A SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR THE BUS TERMINAL OF GJIROKASTRA, ALBANIA

Abstract

This research provides a sustainable design proposal for the bus terminal of Gjirokastra. Gjirokastra is a historical city in southern Albania, which is included in the World Heritage List in 2005 due to its remarkable examples of Ottoman period houses that provide a unique vernacular urban landscape. The city`s urban structure is strongly influenced by its hilly topography and the Drino valley, where was founded. The study departs from the need for a new bus terminal, which is planned to be built in an ex-socialist period leather factory, according to the General Local Plan (PPV). To achieve this goal the research investigates and uses certain principles of sustainability, which are included into the design process of the bus terminal and adaption of the existing industrial buildings. Furthermore, the proposal apart from the functional requirements of the bus terminal, it provides sustainable solutions which include economic, social and environmental issues and uses more sustainable building materials that can diminish waste and are environmentally friendly. In addition, it also uses adaptive re-use as another sustainable design method for the transformation of the ex-leather factory, not only conserving the existing structure, but also getting use of it for certain functions but also providing cultural continuation of certain local craftwork by exhibiting them. The methods used in the research are archival research, visual documentation through photo shooting, urban analysis to explore the potential of the context as well as architectural proposals on the basis of sustainable design.