Urban Preservation of Durres city, case study: “Liria” square

Abstract

Located in the central western part of Albania, Durres is one of the most important cities in country. The footprint of historical changes has given a sense of unicity and authenticity to this city, although facing some issues regarding identity. This study will be focused on one of the most interesting and representative elements of the city: the “Liria” central square, an urban space surrounded by administrative, religious, commercial and residential units. The last year’s regeneration of this square arose polemics and debate regarding local identity and urban preservation strategies. This study aims to make a description of the surrounding historical buildings and their impact in urban scale of “Liria” square, by a diachronic analysis of changes through years. The first paragraphs name and illustrate urban plans of Durres city since the early 20th century to nowadays. Ongoing, a general picture of “Liria” square as the heart of the city is made by describing historical changes of the square itself until the revitalization plan of last year. This diachronic analysis is followed by a historical analysis of the surrounding buildings, interpreting their authentic values which, got together, epitomize the unicity of place. At the end, urban regeneration, preservation or conservation of city centers, are some of the terms we deal with to understand the most appropriate way to deal with such spaces. Many strategies should be taken into account so that the intervention process could not deteriorate the spirit of a place. We found that some of these strategies were put to use in the revitalization of “Liria” square. However, this intervention was followed with debates caused by not preservation of some historical representative elements. In conclusion, we outline the importance of preservation of archaeological, architectural, social, historical and cultural values not only of “Liria” square, but of all historical and monumental buildings in Albania. This process should be done keeping in consideration varieties of object stratification and combine careful development strategies.