities from most ancienttimes of mankind, with plenty monu�ments, that seal every historical era ofthe Western Balkans.

Connection of entire continental regionwith important sea ports would be en�abled by perfect infrastructure of Greece,as an old member of the EU, namely high�way Florina – Janina – Igumenica. Effi�cient use of infrastructure has an influ�ence on preservation of environment, es�pecially in this case, since there would beno need to double the road from theMacedonian part in direction of a short�er exit to Mediterranean. One of challenges that require complexand urgent approach is urban manage�

ment of cities of the Western Balkans,which, after many years of transitionphase, suffered an increase of the num�ber of population and uncontrolled ex�pansions. Some cities have suffered somuch degradation that in most of themit is necessary to use a professional se�rious approach to preserve the urban“spirit” and their functioning for normallife of communities. In this case oneshould mention capital investments withzero rules for construction, multiplicationof wires in urban network of energy in�frastructure or illegal connections towater system network, as well as un�controlled waste disposal too close to thecenter.Common feature of Balkan cities is alsoinsufficient addressing of cultural her�itage. Above all, one of main challenges


Visual similarity of urban configuration among cities of the Western Balkans

remain cemeteries and stopping of theirexpansion as a consequence of concen�tration of population in many cities of theWestern Balkans. So many surfaces,both in the land around cities and alsoin villages, are being turned into ceme�teries, so that it is necessary to see an ur�gent and professional intervention of ur�ban planners. By combining professionalcapacities of social diversity of the West�ern Balkans, there is hope of identifyingmethods and manners to avoid short�comings and at the same time efficient�ly use advantages towards sustainable ur�ban regulation of our cities. Another phenomenon for inter�borderhandling is the coastal length of 16 kmof the gorge of the city of Neum, wherethe community of Herzegovina region isfaced with many consecutive customspoints and three currencies becauseborders were established only consider�ing three religious fractions and three na�tions with the same language, but withthree dialects. Let us not mention the dis�tance of this community from capitals,having in mind the configuration of Di�naric Mountains to arrive to Zagreb, Sara�jevo or Podgorica. By applying initiativesof inter�border cooperation, communityof many cities (Dubrovnik, Neum, Mostar,Trebinje, Hercegnovi and Kotor) wouldovercome mentioned difficulties, withrare sea cost resources, towards safe in�

clusive regional prosperity. In relation to Kosovo, as a very small con�tinental country, with fragile borders,there are thin hopes for development onits own, without proper cooperationwith neighbors in relation to efficientmanagement of common inter�border re�sources, as well as in solving mutual chal�lenges in favor of entire region. From ac�tivities of international organizationsactive in Kosovo, we can single out theinformal attempt, known as “BalkanPeace Park Coalition”, which aimed and

harmonizing perspectives for balanceddevelopment of Bjeshkët e Nemuna,between Kosovo, Albania and Mon�tenegro. This attempt should be givendue seriousness by the three countries,since mountainous resources offer co�operation in many areas, such as: forest,livestock and touristic industry, as wellas climate capacities for renewable en�ergy. Both rural dwelling areas locatednearer mountains and urban areas wouldgain through regional urban�rural part�nership for inclusive development ofthe region. Efficient European experiencefor spatial development based on moun�tainous resources may be adopted fromjoint management of the Alps, where allcountries located in these mountainshave, through joint convention harmo�nized, perspectives to build a regionalecosystem towards sustainable devel�opment in a wider regional sense. Let usbelieve in realization of these perspec�tives also in the Western Balkans, forpeace and regional prosperity, whichwould contribute to territorial cohesionand development sustainability of entireEurope in global context.

(Author works in the Department of Spa�tial Planning in the Ministry of Environ�ment and Spatial Planning)


Degradations of urban heritage

An image of the old city



Prishtina is an example of a city in transi�tion. It represents the difficulties of thetransformation process from socialist to amarket driven economy which can be iden�tified in cities all over the Balkans, as wellas reinvention of itself after a long periodof oppression, and the war of 1999. Development demands in the post�war Pr�ishtina intensified when the rural popu�lation began streaming into the city. With�in a brief period of time, Prishtina doubledits population, resulting in the speedy re�building of the city. Majority of postwar Pr�ishtina citizens engaged in creation of newspaces for housing purpose, and some fortheir family businesses. Some engaged inbuilding of more enhanced residenceshence seeking to improve their life style.Simultaneously, the international com�munity which in majority concentrated inPrishtina demanded certain capacity of of�fice and accommodation space, hence,those living in rather attractive parts of thecity enlarged their houses accordingly.Many built for themselves, wherever they

could and whatever they dreamed ofbuilding. Consequently, unauthorized con�structions began to seriously affect the ur�ban structure of Prishtina and gave rise tosocial, infrastructural, and safety problems.More than 70% of the urban fabric hasbeen transformed due to the lack of lawenforcement, and the absence of manda�tory planning and building standards.Public awareness on the fundamentalproblems caused by illegal construction aswell as profound crisis of confidence in thepublic dimension of urban life could beidentified as to being among major con�cerns in Prishtina. At this point, the local, nonprofit and in�dependent NGO ‘Archis Interventions Pr�ishtina’� a member of the Archis Network� which was founded in 2006, engaged inbring professional expertise into thisprocess, and information exchange todevelop a sustainable solution strategy re�lated to the regulation of informal build�ing activities in postwar social and polit�ical context.1

The complexity of the urban situation in Pr�ishtina was explored and analyzed in astudy through which prototypes of illegalbuildings were identified. We generated theso�called “Urban Pathology Map of Pr�ishtina” with the aim at drawing the at�tention to the general public, as well as thelocal and international discourse, about thepattern of unplanned urban developmentin the postwar context. An inventory of consequences arisingfrom the problems of uncontrolled con�struction was developed, and on the ba�sis of the analysis of prototypical (‘patho�logical’) areas, four prototypes of uncon�trolled construction were identified:Prototype 1: Single�family houseswhich are built in the outskirts of the town,where the building owners own the landand permission is generally not applied fornor granted.Prototype 2: Single�family houses lo�cated inside the city, where the buildingowners own the land and are usually partof the neighborhood community; theowner generally doesn’t seek the permis�sion and builds with maximal use ofspace, without consideration to the planlimitations.Prototype 3: Buildings which alsohave maximal use of space, both in site oc�cupancy and height, and are built for com�mercial purpose, hence, not for their ownneed (flats, offices etc) In this case, the de�veloper are usually not part of the neigh�borhood community and builds withoutseeking permission and without consid�eration to the plan limitations. Prototype 4: The fourth prototype – the


THE CITY INTRANSITION:

ARCHIS INTERVENTIONS

IN PRISHTINAFlorina Jerliu,

Kai Vöckler

Fig 1. Illegal construction in Prishtina 1 Collaborators have been Hackenbroich Architekten (Berlin)and Co�PLAN (Tirana). The project has been supported byERSTE Foundation and Friedrich�Ebert�Stiftung (FES).

urban parasites � groups the roof exten�sions, annexes, cuts into buildings andhouses on roofs, which are mainly built byindividual developers for the extension offamily flats. The space developed in thisway is public and permission is generallynot applied for nor granted.Parallel to this, we worked out an overallstrategic concept, which allowed for a com�bination of various strategies: aside fromthe urban�architectural strategy, this af�fected communications, the support fromthe Archis network, the inclusion of dif�ferent interest groups in a model project,and the support of local institutions andorganizations. The strategy concept was ac�knowledged by the local administration in2007 and became part of the Prishtina CityProgram for years to follow. Such ac�knowledgment made it possible for us tofurther develop our concept, and some ofit has already been realized. In 2009, we produced a Manual on the Le�galization of Structures Built without Build�ing Permits. The manual sets up basic min�imal standards that would make it possi�ble to legalize existing structures, andcontained a concept for carrying out thishighly complex process. Technical part con�tains basic guidelines with regard to securitystandards, social aspects and infrastructuralneeds. The three issues/aspects were con�sidered for three different prototypes:buildings with max 450 m2 (which by law

is the maximum area for a family house),buildings exceeding 450 m2, and annex�es to legal buildings. Minimum standardsof security are developed with regards toEscape routes, Minimum distances � Fireprotection, Structure (building’s static)and Earthquake (building’s dynamic) .

Insert from the “Manual” showing legal�ization criteria related to Minimal distances– fire protection for the prototype one(houses)

The Timeline showing the phases ofthe process of legalization In July 2009 the Municipality of Prishtinaused the fundamentals of this concept topass a resolution to start the legalizationprocess. First phase of the legalizationprocess, implying the registration of in�formal building, was finished in end 2010.During this period, informative meetingswith citizens were organized and their opin�ion was obtained and considered by therecently established Sector for Legalizationof the Municipality of Prishtina. About 7000applications for legalization were submittedby the citizens of Prishtina and are due tobe processed in the second phase of theprocess.Complementary to the concept strategy onlegalization, Archis Interventions engagedin discussions on the future perspective ofPrishtina by promoting realistic strategywhich takes the current situation into accountbut also establishes the principles of viablefuture development. This study entitled


Fig. 2 Study on Prishtina: prototypes of illegal buildings (illegal buildings constructed after 1999 are indicated with red color)

Fig. 3. Minimum Standards for legalization

“Prishtina – Dynamic City” developed pos�sible key themes and their spatial relevanceas a proposal for discussion of the future ofthe city and its society. Analysis insert thatPrishtina’s potential as the capital of Koso�vo, is its youth � the knowledge and edu�cation � as the key factors for future devel�opment. This study complements the “Gov�ernance Program for Prishtina 2010�2013”adopted by the Municipality in 2010.

Integration of strategic areas reflecting spatial development directions “Prishtina – Dynamic City” also providesguidance for revision of urban plans so tomeet the needs of the city in the currentcontext of the successful implementationof legalization in particular, and to pursuerealistic development goals that can beachieved over the long term. According�ly, these visions must be coupled with keyprojects that are possible to carry out. Thismethod, which is commonly accepted incontemporary planning, needs to beadapted to the specific social and politi�cal context. Here, too, Archis Interventionsin Prishtina intends to play an importantrole in establishing a different method ofplanning. However, this is not easy toachieve!... Although aware that the processof legalization is a very complex one andthat its success depends on well�execut�ed steps within given timeframes asagreed and subsequently stipulated in theregulation for legalization, municipal of�ficials can still hardly be moved from their‘slow mode’ attitude and fragmental ap�proach to the urban planning and man�

agement problems, which they haveshaped over the last decade. In order to bring examples and share ex�periences with well�established architec�tural and planning institutions and per�sonalities from Europe, we initiated pub�lic events with the aim at initiating an ur�banistic discourse which is greatly lackingin Prishtina. An event that is worth of men�tioning is the “NAI Debates on Tour: Un�built Prishtina” organized by NAI (Nether�lands Architecture Institute) and Archis In�terventions in February 2010. The debateaimed to contribute to the discussion of le�galization and resident participation in ur�ban planning and transformation process�es.Although generally speaking, the Mu�nicipality of Prishtina has demonstratedreadiness to be part of public events thatcall for the community of architects andplanners for interaction and common un�derstanding and resolution of problems,

there remains a lot to be done in terms ofpursuing such initiatives and maintainingthe urbanistic debate, as part of urban de�velopment processes.A crucial task today is to review existingregulatory plans having into account theintegration of buildings which are due tobe legalized, and to produce a vision thatcorresponds with the development ca�pacities of the city, and with the contextof current legal framework in force. In or�der to initiate this debate, Archis Inter�ventions Prishtina organized in October2011 a workshop where illegal buildingsthat have been inspected so far weremapped in order to identify the level of vi�olation of existing regulatory plans and pro�vide concepts for their revision and pos�sible tools of mediation with neighborswho did not build in wild. In a wider scene we are at the point wherewe are working on more actions that mighthave an effect on the public, as well as ona possible model project, which wouldmake it possible to apply a new process forcoordinating some sort of agreement be�tween the various interest groups and therealization of our ideas. What many rep�resentatives of international and localorganizations thought was impossible in2005 is now coming to fruition: the situ�ation will be improved for the general goodof society. To do all of this, however, weneeded architects and planners, whowanted a change and who worked on be�half on their city: they can be regarded as‘agents of change’.


Fig. 4. Process of legalization in Prishtina

Fig. 5. Analysis of spatial integration of symbolic spaces in Prishtina

Kosovo Spatial Plan1 is the main docu�ment of spatial planning, created in co�operation with all important sectors ofKosovo Government. In its drafting alsotook part prominent professionals of thisfield, different scientific institutions, theUniversity, different non�governmental or�ganizations, representatives of civil so�ciety, officials of local level and differentinternational organizations, whose as�sistance and support was undoubtedlyvery important.Among identified and tackled issues iscultural and natural heritage. Based onresults and content of the document, wehave the impression that cultural heritagehas not been addressed the way wewould like it to. The data available to usare insufficient and do not portray thereal situation of space layout, there is lackof valorization and the state of objects,monuments and areas that for thetime being are only names of a “suspi�cious” list.

The situation and cause According to a research conducted dur�ing drafting of the Spatial Plan, whichdealt with urban development throughyears, the surface of urban areas has in�creased approximately for three times.

The analysis was conducted for seven bigurban centers, which in fact representplaces which experienced bigger move�ment of population in recent years. Ofcourse this had an influence on increaseof number of inhabitants in urban areas,which have directly impacted the increaseof surface of the area too. The chart pro�vided below shows spatial increase ofsome big urban centers of Kosovo in theperiod 1980 – 1999. These movements had their biggest im�pact in the city of Prishtina, which ac�cording to assessments and things hap�pening in urban aspect – “was not pre�pared” for this. The big influx of arrivalsand requests to secure a place to stay inon one hand and on the other hand theunwillingness of municipal authorities toprovide legal construction space, are themain factors that had and continue tohave an impact on urban irregularity ofPrishtina. The illustration below shows the case ofPrishtina and its increase with years, re�lation between old area and the rest ofurban area. It clearly shows the trend ofdevelopment until now and ongoing ten�dency. It is beyond any doubt that in all this “dis�

order” the biggest pressure has been andis being made in the center, in the areathat possesses the biggest number of ob�jects categorized as values of cultural her�itage. Many objects that had this valuedo not exist anymore, in most cases theywere replaced by objects of “modern ar�chitecture” which in fact seriously im�pacts losing of identity that an old partof the city should have. This trend is continuing nowadays too andwe will soon face the situation when wewill feel sorry for actions or lack of action,part of which are all of us. First of all, theresponsibility lies with central authorities,which should insist on strengthening le�gal infrastructure and determining clear�ly the position of all institutions respon�sible for preservation of cultural heritage.Municipal authorities are responsibletoo although they have not shown readi�ness to respond to requests, which in mostcases were related to the center and theold part of the city. Several urban regu�lation plans have been drafted, whichfailed to properly address the issue of cul�tural heritage and objects. There is no cleardivision (in this case administrative) of the


1 Kosovo Spatial Plan 2010�2020+ approved by the Assemblyof Kosovo on 16.06.2011

HERITAGE

AND

PLANNING

Luan Nushi

Analyses of urban growth (source IPH)

Urban growth in Prishtina (source IPH)

old city part, which would be a precon�dition for drafting an adequate plan forthis area. Bigger responsibility lies withprofessionals too, who consciously or be�ing unaware of are violating constructionrules in favor of modern architecture. Cit�izens are also responsible, since beingfound in a difficult economic situation onone hand, and on the other hand beingsubject to pressure exercised by entre�preneurs; they are easily giving up his�torical past of their families. In parallel to this disorder, another im�portant cause is “cultural discrimination”that is taking place with announcementof the list of so�called “special protectedareas”. In fact, presented list is compositepart of cultural heritage of Kosovo and thefact that they are regulated by special lawcreates the idea that other areas that arenot part of the list are less valuable. Thissituation is having direct impact on cre�ation of the idea that we can treat themwithout any criteria and certain procedure.... and common denominator of all thisis that– our cultural heritage is dis�appearing and is doing so rapidly!Therefore, considering all this and beingaware of importance of heritage and itseffect, I suggest an overall recommen�dations list that should in any case be sup�plemented by others too.

Recommendations Clear determination of areas withcultural heritage– all municipalities, incooperation with relevant authoritiesand professionals of the filed, shouldclearly define the area and its boundary. Drafting of conservation plans(pertaining to level of Urban Reg�

ulation Plan) – all municipalities, in co�operation with relevant authorities andprofessionals of the field, are responsibleto carry out the plan. The plan should bebased on terms of references deter�mined beforehand by responsible au�thorities. Drafting of management plan–among others, the plan should clearly des�ignate responsible authorities that are tomanage the area, the budget and dead�lines to accomplish foreseen work.Handling of determined areas in allplanning levels – the form and level ofhandling will depend on the level of theplan. The more detailed the plan is, themore details are needed to handle the ob�ject, monument or the area of cultural andnatural heritage;Urban spatial planning, as an in�strument to control developmentsin areas with cultural and histori�cal values– these documents shouldserve as tools which relevant authoritiesuse to carry out the control over objects,monuments or areas with cultural andnatural heritage;Taking of inventory should be car�ried out (the database) – central au�thorities are requested to as soon as pos�sible complete taking of inventory, createa realistic database that will serve for ad�equate spatial expression of culturalheritage;Valorization of situation shouldtake place– there are no informationon current physical situation of many ob�jects, monuments and areas of culturalheritage. It is an urgent need to do thisin order to determine necessary measuresfor their preservation and repair.

Let the recording of other areascontinue–the method applied in case ofthe list of objects from the Ahtisari Pro�posal should be continued with objects,monuments and other areas of culturalheritage. Currently, there is a lack of anoverall map which would provide all ob�jects, monuments and areas of culturalheritage; Functional inclusion should takeplace – all objects, monuments and ar�eas of cultural heritage should be func�tional part of spatial planning docu�ments;Institutional support of monu�ments’ owners– it is very importantthat all responsible structures of cultur�al heritage area find suitable form that willenable institutional support of owners ofobjects, monuments and areas of culturalheritage. The support should be financialand sufficient to meet requirements andaccording to standards of advancedcountries;Active participation of citizens– cit�izens, especially owners of objects, mon�uments and areas with cultural heritage,should take part actively in all meetingsand discussions that are taking placeabout cultural heritage; Without surrounding walls– thephenomenon of surrounding objects,monuments and areas with cultural her�itage with high walls should stop. Theyshould be functional part of developmentstaking place around, serve to tourism de�velopment and economic development ingeneral;

(Author is Director of the Institute for Spa�tial Planning, AMMK / MESP)


Photo � ...our actions and lack of action... – the object in the photo “doomed” to be destroyed!

When it comes to difficulties related tospatial planning at the local level, issuesof economic, cultural and natural re�sources and lack of professional capac�ities are often raised. The letter is con�sidered to be the main reason whyrepresentative bodies of the local levelentrust the management and drafting ofspatial plans to the market. But, thismethod of sub�contracting has notproven to be effective, quite the contrary!Drafting companies responsible to draftplans, in an unavoidable manner ad�minister planning policies, by de facto ex�ercising, maybe in an antidemocraticmanner, one of key powers of the localgovernment (the citizen is unable to“punish” the private drafter of spa�tial/urban plans by votes).

But, in order not to dwell on the endlessdebate about greater effectiveness of thepublic or private sector and with the pur�pose of us becoming more optimistic inrelation to a vast number of queries inthe area of spatial planning, we have apositive example in Junik. This munici�pality is different from other munici�palities in Kosovo due to the approachthey have adopted in order to cope withplanning problems, at least for tworeasons.First, because the cultural and naturalheritage was the main vector used tostrengthen the process of developmentplanning in Junik. It all started in 2001,where, in a post war context, meetingof the simplest vital needs was more ur�gent than cultural heritage – whenthrough a fund donated by the European

Commission and the Swedish Agency forInternational Development (SIDA),Swedish foundation Cultural HeritageWithout Borders (CHWB) they restoredthe Kulla known as Oda e Junikut. Thismarked the beginning of a great com�mitment of the CHWB (which still con�tinues), which in 2007�2008 producesthe Conservation and Development Planand the Integrated Visioning Documentfor Junik. These two documents arecornerstones for Junik because theyplace the biggest potential of the mu�nicipality, cultural and natural heritage,in the center of the municipality devel�opment.

This vision would be clearly confirmedalso during the drafting process of de�velopment urban plan and the urban reg�ulatory plan of the center of Junik (at thistime Junik was still a pilot municipality,as a result of decentralization process inKosovo). All this engagement, com�bined with full declaration of Junik a mu�nicipality in 2008 and with projects,whose common denominator is cultur�al and natural heritage, resulted with theapproval of the Municipal Develop�ment Plan (MDL) in July 2011.

After unprecedented focus on culturaland natural heritage, this is the secondbiggest achievement of the approach ofJunik, thanks to which the municipali�ty became the first in Kosovo to realize“at home” the most important docu�ment of strategic planning, with the as�sistance of the Program for MunicipalSpatial Planning Support (PMSPS) of theUN�HABITAT, CHWB and the Institute for

Spatial Planning (ISP).

This achievement seems even more dif�ficult to be accomplished if we mentionthe fact that Junik administers a territoryof 77, 77 km2 while being unable to car�ry out investments due to low opera�tional budget. Let us not mention lim�ited capacities to mastermind a com�plicated process such as strategic plan�ning. It is worth mentioning the exam�ple that the Directorate of Planning andUrbanism in Junik functions with one ar�chitect only, a civil engineer and twocadastre officials!

Considering these conditions realizationof strategic planning process with ownforces was a difficult decision to be tak�en. On one hand, it is justified by law re�quirements and the will to proposesuitable planning solutions and policies.On the other hand, this alternative ap�proach was a result of the wish tohave control over the planning processof a sustainable development, thanks towhich the implementation policy wouldbe better and have a more direct influ�ence on the quality of life of Junik in�habitants.

The used methodology is based on thelearning by doing principle. This approachis characterized by the fact that its ap�plication enables strengthening of ca�pacities and persons involved in theprocess be it in organizational aspect orin the institutional and cooperation as�pect. These advantages make up forthose that might be called weaknessesof this method such as: time factor, ac�


JUNIK, AN ALTERNATIVE

APPROACH OFSPATIAL DEVELO-

PMENT, BASEDON CULTURAL

HERITAGE ANDSELF-PLANNING

Mirian Bllaci

curate evaluation of human resourcesand domestic capacities, as well as fi�nancial inability that continues to be adifficult challenge to be won by the mu�nicipal level.

First, in relation to professional capac�ity, apart from quality increase of the in�

ventory of necessary information todraft the document, the “domestic”approach has an impact on improvementof organizational and managerial ca�pabilities of the staff involved in the proj�ect. By being the main actor in manag�ing the planning process, the municipalityplays a role in increasing the sense of re�

sponsibility and consequently ownershipover the process and its results amongthe municipal staff and policymakers. Thisof course results in application of com�prehensive methods and communityparticipation in the meetings organizedwithin the planning process.

Secondly, this approach slightly im�proves the internal organizational cul�ture, which results with a noticeable in�crease of quantity and quality of ex�change and coordination between di�rectorates, as well as a satisfactoryparticipation of the board of directors inall important stages of the process.This positive impact is very valuable forrecently established municipalities suchas Junik, where there is a lack of expe�rience in development planning andthere is insufficient knowledge and cur�rent instruments of overseeing devel�opment. The financial argument alsogoes in favor of ”domestic” planning be�cause expenses are five times lower com�pared to the method of sub�contracting.This also contributes in the optimal usenot only of internal resources but also


of professional expertise of donors andpartners involved in the process.

Thirdly, the method of Junik producedgood results also in relation to institu�tional strengthening, by making easierthe integration of planning issues in thepolitical agenda, which is a fundamen�tal element for the strategic planningprocess. This is proved by the fact thateven after political changes in the mu�nicipality, the new leadership initially sup�ported and then approved the said ap�proach. This contributed strongly also inthe understanding and proper interpre�tation of legislation for planning andstrengthening the partnership betweenthe municipality and the Ministry ofEnvironment and Spatial Planning, as aresult of which the ISP provided the proj�ect with an additional professional ex�pertise. Consultations included othercentral institutions, neighboring munic�ipalities, as well as businesses and NGO�

s enabling the process to gain more le�gitimacy in the eyes of all stakeholders.

Lastly, lessons learned from Junik shouldalso be considered as long term invest�ment, which with the passing of timecontributes to increase of professionalcapacities and organizational skills ofmunicipalities. This is a necessity in a con�text when increasingly municipalitiesshould deal with shrinking of financialcapabilities, continuous withdrawal of in�ternational agencies and donors and re�duction of the main role of the state inlocal development. In this respect the ap�proach of Junik based on cultural her�itage and planning by its own forces isnot simply an achievement of the Juni�ki community and parties involved in theplanning process, but also a good ex�ample for Kosovo and the region on howwith few funds but with great commit�ment and sense to serve citizens one canlay strong foundations for sustainable

development. Thus, thanks to instructionscontained in the MDL, Junik is carryingout different projects that generatejobs, income and continuous tourist�cul�tural projects and activities. It sufficesthat you spend a weekend there and youwill realize...

Note For more detailed information on the ap�proach of Junik and the CHWB activityin this municipality, you may consult thepublication “7 Integrated Conservationprojects in Junik Municipality” availablein the following address:http://www.chwbkosovo.org/file.php?file=Report_18_2011.pdf

(Author is urban planning expert andworks in the organization Cultural Her�itage Without Borders/Sweden/Officein Kosovo)


Accumulation of difficulties in up tonow developments as well as the fact thatan increasing number of people knockson “the doors of the cities” on daily ba�sis and request help regarding their res�idential needs, is an alarm bell to decisionmakers and professionals that patienceis running thin and rapid, effective and ef�ficient solutions are needed.

So, who does Kosova belong to?

Kosovar urban�architecture is becomingsuicidal! A situation created as a resultof many factors: decision makers’ apa�thy, fragile institutions, legislation, lackof professional staff that posses neces�sary experience and knowledge, lack ofstandards, lack of census of populationuntil this year, lack of participatory anddignified engagement of community,absence of establishment of executive in�habitation agency within the Ministry forSpatial Planning and lack of sector for in�habitation in the Municipal Assembly(foreseen by the Law on inhabitation),non�functioning of the establishment forurbanism and projecting, as well aspublic enterprises and many other fac�tors..

Who decides about the tumblingdown of space, professionals or.....?

“We have not inherited the land from ourparents We have borrowed it from our chil�dren”

American�Indian ProverbA great number of entities decide about

the use and utilization of space. These en�tities have various interests in using andutilizing it, as well as various economicpowers. They are not aware or do notwant to be aware that composite part ofour life is surrounding area that isformed with the construction of buildingsand which contributes to economicshaping up and environmental devel�opments in general.One of seven biggest problems of mod�ern world is lack of space. It is limited,not�renewed and divided among manyusers. Therefore as such it requires a veryprofessional approach.Due to the basis of poor urban theory inKosova, developed in the lowest level ofscientific thinking, the modern needs forproper planning are scarcely met, whichis reflected in “no comment” urban�ar�chitectonic views in residential areas andeverywhere around.Research and application of new scien�tific methods in this specific thinking ac�tivity is imposed on as un�driven becauseaccelerated changes have overcome themethods according to which dwellingsused to be oriented.

Unrealistic regulatory plans – aproblem on top of problems

In the post war period an unrealistic plan�ning method is present. There is an aimtowards planning of intentional situa�tions, without verifying the reality of itsrealization. On the contrary, realistic planning impliesadjustments to social, spatial, econom�ic and ecological developments of all sub�

communities, for all periods planned incontinuance.In order to achieve this, awareness rais�ing of policymakers and professionals isneeded because we should have inmind the fact that any spatial and eco�nomic non�compliance of mutual de�velopments causes small movementswhich leave space with long term de�formations of the planning concept.In Prishtina and in most of the cities af�ter the war were carried out developmentand spatial plans and numerous regula�tory plans. What was their influence on thechange for the better of the image of Koso�va? How were they drafted, what stan�dards were taken into account (knowingthat the latter are absent), who andwhen produced those standards? (Becausethey expire too!). I wonder whether theywere revised and how were they re�vised? Are they implementable? Certainlythere are answers to these questions butanswers are not sufficient to see resultsin space. And finally, how were these plansmanaged and were they managed? Plan�ning is the fundamental strategic mean forgood management. These two conceptsare inseparable; we cannot speak aboutmanagement without planning and with�out management planning is nothingelse than a treasure of good intentions,completely detached from reality. Re�sponsible institutions of Kosova lagged be�hind in this respect! Inability of still fragile institutions to com�pletely manage planned development,raised the need to urgently carry out theoverall revising of the planning concept,including the intentional one.


KOSOVA –WITH

“DISTURBED”URBAN-ARCHI-

TECTONICSArchitect Nexharije

BuçincaDardania, housing area in Prishtina

Development of human knowledge ontargets of modern developments, whichare basis of intentional space concept,contributes to this too.Since in the last two decades evaluationmeasures have changed world wide in re�lation to needs of technical developmentsand influences on environment, globalwarming, Kyoto Protocol, etc. which forthe first time showed an objective limi�tation to technical developments, eventowards the use of material goods andtheir impact on nature.Although Kosova has not enforced theselimitations yet, the methodology on theuse of space provides for great limita�tions, which will impact how planninglooks in future. Standards of green con�struction, LEED (Leadership Energy Effi�cient Design) certifications and other lim�itations will be unavoidable obligationsin this millennium. The millennium inwhich „CO2 will be a currency“ in Koso�va too (quantity of carbon dioxide emis�sion paid as a fee). Therefore, a synthesis of joint well pre�pared actions is necessary in order forKosovo to move from “city planning” toa “planning city”.

Habitation

“The structure of human dwelling placesrelies on a three�legged chair, one in pol�itics, the other one in economy and thethird one in transport .... the most visi�ble and active one is transport. It is a sim�ple rule: how we get there, determinesthe way we live”.

� Alex MarshallThe beginning of this century found Koso�va and its population in a period of his�torical changes, in two aspect, political andsocial one. After the war great inrush fromthe village to the city, as well as city�citycaught the country unprepared for thechanges. Although some cities had alreadyadopted urban plans, their realization wasdifficult. This led to chaotic situationboth in inhabitation and technical and so�cial infrastructure, and also environment.Developments in inhabitation are re�flection of synthesis of problems inher�ited and created after the war. They are

very obvious, are found everywhere wemove and will have an impact in gener�ations to come. They have been causedby everybody, be them active or passive!The challenge is for this synthesis to en�dure changes that lead Kosova towardsa future in Europe.Inhabitation is a decisive issue for socialstability, health and qualitative devel�opment of human wellbeing. So, beingthe biggest space user, it has an influencein the course of the overall developmentof society, economic and environmentaldevelopment.Inhabitation is a social right of the citi�zen. The right to inhabitation is increas�ingly present within global policies andin the fight for human rights, and is alsosanctioned by international conventions. Although most of the human life islived in buildings and its material sur�rounding, although majority of humanneeds are carried out there, the hetero�geneous field of inhabitation in Kosovahas not been researched and does not oc�cupy the place it deserves. Urban erup�tion, technical developments and scien�tific revolution have biggest impact onlife and inhabitations, especially on ur�banism. This is where we can see resultsof human progress and human actionsin general. Therefore, inhabitation plan�ning has a key role in ensuring and pro�viding a sustainable future.

Are the institutions concerned about“developments of inhabitation in adisturbed place”?

The program of the Government of theRepublic of Kosova, 2008 – 2011,strangely does not foresee the inhabi�tation strategy, despite it being basis forall other developments, “for a Kosovacountry of its citizens, developed incompliance with democratic principles,with a sustainable economy, multiethnicenvironment…” quoted from the pro�gram. Probably inhabitation was mis�understood as being an individual issue,therefore government officials “do notwant to worry about it”. Probably theythought that ”it should still be an indi�vidual solution”. But it was not envisaged

that it is an important issue that involvesirreparable damages to community, en�vironment and economy. The medium term development strategyof Prishtina 2008�2011, vision for the fu�ture of Pristhina: ”Prishtina� capital ofKosova with a metropolitan role, knownfor economic development with modernurbanism......” has not strategic plan forurban developments. On the contrary, thisis part of “a narrative” of the current sit�uation.The third aim of this strategy, sustainablespatial and urban development does noteven foresee as objective developmentof inhabitation. Instead, the second ob�jective foresees drafting of regulatoryplans for remaining neighborhoods, con�fusing drafting of plans qith the activi�ty to realize the objective of inhabitation.There was an effort to compensate this“omission” by the fourth objective,which foresees “development of public�private partnership in urban construc�tions” (but nothing decisive for inhabi�tation)! And this is how “the problem ofinhabitation is settled” in this strategy.Yes, in both municipal and central levelsthe issue of inhabitation was left to besolved individually, INTENTIONALLY ORBEING UNAWARE OF!

In order to realize development inhabi�tation and community policies and prac�tices it is necessary to have a clearstrategic plan, which foresees:

• Strengthening of inhabitation marketthat supports economy and consumersprotection;

• Meeting of requests for favorable flats(economically affordable);

• Use of inhabitation as a platform forimprovement of life quality;

• Building of comprehensive and sus�tainable communities without dis�crimination.

Therefore, let this be a starting point forpositive intentions of decision makers.

(Author is expert for inhabitation issues,works in the Establishment for Inhabi�tation in Prishtina and is member of theBoard of the Association for SpatialPlanning of Kosova)


Emergence of the new developments inPrishtina city centre and its surroundingsprovide a great opportunity to help thiscity compete in the global markets. Thesenew developments can be used not onlyto enrich developers, but with carefulplanning conditions they can be trans�formed into catalysts for Prishtina’s andKosova’s regeneration as a whole. Local Challenge – Global Oppor�tunity � Around half a million of the twomillion Albanian Kosovars left the coun�try during the troubled time of the 90s.Many, perhaps most of these may neverreturn permanently, but increasingly in theknowledge based industries and ad�vanced services sector we see a vibrantexpatriate societies enriching and revi�talizing their home country. New devel�opments in Prishtina, and associatedprogrammes, can play an important rolein attracting this community and enablingthem to contribute to Kosovo’s transfor�mation. One of the most well�known examples ofthis phenomenon is the expatriate com�munities of Silicon Valley. More than athird of the workforce in the high tech sec�tor is Chinese, South East Asian and In�dian immigrants or first generation US cit�izens. And this community is now re�turning, not full time, but on a regular ba�sis to establish new businesses and es�tablish partnerships with firms in theircountry of origin. It’s not just multinationalcorporations that are leading the way, butentrepreneurs who see the commercialbenefit of outsourcing part of their val�ue chain or partnering with local firms

who are often family or university friends.Similar conditions exist to exploit theKosovar diaspora as a powerful engine forits future regeneration.Kosova has a number of assets that areof crucial importance to this regeneration:Fast linkages to other cities across theBalkans and more broadly across Europethrough a world class airport with arounda million passengers a year and links toLondon, Vienna, Istanbul, Budapest,Zurich, Tirana, Frankfurt, Copenhagen,Stockholm and many destinations in to�talA well�educated youthful population,the youngest in Europe. Average age of24.Around half a million expatriates whoeach year enrich the local community witharound $1 billion USD and with a pow�erful loyalty and affection for their homecountrySignificant international financial supportfor Kosovo as the new independentcountry Our Vision for Prishtina: a pre�em�inent logistics hub and centre forinnovation � The proposed new devel�opments can re�energize the central dis�trict, complementing the low rise olderbuildings with a new and iconic devel�opments; which will act as a beacon notjust across Kosova but the other Balkanstates. And this beacon would put Pr�ishtina at the heart of the Balkans as ahub of innovation for both national andinternational business, and the pre�em�inent logistics hub.These developments can combine head�

quarters space for large and establishedKosovar enterprises such as the Telecom�munications, Utilities and Banking sectors,local national offices for multinationalfirms who are increasingly attracted to theBalkans, serving both these major Koso�var firms, as well as other Balkan States.And all of this is enabled by the excellentlogistics. Such firms will need to be sup�ported by smaller businesses and the newdevelopments would house these.Industry Clusters: weaving busi�ness, academia, public sector andfinance together � The Universityshould be encouraged to relocate to thedistrict and move their business andhigh tech graduate and undergraduatecourses, as well as research centers for se�lected sectors e.g. digital media, e�learn�ing. We would envisage partnershipprojects between university, research, theprivate and public sector that exploits theinternational funding and stimulates theemergence of new businesses. Thesebusinesses could benefit from an incu�bator that provides the infrastructure,know how, and finance to support thesebusinesses, be they the spin outs from uni�versities, or spin offs from perhaps someof the existing national firms.Outreach � An outreach program fromthese iconic new developments would ex�tend to the international Kosovar dias�pora, giving them the potential to re�in�vest in their home country and support thelocal entrepreneurs emerging from thebusiness schools and technology and de�sign institutions.Advanced Amenities – an Agora for


A VISION

FOR

KOSOVA

Përparim Rama

Square � walking public space between Parliament and European Commission in Brussels

Innovation � New developments wouldalso need to provide not only the hotelsto support the international businesscommunity that would first support thedevelopment of local firms and serve theneeds of the existing national championfirms, but also provide short�stay apart�ments and office�hotels with flexiblespace for businesses that need short termaccommodation. It is crucial to be able toboth attract as well as retain the localfirms and so high levels of amenities interms of cultural, retail and leisure facil�ities will be needed. These amenities cancater for the rapidly growing new pro�fessional classes within Kosova, the re�turning expatriates, the internationalbusiness community and also provide thebasis for new forms of cultural and eco�tourism (rather than back packers). TheUniversity might also share facilitieswith a new international conferencevenue to ensure a high occupancy of thefacilities and this venue would be bothpart of the positioning of Prishtina as aBalkan Agora of Innovation,Blending Business with Art makesfor good Business � Surrounding themain developments, the city might zonespace as an arts district, with subsidiesand modest refurbishment of existing andolder facilities so they can be used byartists and designers. This approach en�ables the creation of some “baggy space”

that encourages more avant�garde andcultural activities rather than just the cor�porate branded activities that are so typ�ical in many newly regenerated cities. Theinternational community needs morethan just great hotels and nice restaurants.From our research and experience in oth�er cities, for this community to stay andtake root, it needs to find something morepersonal than quality brands and craftmarketsFrom the projects we have undertaken incentral city districts, in the more deprived

areas of London, the city of Prishtina, andstudies in many more city�regions we cansee the opportunity to use these newproperty developments as the catalyst fora massive regeneration that will attractinternational investors seeking betterreturns than they will achieve in neigh�boring countries including the recentEU accession countries. This will play a cru�cial role in community building and in cre�ating our concept for the well�connect�ed citizen.Community Building: the Well Con�nected Citizen � These projects shouldalso be approached from a global con�nectivity, community building, socialplatform and social currency perspective.Setting up a global social/economic plat�form for Kosovo Albanians living abroad� could be a valuable way of gathering in�formation and building consensus/trustamong a population which is spread overmany continents and a large geograph�ical area. Such a connectivity programmay also highlight government policy is�sues in relation to dealing with an im�migrant population, as well as generat�ing economic and social value with thosewho remain as expatriates, but stillclosely connected to their country of ori�gin. Recently established Ministry for Di�aspora should engage and explore proac�


Attractive urban design of pattern in the city of Brussels

Park of sculptures in Koln

tively such opportunities.We have to understand and acknowledgethe importance of having a social/businessplatform to connect with ones past, a plat�form for staying in contact (being pres�ent and available despite distance), a plat�form where to go for help and support aswell as “identifying” new business op�portunities, where to mentor and supportothers, somewhere to vent ones politicalviews as well as a place or space for con�necting and reconnecting with ones ownidentity and the future of ones country.There comes a point when many mem�bers of the expatriate community will seekto go back and re�connect with their rootsbut in a way which makes sense withintheir new context, recognizing how theenvironment within which they grewup has changed as well as the changesthat have taken place in their own lives.It is crucial that this is driven from thecommunity and grass roots, but it can beenabled and encouraged through ap�

propriate infrastructure, services andprogramsThe value of a connected citizenwith multiple touch points andmeeting points � A connected glob�al/glocal/local citizen is a valuable citizenin many ways, enriching the nation cul�turally, socially and economically. The evo�lution/revolution of data can help createforesights and therefore creating thecapacity for meaningful dialogue be�tween individuals, firms, organisations andpublic agencies will be vital. A global con�nectivity program could be one project inan overall the program and it can havesignificant social and economic value. Forinstance, a social currency could be at�tached to any connectivity programwhich generates flows. Hence, it could al�low local people to re�direct their spend�ing into the re�generation of their homecountry in a way which makes sense tothem and not us. Hence, a social curren�cy which is not a “tax burden policy” but

which could still help to improve the so�cial, cultural and economic life of peoplein general if money is spent as a micro�lending scheme to support the growth ofSME’s and an SME supply chain which ex�tends abroad. CONCLUSION � New developmentsprovide the opportunity to create bothphysical as well as virtual meeting points.Meeting points are important for knowl�edge share and hence business devel�opment. Business and social relationshipsare made person to person. Providing theamenities and programmes that supportthese both in a physical environment, aswell as through digitally connected com�munities will be a crucial element in thesuccessful realization of this vision. Thisgrand opportunity for interweaving sev�eral social, educational and business as�pects into a coherent whole should be uti�lized, setting the scene for a sustainablefuture for The Capital City of Prishtina, itscitizens and Kosova as a whole.


Erasmus University Park in Rotterdam

What is GIS?

GIS, translated into Albanian languagemeans Sistemi Informativ Gjeografik(SIGJ) (Geographic Information Sys�tem) and there are many definitions re�lated to it. One of these definitions is asfollows: Geographic Information Systemis a computer system on collection, ac�cumulation, verification, integration,manipulation, analyzing and presenta�tion of data related to the (geograph�ic) relation on the earth surface. GIS organizes geographic data in seriesof thematic layers and tables by usingDB platforms such as excel, access andstrong platforms such as: SQL, ORACLEetc. This platforms that preserve data inGIS are called GeoDB (Geodatbase). Giv�en that these data in GIS are geo�ref�erenced, then they have their realisticlocation in the world (in the planet) andmay overlap among themselves. GIS en�ables integration and analyzing of allthematic layers and as a result presentsthe realistic image of a space in themodel of the existing condition or evenin the model of planned condition.Through designed models we can alsocalculate different impacts of everydesigned or developed scenario.In order for GIS to become functional,it has to use five of its essential com�ponents, such as:

Data – are information that should beanalyzed and presented;

Hardware� are components that con�

solidate the system;

Software – are the necessary tools forthe GIS to operate;

Operators (people)� are those that man�age and design the system; and

Methods � are those that make the sys�tem give results.

Essential components of that makeGIS operational

GIS enables us to see, understand, in�terpret and visualize the data in differ�ent ways, where we may discover dif�ferent spatial interrelations, modelsand trends in the form of maps, theglobe, reports and diagrams. GIS alsoenables us to answer questions andsolve problems by consulting the data,in a quick and easy manner and by en�

abling their quick dissemination. The GICtechnology may be easily integrated inevery framework of information systemsor databases.Nowadays, geography accompanied bythe GIS is helping us understand betterour planet, our country, our city oreven our neighborhood and apply ge�ographical knowledge in multitude ofhuman activities. The result is surfacingof a new approach in geography or anew way of thinking in relation to so�lution of problems that integrated ge�ographic information in the manner howwe understand and manage our space.This approach allows us to gain geo�graphical knowledge by measuring ourplace of residence through organizationof these data and by analyzing and mod�eling different processes, as well as re�lations between these processes or de�velopments. This new approach also al�lows us to apply this knowledge in themanner how we design, plan andchange our planet, our country, our townor even our neighborhood.It is important to understand that urbandevelopment is an environment, social,economic and technological develop�ment. Planning and management of de�velopments in modern times is a world�wide challenge. Global spreading oftechnology and economic activitiescontinue to directly influence citiesand residential areas of different sizes.Cities should be seen as physical�geo�graphical, social and technologicalcomplex interrelated to an anchoring


THE GIS ROLE IN URBAN

PLANNING AND

MANAGEMENT

Rizah Murseli

Scheme of integration of thematic informations in GIS

Map of Kosovo as per Spatial Plan f Kosovo (Source ISP)

network of local and global dimension.Nevertheless, not all cities share thesame advantages in the sense of posi�tive developments. In the time of glob�al transformations there is a fiercecompetition between cities to attractcompanies (successful enterprises), jobcreation and opening of investment op�portunities. Cities connected to inter�national transport and communicationnetwork, their image may circulatevery easy and they may win in many as�pects, whereas cities that are out ofcommunication network are developedfacing a risk of mobile division onclasses, where the only manner of liv�ing is based on economic power. Sucha competition of cities leads developers,policymakers and planners to thinkabout a special identity of the their cityin urban global context.These development trends imply that ur�ban society needs plans, visions and in�structions to intervene in this complexcontext. With the purpose of positive�ly enhancing urban developments in so�cial, economic, environmental and tech�nological aspects, as well as reductionof negative effect of these aspects wehave to carry out better analyses, real�istic visions and sound multidisciplinarysolutions. In this dimension the GIS isthe most suitable system to carry outnecessary analyses of urban complexi�ty that enables creation of realistic vi�sions and finding of multidisciplinary so�lutions.Achievements assisted by technologydevelopment enabled the developmentof advanced technologies, such as GIS,advancement of the system of decisionmaking support by strongly backing theprocess of urban planning and man�agement. Systems of planning and managementsupport are successful instruments forthe process of planning in communityand in the process of public participa�tion because they focus on realisticneeds and knowledge of users ratherthan focusing on great expertise of theGIS use. Support planning systems can

measure and compare the perform�ance of different scenarios of develop�ment by planners, as well as enable cit�izens to choose indicators of the use ofland, transportation, natural resourcesand employment. The ultimate pur�pose is to bring all potential players towork together in a joint vision for theircommunity. Support planning systembased on the GIS enables planners andcitizens to create and test alternativescenarios of development quickly and ef�fectively in order to realize their possi�ble impact in their future models of landuse, population and employment trends,by allowing public officials to take de�cisions based on a well�informed plan�ning.

In our country, Kosovo, the GIS was usedfor the first time, as far as spatial plan�ning needs are concerned, during draft�ing of the spatial plan of Kosovo, start�ing from 2004, when the staff under�went specialization. Whereas the GISuse at the academic or university leveltook place and continues to be devel�oped by a specialized staff of the Fac�ulty of Mathematics�Natural Sciences,respectively in the Department of Ge�ography. The GIS has also started to beapplied as a subject in some other fac�ulties of Prishtina University.However, the GIS strengthening forthe needs of spatial and urban planningcontinues to be promoted by the Insti�tute for Spatial Planning and as a resultof this promotion many municipalities

and private companies that deal withplanning issues have started to use GIS.It is important to mention that comingover of foreign consultants was vital instrengthening the GIS in Kosovo, bothin the central and the local level.Strengthening of GIS use in Kosovo forthe spatial needs has started pioneer�ing with the Institute for Spatial Plan�ning during the drafting of the KosovoSpatial Planning 2005�2015+, whereasthe following municipalities are amongthe first ones to have used this system:Suhareka, Peja, Istog, Shtime, Kaçaniketc, which used the GIS during draftingof municipal and urban developmentplans.Recently, GIS is being used as a verypowerful tool also in drafting of Regu�latory Urban Plans (RUP), especially inpresenting the current situations, where�as it is hardly used or is not used at allin the stage of planning in this planningcategory. This happens due to differentreasons, but among the most known isthe lack of skillful specialists that canmanipulate the GIS for the needs of theRUP and due to not understandingwell possibilities of this system and ad�vantages provided but the GIS comparedto other traditional systems, such as CADsystem and other graphic design pro�grams, such as Corel or Adobe. In general, we can conclude that the lev�el of GIS use in Kosovo for spatial andurban planning needs is basic. To dateno model that would be used in ad�dressing an urban issue was used or de�signed. With the exception of develop�ments of advanced concepts and mod�els in consulting project of the EULUP,where a host of models were designedmainly for the needs of spatial plan andneeds of municipal development plans.Whereas, in relation to other issued ofmore detailed level, we have no de�signed model and consequently theGIS use is at a very low level of the useof possibilities this very advanced sys�tem provides.

(Author is Geographer & GIS specialist)


Scheme of integration of thematic informations in GIS

Two major transitions have taken placein Kosovo’s economy which has had theimpact on the urban development inKosovo over the years. First, it was themovement from a rural to an urban baseand the other was the transformationfrom central planning to a market ori�ented economy. Kosovo’s economy de�pends on its ability to develop com�petitive and market oriented industrialand service sectors throughout thecountry. These are primarily urban�based activities, which reflect the wayhow the real estate management wouldevolve in Kosovo. Economic opportunities in urban areaspropelled growth in the urban popula�tion, which was reflected also in the sig�nificant rural to urban migration. Koso�vo is at a crucial point in its progress toreduce unemployment and poverty.Adequate infrastructure is essential toreduce the poverty rate in Kosovo andimprove the quality of life and expeditesustainable economic development.Sound development is also dependanton managing urbanization and urbandevelopment effectively. The basic in�frastructure in Kosovo is basic and se�rious environmental degradation prob�lems take place by ineffective wastemanagement. Unplanned growth israpidly occurring at the peripheral partsof cities in Kosovo, often without hav�ing ensured access to adequate infra�structure before. Fitting infrastructureinto unplanned developments is muchmore expensive for local authorities thanconstructing the whole new infrastruc�

ture as part of the planned development.Kosovo needs an integrated urban de�velopment strategy that would more ef�fectively promote economic growth,which can be achieved through a moreeffective management of the urban�ization process in Kosovo. In Kosovo, a lack of strategic view by thelocal authorities for the development ofthe cities can be noted. Cities in Koso�vo have entered the new millenniumwithout effective urban management orinfrastructure to fulfill the role citiesshould play in a market driven econo�my. In the modern world the urban devel�opment and real estate management isplanned in details. The individual hous�ing tries to serve the functionality, ab�sorption of light, and convenience. Theurban development should also strike abalance between the goals of the pri�vate sector and public sector in the mar�ket economy (Harvey 1973). In Kosovo,the forces of real estate developmentdriven by enormous profits influencedthe unplanned urban development in�stead the planned urban developmentinfluencing their regulation of space. In modern democracies the planned ur�ban development strives to meet thewishes and needs of people within alegally defined context, which enablesother elements of housing such astransport, energy, employment, andprovision of other services for the pub�lic benefit. In Kosovo, it seems that nobalance has been struck between the

provision of adequate services andachievement of economic goals.In the case of planned urban develop�ment, the use of land is subject to var�ious competing uses that are regulatedby the mechanism of demand and sup�ply. In Kosovo, the real estate market isoperating in a laissez faire form wherethe use of land is mainly driven by theenormous profits of real estate devel�opers without any care that uncontrolledurban development will have a devas�tating effect for the future genera�tions.In this regard, Prishtina is not only thecity with the most highly dense popu�lation but it is also an area in which realestate development has been very ac�tive for the last several years and whichhas had a tremendous effect on the ur�ban planning. Planners, real estateagents, and real estate developers ofKosovo recognize that irrespective ofopenness to social exchanges and so�cial symbolism the social constructionshows no relationship with planner’sperception to regulate space. In Koso�vo, it can be noted that there is a sig�nificant level of power struggle betweenpolitical elites to pursue their spatial in�terests, and this level of struggle be�tween politics, history, and place mak�ing is manifested in the form of devel�opment of cities in Kosovo.Urban planning is defined as a “concernof the government for utilization of re�sources and it is a segment of public ad�ministration” (Solesbury 1974). The


Role of Real Estate Management

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

VERSUS REALESTATE

MANAGEMENTIN KOSOVO

Visar Hoxha

need for planned urban developmentshould coexist with other needs for free�dom of movement or biometric pass�ports. Urban planning should be the pri�ority of public administration for strik�ing the right balance between the in�dividual good and collective benefit. Thepreservation of historic buildings, whichexhibits the identity of people is con�sidered a public good. In Kosovo, thepreservation of historic buildings has be�come prey to the struggle between

different political and business elites.It is not a surprise that the political pres�sure has an enormous effect on plan�ner’s will to regulate the space in Koso�vo, which is reflected through the po�litical pressure on planner’s decision. Thispressure originates mainly from thereal estate development sector andtheir drive to produce enormous prof�its, which is channeled through their po�litical representatives at the municipalor central level.

The main challenge is building the nec�essary capacities in local governmentsand in changing the attitude of localgovernment officials that deal withcity development and planned real es�tate development from their currentlargely passive role, to a more proactiveone.

(Author is director, Real Estate Man�agement Program, European School ofLaw and Governance)


Use of properties/buildings with teh Conservation Plan of Prizren

Introduction Legislation is the main mechanismthrough which a modern state drafts lawsand regulations deriving from laws thatestablishes basis by which society is gov�erned and continuously reflect norms andvalues of a certain society. This impliesa basic knowledge that laws and legis�lation are not only technical documents,but an important part of social and po�litical development of every society. Ef�ficient, equal and sustainable urban de�velopment depends largely on existenceand engagement in implementing laws.Kosovo is not faced only with the chal�lenges of approving law, but also creationof mechanisms to implement them.

Some legal aspects of urban development in Kosovo Urban planning was always a debatablepolitical issue. Nobody deals preciselywith the manner of designing a city,which should not be developed eco�nomically only, but also enable a goodquality of life for its inhabitants. Kosovo, like all the countries thatemerged from war, suffered migrationand high level of increase of urban pop�ulation, which caused pressure to centraland local governments. Political andadministrative structures were not readyfor proper management and treatmentof the increase of urban population. Citiesand villages were unable to address so�cial and environmental challenges, in�frastructure needs, lack of availableconstruction land and absence of plan�ning policies.Although in the post�war period therewere uncontrollable urban develop�

ments, one cannot claim there was nolegislation for urban regulation of citiesand villages. Soon after war, UNMIK is�sued Regulation no.1999/24, of 12 De�cember 1999, on the applicable law inKosovo, which let into force legislationin Kosovo from 22 March 1989 on�wards, in parts when they are not dis�criminatory, until new laws were issuedand passed by the Assembly of Kosovo.Thus, in 2003 was issued the Law on Spa�tial Planning no. 2003/14, which regu�lates spatial planning throughout terri�tory of Kosovo, amended later with theLaw no. 03/L�106 Amending Law no.2003/14 on Spatial Planning. Then, theAssembly of Kosovo issued the Law onConstruction no. 2004/15. These two lawsand administrative instructions that de�rived from these laws covered the leg�islation regarding planning and con�struction in the territory of Kosovo.Although according to the Law on Spa�tial Planning no. 2003/14, municipalitieswere obliged to within 18 months draftspatial and urban plans about their ter�ritory, they failed to do so. With theamendment of the Law on Spatial Plan�ning, municipalities were given and ad�ditional deadline of 12 months to draftspatial and urban plans and again all mu�nicipalities failed to draft their plans with�in this deadline. This may be be one ofthe reasons behind uncontrolled urbandevelopments in Kosovo. But, in order toprevent these uncontrolled develop�ments from happening, Article 24 of theLaw on Spatial Planning respectively Ar�ticle 16 of the amended Law provides,quote: “In special case, when the Mu�

nicipal Development Plan and/or the Ur�ban Development have not been passedyet and when further delays in respect ofdrafting of the Urban Development Planmay lead to uncontrollable develop�ments contrary to community interests,the Municipal Assembly may approveprovisional conditions for spatial regu�lation by motivated decision and ex�pressed consent of the Ministry”. Thismeans that legislators thought about ur�ban development even in cases whenplans had not been drafted yet. Article 22of the Law on Spatial Planning is in re�lation to this and it reads:”22.3. until theapproval of the Municipal DevelopmentPlan, no housing buildings may be con�structed on land contrary to the desig�nation of fertile agricultural land” andparagraph 22.4. ”The Municipal As�sembly shall by decision designate qual�itative agricultural land where no build�ings can be constructed in compliancewith paragraph 22.3 of the present ar�ticle”, which means that legislatorsthought about preservation of agriculturalland even in absence of plans.

What happens in practice? Given that according to the Law on LocalSelf�Governance municipalities have pow�ers for spatial and urban planning of mu�nicipalities, in some cases there is achange of designation of the first categoryagricultural and its transformation intoconstruction land. This happens becauseof the non�application of the Law on agri�cultural land and the applicable law onconstruction land, pending an issuance ofthe law on construction land by the As�


LEGISLATION IN URBAN

DEVELOPMENTSIN KOSOVO

Vjosa VelaConsultants in planning

sembly of Kosovo, which, after construc�tion land is designated by plan, would reg�ulate it and give interested parties for useaccording to criteria established by the law.The issue of provisional conditions for reg�ulation of space is another problemlinked to the non�application of legal pro�visions by municipalities in cases whenthere are no plans. Provisional conditions for space regulationin fact are conditions based on whichshould be drafted a temporary regulato�ry plan that would be incorporated in theMunicipal Development Plan and UrbanDevelopment Plan. In some cases theseconditions were treated as conditions oflocation for an individual residentialbuilding. With the amendment of the Lawon Spatial Planning a novelty was intro�duced because these conditions should beapproved by the Municipal Assembly bya motivated decision and previous consentof the MESP.To date, the MESP failed to bring any pro�visional regulation plan for consent.But, let us return to taking of the decisionfor drafting of the plans. Almost no mu�nicipality drafted the decision to draft theplan in compliance with Article 16 of theLaw on Spatial Planning. The MESP hasdrafted a manual to serve as sample onwhat should the decision on drafting theplan contain and was delivered to all mu�nicipalities, but some municipalities do notagain determine in the decision boundariesand the territory covered by the plan, al�though it is necessary to inform munici�pal assembly members and the wider pub�lic on the space to be covered by the plan.Also, no decision describes conditions and

the manner of implementation of the plan,as foreseen by the law.Another issue is public consulting and de�bate, so participation in drafting of a plan,which is considered to be important byAgenda 21. These issues have been reg�ulated by Administrative Instruction no.54/2005, in relation to public debate onspatial and urban plans. There are nu�merous shortcomings in the report ifpublic debates and the Municipality De�velopment Plan for gaining consent thatis brought to the Ministry. There cannot beseen the involvement of different social ac�tors or the community which is affectedby the plan, there is no report on whichremarks were taken into consideration andwhich were not, and the reasons why theywere not taken into consideration. Ithappens often that land owners have notbeen informed at all about plans relatedto their land, therefore the plan cannot beimplemented and causes dissatisfactionamong the community affected by it. A special problem of rapid urban devel�opment is Prishtina. There are no correctdata on the exact figure of illegal con�structions, but there are assumptions it is20 000. The Government, respectivelyMESP has been in the process of draftingthe Law on dealing with illegal con�structions for many years now, but it didnot manage to approve an acceptabledraft of this law due to many challengesthis law could bring.According to the mostrecent information, this law has been draft�ed and is expected to be approved de�finitively in 2012. The Municipality of Pr�ishtina, being faced with new illegalconstructions on daily basis, approved the

Regulation on dealing with illegal con�structions and through drafting of regu�lation plans and other criteria is trying tosolve this problem. Seen from the legal as�pect, municipality cannot draft regulationswithout having a law to base the regu�lation on, but on the other hand it cannotwait for years until a law is passed and al�low other uncontrolled urban develop�ments. This issue is a challenge for bothcentral and local government and for ex�isting legislation, which should be solvedas soon as possible.

Recommendations In the function of developing and imple�menting legislation for sustainable urbandevelopment in Kosovo:First, there should exist politic will to reg�ulate urban developments in Kosovo, sothere should function rule of law, where�as legislators should do their job.Experience had shown that inclusion of thewhole spectrum of interested parties is notonly the basic precondition for successfulparticipatory decision making but it is alsoimportant to promote social equality andjustice in urban governance.The need to draft additional laws and reg�ulations or the amendment of the exist�ing ones if they do not function, both bythe central and the local government, withthe purpose of efficient implementationof legislation.Permanent administrative supervisionand provision of assistance to munici�palities by the central level, as well as in�specting supervision by fining those thatfail to implement legislation.Increase of inspectorate capacities.With the purpose of preventing uncon�trolled urban developments, the lawshould stipulate the establishment ofconstruction police so that it is active fora period of time until uncontrolled urbandevelopments stop.The need to draft suitable regulations atthe local level for management and useof land and built environment.The efficiency of administration in issuingurban and construction permits within thelegal term.

(Author is senior legal official, Ministry ofEnvironment and Spatial Planning)


Legislation in planning

Prishtina has long tradition and continualdevelopment in different stages of its de�velopment. Research and analysis of objectshas identified the era of urban�architectonicdevelopment in the city of Prishtina, pen�etration and influence of European�West�ern architecture in the old cell of the cityfor the needs of public services, monu�mentalities and governing authority, andless for architectonic and artistic values.Scientific documentation of architecture andurban development of the city of Prishtina,by the end of XIX century until the begin�

ning of XX century, is of utmost importance.The city of Prishtina, as the center of theVilayet of Kosovo (within 1878�1912),gained a considerable number of importantbuildings for the purpose of better ad�ministration by the Ottoman Government.Analysis and description of organization�al structures of buildings and their classi�fication, have verified the social develop�ment, as well as new construction tech�niques, influenced by European architecture.Protection and preservation of architectonic

structures built in the city of Prishtina dur�ing this period, which have not been de�stroyed completely, represent a heritage ofspecial value, not only for the city of Pr�ishtina, but for Kosovo too;During the research process, overall ana�lyzing of historic, geographic and anthropgraphic literature and Prishtina mono�graphs took place, as well as different writ�ings of various travel writers as importantsources for the development of the city ofPrishtina at the end of the XIX century and


ARCHITECTURE OFPUBLIC BUILDINGS

INFLUENCE OF WESTERN-EU-ROPEAN ARCHI -

TECTURE ARCHITECTURE

OF PRISHTINA 1878 – 1912

IDA. Vlora Navakazi, Mrsc

1�neighborhood/mahala of 44 houses; 2� Mosque of Mehmed Beg; 6 � Mosque of Alajdin; 7�Mosque of Junuz Kadi; 10� Mosque Hatunije; 11�Mosque Ramadan Cakusa; Mosque Jarar Caribas

Today�Kosovo Museum


Spatial expansion of the cityin the end of XIX century andthe beginning of XX century1

Recording took place at the endof XIX century. The city was ex�pended in all sides in a radialmanner from the old city nucle�us. At the beginning of XX cen�tury, the city was expended be�hind the Pirinazi mosque, where�as in the lower part of the city,across the road known by peo�ple as Divan Joll, (boulevard) thecity was included only in the halfof this road. Expansion alsohappened during XIX centuryin neighborhoods such as: partof neighborhood Lokaç, (theright part of the current “Moth�er Teresa” street (2009), goingtowards the Southern part of thecity, as well as in the placecalled Ramadanije neighbor�hood (current Tophane neigh�borhood, 2009)

1 Zbornik radova, knjiga XIV, Etnografski Institut, Bg. 1951,Page 27�28.

Scheme of City Core Centre from the end ofXIX century; beginning of XIX century until

the year 1945; after the year 1945; aerial foto of Prishtina 2004

the beginning of the XX century. There areno archive documents of the researched pe�riod in Prishtina archive. There are some doc�uments in the Archive of Kosovo that do notpertain to the area of urbanism and ar�chitecture, while the biggest number of doc�uments is in the state archive of Turkey (inIstanbul), the region or even further.Identification and categorization of build�ings in the field took place through activ�ities in the field; categorization of build�ings in the city of Prishtina at the end ofXIX century and the beginning of XX cen�tury. This method was supplemented by themethod of comparison, comparing themwith similar buildings of various cities ofthe region. Verbal data, provided by old inhabitantsof Prishtina, who live in Prishtina or inTurkey, were used. Through a big number of maps found inworld archives, in books and electronic lit�erature (the internet, where a great num�ber of maps was identified also in Amer�ica and Canada), there was an analyzingof the historical period of Kosovo, the po�litical situation, change of borders and in�clusion of the city of Prishtina in foundmaps. An important factor of development andshaping of the cell of the old city of Pr�

ishtina and the urban area during the pe�riod of 1878�1912, is the changing of thenumber and structure of inhabitants. Sufficient results for research were achievedthrough categorization and analytical as�sessments of buildings, according to des�tination, shape and volume of building’splan, disposition in urban cell of the city,as well as manner of construction tech�niques. Not many cultural monuments of varioushistorical stages and periods, particular�ly pertaining to the field of architecture ofpublic buildings, were preserved. After set�ting up of the center of Kosovo Vilayet inPrishtina, the city gained important artis�tic, historic and architectonic values,which verify historic continuation of de�velopment of military governance and ad�ministration for the needs of Ottoman gov�ernance. At the end of XIX century andthe beginning of XX century, a new spir�it of construction is noticeable, such as con�struction of government and administra�tion buildings with new materials andtechnology. New architectonic style is dif�ferent from the up to then construction oforiental style; it is influenced by European�Western architecture, either brought or cre�ated by local masters;

Buildings constructed during this period aremore discerned by different architectureand volume than the up to then con�structions and less by “their architecton�ic or artistic values”.

Development of the city of Prishtina(XIV to XVIII century)After the fall of Kosovo territory under theOttoman Empire, there is a constructionthrive of architectonic structures, based onimprovement of two basic needs: im�provement of military and religious strat�egy.Mosques started to be build in every neigh�borhood and according to a register of1569�1570, it can be noticed that inmost cases neighborhoods were namedafter mesxhits (a mosque without aminaret) or the mosque.

Development of the city of Prishtinafrom 1878 until 1888 – center ofKosovo Vilayet From 1878 until 1888, Prishtina was acenter of Kosovo Vilayet, one of biggestAlbanian vilayets under the administra�tion of Ottoman Empire, whereas since1888 until 1912, the center of this vilayetwas seated in Skopje.


Foto showing Carshi/Bazaar/ 600 shops until the year 1947, when destroyed totaly; Housing of oriental type; detsroyed buildings from the year 1878 until 1912; mosques built in XV century

The most important public part from 1878until 1912, was in the old nucleus of Pr�ishtina city, the central area between theinhabitation part and Old Çar shia (thespace between Çarshi�mosque and theMosque of Jashar Pasha). The Turkish Gov�ernment built governmental building“Ucumet Konagi” (the building of theKosovo Museum) for the needs of ad�ministration of Kosovo Vilayet. At this time,entire Kosovo VIlayet was administeredfrom Prishtina, but also Prishtina Sanx�hak, which was composed of 220 000 in�habitants; Prishtina kazaja with 237 vil�lages, 8027 houses and around 56.286 in�habitants;

Built architectonic structures Construction of buildings by using com�pletely different technique from the oneof oriental construction used until then,started to be applied for the needs of mil�itary governance and administration of theOttoman Empire.

Urban structure of the city The urban structure of the city of Prishti�na from 1878 until 1912 is divided in 12streets/neighborhoods. Most ofstreets/neighborhoods have kept thesame name according to mosques builtthere during XV century;

Introduction of Western concept inOttoman Empire architecture After millennium long rule, at the end ofXVIII century, the power of Ottoman Em�pire begins to weaken; Sultan Selimi III,ruler of the Ottoman Empire from 1789 un�til 1807, being dissatisfied with the situ�ation, started to modernize administrationparticularly military;

During Tanzimat reforms, there is a newstyle in construction too, western neo�classical style, which becomes ratherspread in buildings of military barracksand palaces in the Ottoman Empire,which was brought from the West by Eu�ropean architects and military engi�

neers, with the purpose of improving thestrategy and conditions of Ottoman Em�pire military, according to Europeanmodels;

Introduction of western concept inBalkans architecture For the purpose of better administrationgovernance and under the influence ofthe manner of western administrationand military governance, construction ofbuildings for administration and militaryleadership started in big centers of vi�layets throughout Rumelia.


Military barracks (mëcidiye Kislasi) 1849�1853, ark. W.J. Smith

Assembly building in Beyoglu 1861�1876, ark. Barborini

Administrative building of Kosovo Vilayet in Prishtina, 1896, Prishtina

Administrative building of Shkodra Vilayet from 1878iuntil 1912, Shkodra

Valorization of buildings for publicdestination in Prishtina From 1878 until 1912, urban structure of

the city of Prishtina shows constructionof buildings for public destination. Thebiggest number of built architectonic

structures was located in the central partof the city, in the part of Çarsha e Vjetërand near it. These structures possess mon�umental size and different constructionmaterial compared to the then tech�niques. The following buildings were iden�tified:

1. Museum of Kosovo 2. Municipal Court building 3. Secondary technical school (in 2010

was transformed into the Archive ofthe city of Prishtina)

4. The first Albanian school 5. Building of the Cadastre of MA of Pr�

ishtina 6. Building of the Prishtina University

Rectorate 7. Building of the secondary school

“Xhevdet Doda” (destroyed in 2008)8. Building of the Ministry of Health

In this document, we took the exampleof valorization of the most representativebuilding of that time, the Museum ofKosovo.

THE MUSEUM OF KOSOVO / UCUMET KONAGI/The most monumental building builtduring 1878 � 1912 not only in Prishtina,but in the entire Kosovo Vilayet, is thebuilding of the Museum of Kosovo, builtto meet the needs of the Ottoman gov�ernment and called “Ucumet konagi”.

Example of revitalization–the Mu�seum of Kosovo “Ucumet Konagi”During the analysis of administrative�governmental buildings, during 1878 –1912 in Prishtina, public building ofthe Turkish Government /Ucumet Kona�gi was analyzed. This building is singledout due to characteristic construction el�ements used during this period and de�serves special attention when setting cri�teria for preservation and revitalizationof buildings built during the period of1878�1912 in Prishtina and in Kosovo.


Administrative building of Manastir Vilayet from 1878 until 1912, Manastir

Foto showing; Old part of the city � Core Centre; Location of the Old Carshi (destroyed in 1947); Mosques (built between 14 and 19 century


Kosovo museum. Basement Plan

The building was constructed in the cen�tral part of Prishtina in the period of1878�1912, between the old mosque inPrishtina, Çarshi Mosque and theMosque of Jashar Pasha. The impor�

tance of the position of the building ofthe current Museum is proven by Sahat�kulla, which was built in the XVII cen�tury, and the public square was formedaround it.

The old Sahat�kulla was built accordingto examples of Roman towers of middleage. It was located in the central publicpart of the city, at the front part of theKosovo Museum building.


Kosovo Museum; Lateral section

Kosovo museum; Main facade

Year 1895 “Ucumet Konagi “During governance of Ottoman Empire

Year 1912. “The building of Kosovo Division”, during governance of old Yugoslavia (Serbia)

As of 1975 it is being used as “Kosovo Museum” During the period of former Yugoslavia

City division of Prishtina into three main functions: Public part of the city � Carshia; Central square � clock tower/sahat kulla destroyed before the year 1900; housing part of Prishtina


On the left: Old clock tower/sahat kulla built on the year 1764 and destroyed on 1900; on the right: Clock tower/Sahat Kulla built on the year 1900

THE FIRST INTERVENTION In 1912, it was turned into the buildingof Kosovo Division of the Serbian gov�ernment. The building endured changesduring intervention of that time; thefaçade endured changes: the tympanumwas eliminated and the balcony abovethe main entrance was closed com�pletely.

THE SECOND INTERVENTION With adaptation and reconstruction of1975, it is transformed into the buildingof the Kosovo Museum. Then comechanges in the part of entrance, whichis closed and is not brought back afterthe second intervention, the roof istransformed in the form of a mansard,while straight windows obtain the shapeof semi�circle.

The Museum Building is the most im�portant historical�architectonic buildingin Prishtina, therefore future interventionsshould be dealt with by very cautiously.The architecture inherited from the sec�ond half of the XIX century and the be�ginning of the XX century in the city ofPrishtina, as representative of civilizationof this period in the Balkans territory un�der domination of Ottoman Empire hasnot been analyzed to date; there arebuildings which are not completely de�stroyed yet. The city of Prishtina, as animportant military�administrative centerof the Ottoman Empire gained buildingsof public destination with the purpose ofproviding better administration. Basedon researched typology, it is noticeablethat analyzed buildings occupy specialplace in development of architecture ofnew age under domination of OttomanEmpire, new architectonic and spatialtype was adopted, which was a featureof European centers. By analyzing and categorizing thesebuildings, registering of a period of social

development, new technological con�struction achievement took place, as wellas gaining of better knowledge on spa�tial organizational structures of buildingsand urban development of the cell of thecity of Prishtina, during the period of 1878�

1912, center of Kosovo Vilayet.

(Author is lecturer in the Faculty of Ar�chitecture – Department of Projecting /Prishtina University and heads project�ing company ProARCH in Prishtina)


From 1912 until 1975, Division Building of Serbian military.

From 1975 until 1988, Kosovo Museum.

Nothing better than an urban entirety,compound or architectonic object, maydocument or tell age�long continuationof existence of a population in a certainspace entirety. The urban identity, whichhas been created through centuries, hasa special importance in time and historicaspects, which should be cultivated andpreserved by all means with dignityand high professionalism. It is a phe�nomenon to which we should pay spe�cial attention in the functioning of thestate of Kosovo and undoubtedly it willmuffle dilemmas and doubts which havebeen circulating in this area for centuries.There are documents and undeniablefacts to prove this and they are expressedin the existence of Albanian population,as Illyrian successors in these areas. In this short observation I will not iden�tify the main details or elements of ur�

ban identity, such as central and sec�ondary squares, specific assembly areas,roads or boulevards for pedestrians,fountains, urban furnishings (benches,rubbish bins, public fountain�heads,etc.), monuments, sculptures, pictures orpublic mosaics, important architectonicobjects, as well as urban integrity, thatidentity a dwelling place or a state. As asociety, we failed to attach the necessaryimportance to this phenomenon, and thisbackfired on us during the past centuriesof our existence. In order to determine the urban identityin Kosovo, there should be done a re�search of all causes in the past historicalperiods, which had a direct or indirect im�pact in the development and respect ofthis process that determines the existenceof a nation in certain territorial spaces for

centuries. This is the reason why thereshould be conducted special research forthe capital, main cities and other dwellingplace s in Kosovo. We are prone and aptto destroy the future of urban life for newgenerations that will be forced to live inthis area. This is historically unexplainablefatalism.Why is the urban identity, which is hard�ly treated throughout Kosovo, important!We easily bypass and forget our existencein these areas. Not always have we ap�preciated our past and this is best re�flected with objects institutionally pre�served by every society in order to showand document its antiquity, whereaswe have destroyed exactly these histor�ical and architectonic values before andare doing the same thing in the firsteleven years of the twenty�first century. Only those that are not aware of the his�torical importance of existence of this na�tion in these areas, closely interrelatedwith urban identity of our dwellingplace s, may minimize the importance ofthe process. At the first glance this doesnot seem important, may cultural�his�torical objects that were under the stateprotection have systematically disap�peared in the last twelve years. The factthat again since the post�war period wewill treat these cultural�historical mon�uments in contemptuous manner requiresno professional comment. It is intolera�ble, unforgivable, because now we havethe entire state infrastructure that isobliged to act. Logical question is where is the urbanidentity of Kosovo, with old and newdwelling place s. Preservation of original


URBAN IDENTITY IN

KOSOVO

Arch. Ylber Vokshi Ylli

Urban inventory during times creates in space its identity: "NEWBORN" � monument of independence in Prishtina

Good example of ow it should be conserved and valued Urban identity “Çarshia e madhe” in Gjakova, reconstructed and renewed

identity, its advancement, as well as har�monization with the joint character wasalways imperative of every society,whereas here it is being acted in a van�dal manner by systematically destroyingthem and without any accountability. Thismanner of actions destroys at the samethe heritage of our cities, which has a rad�ical influence on the identity of the citysince new generations are unawarewhere their roots are or where they camefrom. In future the biggest challenge willbe meeting of requirements of new in�vestors and, while maintaining highlevel of planning practice, generation ofurban spaces in favor of all city inhabi�tants. The main question of the theoryand practice of urbanism should be inwhose interest the space in cities is be�ing planned, where co�owners (stake�holders) are all its inhabitants. The question of urban space identity isof fundamental importance for the ex�perience of a city in the new global worldthat is being created. With the develop�ment of globalization process, urban iden�tity has become an important factor inthe process of spatial planning. Cities arebeing faced with threats of losing iden�tity and at the same time with the pos�sibility to change it. This is enabled byglobal economy based on market econ�omy and with creation of new opportu�nities for new markets and political in�tegrations.There are some elementary principles thatshould be respected, thus like Kosovar ur�ban projectors, also other participantsduring drafting of spatial documents andofficials of both state levels or even thosethat expect big challenges in implement�ing these requirements of the time, such as:Determination of the nucleus of cities –their old center (down town), as well asadequate treatment with special archi�tectonic and urban criteria;Preservation of original identity of somearrears of our cities as well as their ad�vancement and adjustment according tonew urban requirements;Advancement and reformulation of allcharacteristic elements of a dwellingplace;Identification of characteristic natural andbuilt parts of urban and rural areas of our

dwelling places;Prioritizing different architectonic as�sets and urban nucleuses, as inalienableheritage for centuries;Registration and promotion of architec�ture and modern urbanism in the twen�ty�first century, as inseparable parts of ur�ban identity;This means that it should be given dueconsideration to improvement of livingconditions of these people, by startingagain to implement numerous docu�ments of spatial and urban planning.Strangely enough, our uncontrolled ac�tions in the last decade have no justifi�cation. I wonder who prevented us, butourselves!We should be aware that it is a matterof losing urban identity, intertwinedwith elements of historic heritage, whichis very easily being destroyed by our ac�tions, without taking into considera�tion grave consequences for entire Koso�vo. This issue does not pertain to indi�vidual cases only, but it is related with thelife philosophy of the environment we liveand act in. Historical forgetfulness re�venged to us in the past, and the way weare acting it will revenge on us in futuretoo. The aim is to show that understandingthe phenomenon of urban identity of ourdwelling places can serve as a guidebookof their future development. Protectionof all natural, historical and architectonic

values should be compulsory, since it isrequired so by international laws, normsand standards which we have to observe,no matter if we want it or not, if we donot want to be “isolated” in the comingyears of the twenty�first century. Some�thing like that was experienced by a partof the Albanian nations in the past cen�tury with serious consequences that arevisible even nowadays.This issue does not pertain to certaingroups of interest only, but it is interre�lated to the life philosophy of the envi�ronment we live and act in, if we analyzeour actions of last years, which verifyclearly the architectonic and urban iden�tity documented by the rich historical andcultural heritage. It is strange that theseactions are not appreciated and treatedat all and do not occupy the place thatshould belong to them in the pedestal ofour nation’s culture.It is time that clear intellectual heads re�act to these actions to the benefit of allof us and future generations. I am awarethat it is very difficult to explain and lat�er implement main elements of urbanidentity in Kosovo. To many this is mis�sion impossible, but with the sacrifice ofreal professionals and constant work ofall relevant state institutions this will startto be realized.

(Author is president of the Council forSpatial Planning of Kosovo � CSPK)


Fire destruction of hotel UNION in Prishtina

August 2012

Dublin Ireland

September 2012

Kos GreeceDurban South Africa

October 2012San Diego Other

Gandia Spain

November 2012

Marina BaySands, Singapore Singapore

Istanbul TurkeyAuckland

New Zealand

- 8th International Conference on Urban Climate – ICUC 8

-- 4th International Conference on Harmonisation betweenArchitecture and Nature- Planning Africa 2012

- Space Strategies 2012- GreeNets 2012

- 13th World Conference of ACUUS: Underground SpaceDevelopment-Opportunities and Challenges

- CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM IN THEMEDITERRANEAN AND THE MIDDLE EAST CAUMME 2012International Symposium Global Impacts Local Challenges

- Sustainability By Design: breaking the silos

February 2012

Vancouver Canada

VisakhapatnamIndia

Leuven Belgium

Guwahati India

March 2012

Penang MalaysiaPrague Czech

RepublicVancouver Canada

Prague Czech Republic

April 2012

Wageningen Netherlands

Tirana Albania

Famagusta CyprusIstanbul Turkey

May 2012

Trabzon Turkey

Ancona Italy

(Vienna's Airport City) Austria

June 2012

Dublin Ireland

LondonUnited Kingdom

Kampala UgandaCopenhagen

Denmark

July 2012Singapore

- Green Development: Sustainable Buildings andInfrastructure- Cognitive Research on Human Perception of BuiltEnvironment for Health and Wellbeing

- Architecture for Leisure in Post-war Europe [1945-1989]

- International Conference on Environmentally SustainableUrban Ecosystems (ENSURE 12)

- International Conference on Sustainable Architecture andUrban Design 2012- 2nd Global Conference: Urban Popcultures

- GLOBE 2012- 3rd Global Conference: Urban Fantasies - Magic and theSupernatural

- Agriculture in an urbanizing society - InternationalConference on Multifunctional Agriculture and Urban-RuralRelations- City2020+: Engineering Life Quality for the Future AachenGermany- First International Conference on Architecture and UrbanDesign (1-ICAUD)- ISVS-6 International Seminar on Vernacular Settlements

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- Sustainable Futures 2012- World in Denmark 2012 - City PLANTastic

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Disa nga konferencat ndërkombëtare lidhur me zhvillime urbane në vitin 2012Some of International conferences for Urban Development on 2012

Medjunarodne konferencije za Urbani Razvoj tokom 2012

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