A hierarchical definitional framework for a heterogeneous context: housing typologies in Tirana, Albania

Abstract

PurposeThe proposed definitional framework can be used to define housing typologies of cities in developing countries. It aims to define housing typologies in the capital city of Albania, Tirana, using the proposed hierarchical framework within the dynamics of four political periods: Ottoman, establishment, socialist and postsocialist.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a new definitional approach for the housing typologies through a hierarchical framework that defines the typologies based on their political period and legality statuses departing from the case of Tirana, which is featured by a heterogeneous context. Such context is characterized by uncontrollable urban development, making typology definition problematic. Furthermore, beyond the form, spatial and functional features, it presents their exterior distinctiveness as an innovative element. The methodology used in the study includes archival research, image documentation, spatial, functional and exterior distinctiveness analysis of housing typologies and exploration of housing form features in different political periods.FindingsThe study identifies urban formal housing typologies in Tirana detached houses, apartments, mass housing, social housing, gated communities, informal detached houses and housing with in/formal additions.Originality/valueThis definitional approach can be used to define housing typologies for cities featured by heterogeneous urban context.

Identifying Design Trends in Mass Housing Development

“…In the case of Tirana, the assimilation concerning mass housing typologies with a political period, particularly the Soviet Neoclassicist and legality statuses, highlight socioeconomic and cultural parameters within mass culture. These factors potentially formalized mass housing form, aesthetics, envelopes, and spatial attributes, justifying the polarity between the notion of homogeneity and heterogeneity (Manahasa et al, 2022). Indeed, the study by Sokienah (2021) revealed that this notion stirred an identity crisis in mass housing which emphasize a globalized image over local character due to the influence of economic and political globalization.…”

“…Theme 2: Dynamic Permeable Territory Although mass housing is defined through repetitive and standardized notions, Manahasa et al (2022) confirmed that it may be subjugated through a heterogenous context that is formed by the territorial interrelation of typological schemes and morphological patterns. In the case of Tirana, the assimilation concerning mass housing typologies with a political period, particularly the Soviet Neoclassicist and legality statuses, highlight socioeconomic and cultural parameters within mass culture.…”

“…This phenomenon is remarkably peculiar as the change is not centred on functionality or practicality but is prone to fluidity and indefinity. In the context of modernist architecture characterized by deterministic function (Manahasa et al, 2022), rational design (Kallis, 2020), segregated urban planning (Cheshmehzangi, 2018), monofunctional pattern with the tendency for superblock (Milovanović et al, 2023), and independent from historical references (Antypenko & Benkő, 2022), there is a synergetic value that prompts to this transition. According to Milovanović et al (2023), examining the fundamental nature of the design problem occurring in mass housing production reveals the critical need towards human approaches involving social and cultural values.…”

“…In Italy, the focus is given to the theoretical aspect related to the minimum dwelling concept in Garbatella model housing by Kallis (2020), which also relates to the social concept as discussed by Rakonjac et al (2022) in the effect of lighting for open spaces activities in Croatia and identity crisis in North Cyprus as argued by (Sokienah, 2021). In terms of urban issues, Manahasa et al (2022) explained the heterogeneous context in housing typologies in Albania, followed by Antypenko and Benkő (2022) on functional diversification of large housing estate in Hungary, and Jegede et al (2018) on the practised of housing defensible space in Nigeria. Furthermore, in the aspect of project performance, in the case of Ghana, Kwofie et al (2022) examined communication performance in repetitive attributes projects.…”

“…In addition, it also seeks a broader program of social change between lower-and middle-class society (Kallis, 2020). From the perspective of the socialist block, the development of mass housing was shaped by the Soviet political agenda emphasizing collectivism, hence rejecting the class and social hierarchy (Manahasa et al, 2022., Drėmaitė, 2022. However, as early as the 1970s, the limitation of this approach was recognized whereby facilities, neighbourhoods and settlements did not function as planned (Milovanović et al, 2023) due to the quality problems of existing housing stock (Asan & Özsoy, 2018).…”