Supermodernity imposed: A review of Tirana’s post-socialist ur ban development strategies dealing with non-places of hyper-verti calization

This paper explores the transformative impact of skyscraper development on Tirana's urban landscape, emphasizing the shift from conventional planning to a new paradigm of supermodernity. In the dynamic tableau of Tirana’s urban metamorphosis, skyscrapers emerge as both symbols and agents of a radical shift, challenging the ossified doctrines of conventional planning. By critically evaluating Tirana’s post-socialist urban development strategies, the study reveals a landscape punctuated by non-places—ephemeral zones of “anonymity” engendered by a politically-powered vertical ambition. Utilizing a synthesis of case studies and literature, this research advocates for a re-evaluation of current planning policies through the integration of computational tools. Employing Grasshopper's iterative capabilities alongside traditional mapping techniques, a comprehensive digital twin of Tirana’s city center is constructed to analyze these non-places and propose more sustainable and socially cohesive urban design scenarios. Insights from precedents and planning practices are evaluated and considered to enrich Tirana’s risk assessment in urban decision-making, positioning Generative Design as a pivotal tool in reimagining urban spaces. This confluence of algorithmic precision and architectural foresight aims to bridge theoretical constructs with practical applications, contributing to the discourse on sustainable urban growth in post-socialist contexts. Ultimately, this research offers a vision for Tirana’s ascent—a symbiotic interplay of space, identity, and the relentless march of supermodernity.