Rethinking Gjirokastra. Can architecture and city planning stimulate hope and growth for shrinking cities?
A Project of the Joint International Ph.D. Program POLIS University, Albania – Ferrara University, Italy.
Editors: Prof.Dr. Besnik Aliaj, Dr. Loris Rossi, Dr. Sotir Dhamo
OMB Issue Academic & Linguistic Reviewer: Dr. Skënder Luarasi
Layout & Design: Besjana Qaja
English Editing: Laura Pedata
Tirana, December 2021
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Researchgate / ISSUU
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1. Introduction
2. Interdisciplinary Exchanges
3. Gjirokastra Restauration
4. Workshop
5. Conclusions

1 introduction
[p 10]
1.1 Besnik Aliaj, Sotir Dhamo, Polis University.
Demystifying the concepts of “shrinking cities & urban depopulation”. A theoretical review that could be useful to the case of Gjirokastra, Albania. [p 12]
2 Interdisciplinary Exchanges.
[p 20]
2.1 Besnik Aliaj, Polis University.
A bottom-up visioning process of “Gjirokastra 2030”.  [p 22]
2.2 Godiva Rëmbeci, Polis University.
Demographic profile of Gjirokastra region. [p 36]
2.3 Sabine Bauer, Aglaée Deegros
Relations between cities. The importance of relations between cities and their effects on urban development. [p 44]
2.4 Dorina Papa,  Polis University.
Aesthetic quality of the historic urban landscape. Historic city image and Townscape tradition. [p 50]
2.5 Skënder Luarasi, Polis University.
Punctuating Gjirokastra’s Modernism. [p 58]
2.6 Sonia Jojic, Polis University.
Sustainable Tourism as enhancer for Branding Gjirokastra. [p 66]
2.7 Erida Curraj, Polis University.
Seeking Production Footprints on Behalf of Innovation, City of Gjirokastra. [p 82]
2.8 Besjana Qaja, Polis University.
Transport Network Impact in Shrinking Cities. The case of Gjirokastra city and rural region. [p 90]
2.9 Gian Andrea Giacobone, Ferrara University.
Driverless transition: the value of autonomous mobility for sustainable urban development. [p 96]
2.10 Alessandro Massarente, Ferrara University.
Dynamic heritage: the case of Havana. [p 102]
3 Gjirokastra Restauration
[p 108]
3.1 Gjirokastra CHwB
To restore a world heritage [p 110]
3.2 Metropolis Studio
Architectural proposal: Reconstruction of the High School “Asim Zeneli” and the surrounding area. [p 194]
3.4 Polis University work group.
An example for the rural area of Gjirokastra. The case of Zagorie territorial and tourism plan. [p 200]
3.5 Llazar Kumaraku, Polis University.
Gjirokastra, new innovative strategies for a traditional city. [p 252]
4 workshop
[p 262]
4.1 Besnik Aliaj, Loris Rossi, Llazar Kumaraku, Polis University.
RETHINKING GJIROKASTRA. Can architecture and city planning stimulate hope and growth for shrinking cities? [p 264]
4.2 Loris Rossi, Laura Pedata, Polis University.
Drawings as a form of knowledge. Re-presenting Gjirokastra.
[p 268]
4.3 Alberto Grando, PhD. researcher, University of Ferrara.
Against the grain. Two theoretical studies for rethinking Gjirokastër. [p 306]
4.4 Dasara Pula, PhD. researcher, POLIS University.
Architecture and the City in the interplay of socio-cultural instances: Gjirokastra in a (Post-) Modern Condition. [p 316]
4.5 Doriana Musaj, PhD. researcher, POLIS University.
Placemaking Gjirokastra. [p 324]
4.6 Eleonora Baccega, PhD. researcher,  University of Ferrara.
Covered Embers – The rebirth of Gjirokastra from its ashes. [p 330]
4.7 Endri Duro, PhD. researcher, POLIS University.
Gjirokastër fortress hillside. Geotechnical hazards assessment and stabilization measures as key factors for the fortress preservation. [p 342]
4.8 Ivonne Ortiz Sanchez, PhD. researcher, University of Ferrara.
The city of design and culture. [p 350]
4.9 Luca Lezzerini, PhD. researcher, POLIS University.
Gjirokastra rebirth through distributed retirement houses. [p 360]
4.10 Marco Negri, PhD. researcher, University of Ferrara.
Smart accessibility patterns and shrinking cities: The added value of urban design. [p 370]
4.11 Nicola Tasselli, PhD. researcher,  University of Ferrara.
The Gjirokastra Experience. The Art Loop. An urban path to foster the connection between a territory and its cultural identity. [p 378]
4.12 Stefano Romano, PhD. researcher, POLIS University.
The Time Agent. A hypothesis of a possible development of the city of Gjirokastra through a vital connection between buildings, public space and works of art. [p 390]
4.13 Xhoana Kristo, PhD. researcher, POLIS University.
Improving health and well-being in the cities. [p 400]
5 conclusions
[p 416]
5.1 Besnik Aliaj, Sotir Dhamo, Polis University.
Rithinking the “UNESCO City” Gjirokastra, Albania: Can architects and city planning stimulate hope and growth for shrinking cities? [p 418]