FABER - 2023 Livestream

What is

FABER

FABER is an annual event dedicated to promoting and sharing knowledge and best practices in sustainable urban development. This year, FABER 2023 explored 3 specific tracks: Mobility & Urban Design, Housing Systems and EU Policy Integration.

Module 1 – MOBILITY and URBAN DESIGN

Active transport and public transport network, modal split destination access, decarbonization, demand management etc. Green space and leisure accessibility, Climate adaptation through nature based solutions.

Module 2 – HOUSING SYSTEMS

Encompassing the issue of economic accessibility within central localities, the prevalence of informal settlements and the significance of social housing initiatives.

Module 3 – EU POLICY INTEGRATION

Policy and instruments for the enforcement and monitoring to secure compliance, achievements of EU green deal goals and food safety.

The FABER 2023 Forum took place on the 28th and 29th of September in Tirana, Albania.

The SYMPOSIUM

Module 1 – Mobility and Urban Design

In this module participants will explore topics in mobility and urban design related to a sustainable and just urban development in Tirana and in an European perspective. We will discuss how the physical form relates to historical traces and memory. Also, the accessibility of public spaces and amenities and transportation networks are discussed by experts from different backgrounds.

Amanda Terpo

15 minute city

This presentation explored the 15-minute city concept, emphasizing human-centered urbanism for inclusive, livable neighborhoods. It discussed the absence of a universal solution to urban challenges, advocating context-specific understanding. The focus shifted to applying the concept in Tirana, addressing rapid development and mobility challenges. Infrastructure interventions were highlighted, urging a shift towards inner mobility and a new walking culture, despite recent preferences for automobile transport. The conclusion urged urban stakeholders to critically assess plans and explore innovative approaches for Tirana’s evolving urban landscape

Martin Schafer

A systematic approach to sustainable urban mobility

Martin, a GIZ collaborator with the municipality, highlighted the need to bridge abstract urban mobility plans with tangible changes in Tirana. Concrete projects like school streets and bus rapid transit are reshaping the city, emphasizing the shift from abstract visions to practical proposals for citizens’ benefits. The presentation stressed the importance of translating plans into actionable initiatives and highlighted the collaborative efforts needed for effective urban development

Dr Gustavo Linhares de Siqueira

Mobility and Urban Design

This module explored urban sustainability and mobility, focusing on sustainable transportation solutions. Discussions covered the interplay of active and public transport, aiming for an eco-friendly commute. Modal split destination access strategies were highlighted for optimizing accessibility and reducing carbon footprints. Decarbonization, demand management, green spaces in urban planning, and climate adaptation through nature-based solutions were key themes, aiming to enhance the quality of life and fortify cities against environmental challenges.

Module 2 – Housing Systems

Igor Marko

City Branding & Identity

Cities are dynamic social spaces competing for talent and resources. Beyond economic opportunities, they are defined by quality of life, public services, and unique landmarks like London’s tube map. Bilbao’s transformation included more than the Guggenheim Museum, incorporating green projects and a new metro network. Successful cities balance liveability, creativity, and economic drive through investments in public spaces and cultural offerings. City branding involves building a relationship, emphasizing placemaking that fosters a sense of belonging. Examples like Northala Fields in west London highlight community engagement, creating spaces that reflect diverse narratives and stories, shaping a city’s brand.

Dorina Pojani

Housing Systems

This module explored the intricate landscape of urban development and housing dynamics. Throughout this module, we navigated the diverse challenges that defined the past urban fabric, examining the multifaceted issue of economic accessibility within central localities. Our discussions took a closer look at the prevalence of informal settlements, unravelling the complexities of these vibrant yet often marginalized communities. The dynamics surrounding suburban and exclusive residential enclaves were scrutinized, shedding light on the socio-economic factors that shape urban landscapes. Inclusive discussions highlighted the challenges faced by impoverished and minority communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing their unique needs in urban planning. Moreover, we delved into the significance of social housing initiatives, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering equitable and sustainable urban development.

Martin Alite

Planning Perspectives on Housing Affordability and Informality in Albania

The housing affordability challenge in Albania stems from historical factors, including mass internal migration after the socialist regime’s fall, leading to large informal settlements in Tirana. Efforts to address this involved legalization and infrastructure improvements, curbing visible informality. However, Tirana faces ongoing affordability issues due to rapid growth, causing real estate prices to outpace incomes. The city may now see a shift to “invisible” informality, such as shared living spaces or adaptive reuse of residences. Evolving urban development frameworks, influenced by societal issues, offer potential solutions for affordable housing, as seen in the context of the 2019 Albania Earthquake response

Michal Krištof

Affordable Housing in Tirana

The presentation focused on Tirana’s affordable housing challenges, drawing insights from European models. It emphasized the connection between affordable housing, market dynamics, and policy frameworks. Examples from Brno showcased innovative design for space efficiency, while Vienna’s model involved city-owned land, master planning, and developer competitions to ensure affordable housing. To address affordability comprehensively, the presentation suggested exploring diverse models, including community-led initiatives and adaptive repurposing. Encouraging Tirana to learn from various European approaches, the presentation stressed the importance of open dialogue, collaboration, flexibility, and innovation in finding tailored solutions to the city’s housing challenges.

Xhoana Kristo

Home of Future Memories

I n this presentation, the architectural evolution of Tirana took centre stage. The analysis emphasized the crucial role of architects and urban planners in strategically enhancing urban life through housing infrastructure initiatives. Navigating the delicate challenge of reconciling the image and lifestyle of the communist era while overcoming the subconscious biases of professionals is essential. Tirana’s origin as a “tabula rasa” capital, prioritizing quantity over quality, continues to shape its developmental trajectory. The presentation explored proposed architectural solutions and the necessary political frameworks to harmoniously synthesize growth and identity. It aimed to apply Tirana’s authentic, joyful lifestyle in future housing developments. The discourse extended beyond architecture, encompassing a collective yearning for the city’s oncedefined joyfulness in the face of globalization. Architectural solutions were explored along their intersection with politics in the housing sector.

Module 3 – EU Policy Integration

Chiara Iacovone

The Impact of Airbnb on the Urban Environment

Platform economies, characterized by digital transmission and physical expansion, have become a pervasive force in today’s economic landscape. They signify a vast regeneration of the capitalist structure. Among these, Airbnb, a prominent peer-to-peer rental platform, taps into the most lucrative asset driving the global economy—the housing market. Over the past decade, the short-term rental (STR) market has experienced explosive growth in major tourist cities worldwide. In response, many of these cities have attempted to address the challenges through the implementation of various regulatory frameworks. While the urban problem persists, these regulatory efforts serve as experimental practices. They provide valuable insights into potential solutions for new urban markets, such as Tirana, which is witnessing a rapid influx of short-term rental platforms into its urban landscape.

Ina Dajçi

The Architecture of Displacement

This case study in Shëngjin, Albania, examines displacement, with a focus on Afghan refugees, highlighting challenges and the role of architecture in addressing them. It emphasizes the link between post-displacement conditions, such as housing, and refugee mental health. The study criticizes the dehumanizing architecture of displacement, calling for a reconsideration of humanitarian aspects. Detailing the Albanian government’s response to Afghan evacuees, it explores living conditions, perspectives of refugees through interviews and art exercises, advocating for long-term, sustainable solutions considering environmental, functional, economic, and sociocultural aspects in displaced communities.

Joleza Koka

EU Policy Integration

This module delved into the past achievements and challenges of EU policy integration, focusing on the intricate mechanisms, policies, and instruments designed for integration, enforcement, and monitoring to ensure compliance. Throughout the discussions, we explored the multifaceted landscape of EU policy implementation and Western Balkans integration, particularly in the context of securing compliance with various regulations. A critical aspect of our exploration was dedicated to the achievements of the EU Green Deal goals, emphasizing the strides made in environmental sustainability and climate action. Additionally, we scrutinized the comprehensive framework for food safety within the EU, acknowledging the importance of robust policies in safeguarding public health and consumer wellbeing. This was a reflective journey through the past, as we assess the evolution and impact of EU policies in the realms of policy integration, enforcement, and the pursuit of ambitious environmental and food safety goals.

Ondřej Švancara

New European Bauhaus

This presentation delved into the New European Bauhaus (NEB), an EU initiative facilitating the green transition in the built environment. Aligned with the EU Green Deal, NEB supports municipalities, investors, and architects in meeting societal standards. Practical applications were showcased through examples like Tek Bunkeri Creative Hub in Albania, Mendel’s Greenhouse in the Czech Republic, Sugar Factory Residential in Prague, and a primary school in Stara Boleslav. These case studies demonstrated the implementation of NEB principles, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and environmentally responsible construction practices

Leposava Ognjanoska Stavrovska

The Imperative of the European Union

The EU seeks to broaden and deepen its influence, considering the inclusion of Balkan countries essential for a complete and free Europe. This project aims to clarify the rationale behind EU policies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the enlargement process and its implications. Decisions made in Brussels impact daily life, revealing challenges in sustainable urban development, environmental issues, and societal inequalities. The accession process requires strategic project planning and implementation, with a geo-political dimension focused on peace, stability, security, and economic growth. Enlarging the EU aligns with its values and reflects a strategic interest in structuring the continent. The effort calls for reforms within the EU and candidate countries, emphasizing a need for credible partnership and shared progress progress.