Wicked problems and urban regeneration. The politics of the Tirana Riverside project
Session
Architecture and Spatial Planning
Description
Urban regeneration in Albania is frequently employed for political symbolism and real estate speculation, surpassing its intended planning purpose. Following the 2019 earthquake, the government advocated for the “Tirana Riverside” master plan as an “urgent housing” initiative and a sustainable and resilient solution. Yet, population decline and high housing market vacancy rates reduce demand for extensive neighborhood development. This case study exemplifies a wicked problem, as it lacks a universal solution, and through the lens of cultural theory, four distinct frameworks emerge: hierarchical state authorities, individualist developers, egalitarian residents, and fatalistic citizens. Their conflict illustrates the failure to attain a cohesive solution while urban regeneration has transformed into a growth apparatus propelled by real estate speculation and political spectacle. The study draws on interviews with affected residents, media reports, and policy documents to analyze the dynamics of the development. The research illustrates the contentious nature of urban regeneration in Albania while highlighting the necessity for participatory planning.
Keywords:
Wicked problems, clumsy solutions, urban regeneration, cultural theory
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.3
Recommended Citation
Musaj, Doriana, "Wicked problems and urban regeneration. The politics of the Tirana Riverside project" (2025). UBT International Conference. 3.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/ASP/3
Wicked problems and urban regeneration. The politics of the Tirana Riverside project
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Urban regeneration in Albania is frequently employed for political symbolism and real estate speculation, surpassing its intended planning purpose. Following the 2019 earthquake, the government advocated for the “Tirana Riverside” master plan as an “urgent housing” initiative and a sustainable and resilient solution. Yet, population decline and high housing market vacancy rates reduce demand for extensive neighborhood development. This case study exemplifies a wicked problem, as it lacks a universal solution, and through the lens of cultural theory, four distinct frameworks emerge: hierarchical state authorities, individualist developers, egalitarian residents, and fatalistic citizens. Their conflict illustrates the failure to attain a cohesive solution while urban regeneration has transformed into a growth apparatus propelled by real estate speculation and political spectacle. The study draws on interviews with affected residents, media reports, and policy documents to analyze the dynamics of the development. The research illustrates the contentious nature of urban regeneration in Albania while highlighting the necessity for participatory planning.