COMMUNITY PARK

About

We have reimagined Parku te Universiteti as a vibrant urban oasis that blends nature, culture, and community life. Positioned among Shkodër’s most important landmarks, the new design creates an inclusive “urban living room” where people of all ages can gather, play, and relax.

The project introduces a central plaza with water features, shaded paths, bicycle lanes, and playgrounds, while preserving the park’s historic spirit through traditional stone fountains and lush Mediterranean greenery. By reducing car traffic and prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, the park becomes a safe, sustainable, and welcoming destination at the heart of the city.

Design Philosophy – A Park for the Senses

The concept is guided by the idea of engaging all five senses:

Touch – natural materials such as gravel, sand, wood, and water surfaces.

Sound – the calming presence of fountains, rustling leaves, and birdsong.

Sight – lush greenery, seasonal colors, and inviting plazas.

Smell – the aroma of flowers, native plants, and fruit trees.

Taste – shaded areas and edible landscapes encouraging picnics and community gatherings

Key Features

A central plaza with water features, designed as a stage for cultural events and everyday gatherings.

Playgrounds and installations for children, encouraging creativity and play.

Dedicated areas for the elderly, including shaded seating and tables for chess, domino, and social interaction.

Bicycle lanes, pedestrian paths, and shaded resting spots, promoting sustainable urban mobility.

Preservation and enhancement of existing trees and greenery, complemented by Mediterranean plants, shrubs, and flowers.

Modern reinterpretation of traditional stone fountains, providing fresh drinking water in the park

Cultural & Social Value

Set among three important religious landmarks—the Catholic Church of Saint Francis, the Orthodox Church of the Nativity, and the Ebu Bekër Mosque—the park becomes a symbol of harmonious coexistence and shared urban identity. Inspired by the cultural heritage of Shkodër, including Kolë Idromeno’s famous painting Dasma Shkodrane, the design transforms the park into a living canvas for art, tradition, and modern life.

Urban Impact

The redesign reorganizes surrounding traffic, reduces car dominance, and prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists. By turning the park into an “urban living room,” it strengthens the role of public space in the daily life of the city, offering a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all.