Resource Efficient and Climate Responsive Planning : New Northern Boulevard and River Development in Tirana and Oberbillwerder Urban Development in Hamburg

Abstract

This publication provides a first glimpse of two different urban development projects in Tirana and Hamburg, which are planned to occur or partly already implemented in Tirana, under different cultural, geographic, socio-economic and path dependent conditions, through the visual and oral narratives of residents, workers and visitors. These narratives try to capture how urban development and, in the case of Tirana, also river restoration is planned to take place. They also reflect upon the historical development of each area, highlight considerations and/or neglect for environmentally sound, climate adaptive and resource efficient planning. Furthermore, pinpoint current challenges and opportunities and discuss about opportunities for public participation in the planning process. The featured photos and interviews show two characteristically different urban realities. In Tirana the focus is on the development of the new Northern Boulevard and Tirana river redevelopment. Whereas in Hamburg the focus is on the Oberbillwerder, a new urban district project.