Abstract:
Cites that we live in nowadays, their urban patterns and architectural features, are outcomes of a series of decisions taken by a single person or a group of people. Despite eras and geographical location, it is undeniable the close relationship design has with politics. In totalitarian regimes, they are often the same thing. The strict concentration of power to a handful of people leaves little to no room for free will design. Nevertheless, politics is a determinant factor even in democratic governance systems.
Politics-based decision-making has created cities that are showing to be inadequate facing the new developments of the century. The modern economic market, new political regimes, different lifestyles, and needs of the local community are all pointing out the downside of the existing cities.
To be able to intervene, it is important to understand the decisions and events that led to the current situation. To adapt or further develop a city, it’s important to know what to avoid during the process. This research would aim to identify the elements and patterns that are causing the problems and avoid them while making a new design. The paper identifies and distinguishes the design as an outcome from politics, and compares it with a design as an outcome of theoretical knowledge.
The research will be developed based on historical data gathering and project analysis. The first part of the thesis analysis cities which are an outcome of political
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ideologies and points out their problems and disadvantages. The second part is a comparative analysis of the projects for the competition of Tirana Extension Boulevard.
The end of the thesis depicts a clear picture of the relationship: design-politics. We are able to achieve an understanding of the limit that should exist between the two key elements. Realistically speaking, one cannot exist without the influence of the other. But by bearing in mind the analysis of this theses, we can achieve a more successful co-dependent relationship for future projects.
