Livability dimensions of residential units in Tirana, in the period 1950 – 1990

Tirana, the capital of Albania, has gone through a series of radical transformations, from its foundation in 1664, to present days. Political and economic changes have emerged in the national context since 1944, thus affecting the general urban development. Respectively, livability in residential areas has undergone significant transformations. This research is based on a comparative analysis of existing housing units in Tirana, focusing specifically on the “50 Vjetori” residential complex. This complex started being built and shaped in 1943 and constitutes one of the most central and important neighborhoods in the city, not only because of its proximity to the city center, but also because of the various functions and activities it hosts, like recreational, business centers, shopping activities, sports, etc. The aim of this research was to analyze the existing problems of housing blocks inherited from the 40’s in terms of livability. This was achieved through a thorough study of the spaces between residential buildings, their typology, quality and use by residents. This study was comprised of the following steps: Analysis of the existing conditions of the “50 Vjetori” residential complex from 1953 to 1990; Analysis of the livability of spaces between buildings in this complex; Identification and analysis of the compounding elements of the space between buildings: green areas, inner roads, pavements, squares, pedestrian ways, etc.; Comparison of the aforementioned components in the timeframe 1953-1990; This comparison shows that livability has deeply deteriorated with time in the spaces between buildings, thus not complying with the rising demands of inhabitants. This research tries to give an answer to the possible correlation between the livability conditions and the socio-economic status of the inhabitants and users of those areas.