REVITALIZATION THROUGH HUMAN SCALE APPROACH: CASE STUDY OF „DEMOKRACIA‟ SQUARE IN DURRES.

Abstract

Human scale spaces are defined as the relationship between objects and surroundings in terms of physical characteristics and human dimensions. It means to design appropriate volumes, surfaces or items that have a certain aesthetic and satisfy human senses. The nowadays modern cities are more car oriented. For this reason, we should walk towards a human scaled public space in order to have a livable human-friendly space. Such spaces are created based in factors like experience, expectation and personal preference that go beyond physical limitations. When compared to human-scaled surroundings, people perceive megastructures to be "boring" and distressing. That is why we should have urban spaces that are well-designed and provide safety, recreation, civic engagement, social mixing and a sense of belonging. Public spaces represent an important physical space that is fundamental to social progress, sustainability of the environment, public health and efficient transportation. The aim of this research is to analyze, design and make a proposal for Demokracia Square in Durres, based on how the elements effect on people perception. But more importantly how can we achieve an ultimate human scaled space, by adding the missing elements to be such a space. The idea is to use several definitions, together with an analysis, suggestions for more improvements, positive and negative impacts on urban spaces, observations, case studies and questionnaires. These spaces gather people of all ages, women, men and the disabled. Also foster a humane living environment, open spaces in urban areas need to conform to certain regulations. At the end we selected a public space that has the worst conditions and criteria lack. That area transformed into a human scaled space, which is Demokracia Square. The design was implemented and it was reflected through 3D axonometries and collages in order to see how all the changes stand on the context.