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ARCHITECTURE & URBAN PLANNING

Conceptual Design Competition “Arbëria Stairs” – Prishtinë – “2nd Price” Award

LOCATION

The Arberia stairs stand as a unique and significant feature of Prishtina, representing a special landmark in the city.

However, the current situation poses risks to pedestrians as the stairs are intersected by a road and a railway, and the pedestrian connection to the overpassing street lacks control and is dangerous for citizens.

In collaboration with DEMOS, the Municipality of Prishtina has taken on the responsibility of revitalizing and regulating the Arberia neighborhood stairs, while also constructing an overpass that will seamlessly connect these stairs directly to “UÇK” Street.

Urban Solution

Can the Arberia neighborhood continue to be an open space that fosters connections between people and provides recreational areas, while also accommodating the city's densification and growth? The answer is yes.

The intervention’s value lies in its ability to transform old, low-quality public spaces into new open areas that unite the sloping path. The ascent to the other part of the city has now become a well-connected journey, enriched by various elements that shape the character of the neighborhood. Steps, ramps, and corridors, complemented by new green zones at different points, as well as the restoration of original levels transformed into spaces for public exhibitions, have provided citizens with more areas to enjoy and appreciate.

Beyond its artistic strategy, the renovated staircase aims to revitalize uptown and commercial areas by offering city officials the opportunity to “layer” underutilized spaces with attractive communal environments. By transforming a public access road and vacant urban space into a friendly and socially active area, this distinctive project showcases the potential of public stairs everywhere to be transformed into vibrant spaces that cater to the practical and social needs of local communities.