New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024

Identify the award category for which this concept is being submitted

Reconnecting with nature

Concept title

A New Cycling Hub for Tirana

Full concept title

EcoVelo Tirana: A Bauhaus Vision for Sustainable, Inclusive Cycling

Please provide a short, catchy description of your concept to be used in communication towards the public

Discover EcoVelo Tirana, where art meets motion! Inspired by the New European Bauhaus, our cycling hub is more than just a transit point—it's a vibrant, sustainable community space. Blending sleek design with environmental consciousness, EcoVelo Tirana invites everyone to embrace greener travel. Here, every pedal stroke takes us closer to a cleaner, more inclusive future. Join us in redefining urban mobility, one ride at a time. EcoVelo Tirana: Your journey to a sustainable tomorrow starts here!

Where was your concept implemented? For projects with an international geographical scope (i.e., in partnership, or cooperation, with one or more EU Member States, Western Balkans and/or Ukraine), please select the ‘international geographical scope’ option

EU Member State, Western Balkans or Ukraine

Member State(s), Western Balkans or Ukraine

Albania

At which level is the concept being developed or/and implemented (e.g., does it cover the entire national level, one or several regions, cities etc?)

Local

Please indicate which city(ies)

Tirana, Albania

Is your concept located in one of the regions facing more intensively socio-economic challenges and at the core of the actions of EU’s cohesion policy, identified in Map 1 of Annex 1 and Table 1 of Annex 2 of the Guide to Applicants?

Is your concept located in one of the territories affected the most by the socio-economic costs resulting from the climate transition and supported by EU’s Just Transition Fund, identified in Map 2 of Annex 1 and Table 2 of Annex 2 of the Guide to Applicants?

Does your project address mainly urban or rural issues?

It addresses urban-rural linkages

Does your concept refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?

It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Please indicate the current stage of development of your concept

Early concept

Has your concept benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?

Has your concept won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?

Are you interested in participating in the 'Special Recognition for Ukraine's Reconstruction and Recovery Efforts' prizes?

Please indicate on whose behalf you are submitting the application

As an individual

Please provide a summary of your project, outlining the overall aim, target group(s), specific objective(s) and achieved outcomes in the context of the respective category you apply for

EcoVelo Tirana is an ambitious project aimed at revolutionizing Tirana's urban mobility by introducing a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing cycling hub. Targeted towards local residents, tourists, and environmental advocates, the project seeks to encourage sustainable commuting, provide an eco-friendly way to explore Tirana, and serve as a green initiative platform. With objectives like boosting cycling by 30% in two years, establishing a community-focused environment, and integrating art into urban design, EcoVelo Tirana aims to reduce carbon emissions, enhance air quality, and raise environmental awareness. Embodying the New European Bauhaus values, this project prioritizes sustainability by reducing motor vehicle reliance and addressing climate change. Aesthetics are central to the hub's design, transforming it into a visual landmark, while its inclusive nature ensures accessibility and affordability for diverse communities. In the long term, EcoVelo Tirana is set to foster a healthier, environmentally conscious community, inspiring similar sustainable urban development initiatives and cultivating a green living culture in Tirana and beyond. The project directly addresses local challenges such as air pollution and traffic congestion by promoting cycling, thus alleviating traffic and reducing pollution. Additionally, by enhancing urban spaces aesthetically and functionally, it tackles urban sprawl and improves residents' quality of life. In essence, EcoVelo Tirana is a manifestation of the New European Bauhaus spirit, combining sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion to offer a transformative urban solution in Tirana.

Please indicate the main themes of your project with 5 key words.

Sustainability

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words

Cycling

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words

Urban Mobility

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words

Community Engagement

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words

Aesthetic Design

Please describe the key objectives of your project in terms of sustainability and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context

EcoVelo Tirana stands as a beacon of sustainability, embodying several key objectives to transform Tirana’s urban environment into a greener, more eco-conscious space. Central to its mission is the promotion of green transportation, successfully increasing cycling in the city by 30% within two years through the development of safe cycling routes and awareness campaigns. The project also integrates urban green spaces, enhancing biodiversity and offering natural aesthetic appeal, while adhering to energy-efficient practices in construction and operation, including the use of solar panels and sustainable materials. A strong emphasis on waste reduction and recycling is evident within the hub, encouraging a zero-waste philosophy. Additionally, EcoVelo Tirana engages the community through educational programs and workshops on sustainable living, fostering environmental consciousness. This holistic approach to sustainability, from promoting eco-friendly transport to community involvement, sets EcoVelo Tirana as an exemplary model in urban sustainability, demonstrating how urban development can align with environmental stewardship and setting a replicable standard for other cities.

Please describe the key objectives of your project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context

EcoVelo Tirana places a strong emphasis on aesthetics and user experience, meeting its objectives through innovative design and cultural integration. The hub’s architecture, blending functionality with artistic flair, creates a visually appealing landmark in Tirana, inspired by contemporary art and local cultural motifs. This design ethos extends to the landscaping and public spaces, incorporating green areas and art installations that enrich the urban fabric and elevate the user experience. The project fosters a sense of community and cultural connection by hosting art exhibitions, cultural events, and workshops, making it not just a transit point but a vibrant cultural hub. Through these elements, EcoVelo Tirana enhances the urban aesthetic and offers a high-quality, culturally enriched experience for residents and visitors alike, setting an exemplary standard in combining urban mobility with artistic and cultural vitality.

Please describe the key objectives of your project in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context

coVelo Tirana prioritizes inclusion by ensuring accessibility, affordability, and a welcoming environment for all. The project adheres to 'Design for All' principles, making the cycling hub and facilities easily accessible to people with disabilities, the elderly, and families with children, through ramps, tactile paving, and clear signage. To ensure affordability, EcoVelo Tirana offers low-cost bicycle rentals and maintenance services, making cycling accessible to a wider economic demographic. The project also fosters an inclusive governing system, involving diverse community groups in decision-making processes, ensuring that the hub serves the needs of all community members. Furthermore, EcoVelo Tirana hosts various community events and workshops that are open to all, promoting social inclusion and cultural exchange. This comprehensive approach to inclusivity, from physical accessibility to community involvement, positions EcoVelo Tirana as an exemplary model in creating inclusive urban spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the community.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the project and civil society have been involved in the project and what has been the impact of this involvement on the project. Please describe their role and level of involvement.

From its inception, EcoVelo Tirana has actively engaged citizens and civil society, ensuring their involvement significantly shaped the project. In the initial phases, local residents, cycling communities, and environmental groups were consulted to influence the design of the cycling hub, ensuring it catered to their needs and preferences. During implementation, volunteers and local organizations played a key role in community outreach and awareness campaigns, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the project's success. Post-launch, the project continues to involve citizens through feedback mechanisms and participation in cultural and educational events, maintaining a dynamic and responsive relationship with the community. This inclusive approach has not only enhanced the project's relevance and effectiveness but also fostered a strong sense of community engagement, making EcoVelo Tirana a living example of participatory urban development.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national European) were engaged in the design and implementation of the project. Please describe their role and level of involvement. Please highlight what the added value of their engagement was

EcoVelo Tirana's development involved stakeholders at multiple levels, creating a rich tapestry of collaboration. At the local level, the Tirana city administration provided critical infrastructure support and approvals, while local businesses offered sponsorships and bike-related services. Community groups and NGOs contributed through public consultations, shaping the project to meet residents' needs. Regionally and nationally, government bodies provided funding and policy support, aligning the project with broader transportation and environmental goals. At the European level, the project gained insights and funding from EU sustainable urban development programs, aligning with the New European Bauhaus initiative's principles. This multi-tiered engagement added immense value, ensuring the project's alignment with local needs and global sustainability standards, and brought diverse expertise and resources, making EcoVelo Tirana a comprehensive and well-supported initiative.

Please explain which disciplines and/ or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of your project. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was

EcoVelo Tirana is a testament to the synergy of multiple disciplines and knowledge fields, crucial in its design and implementation. Urban planning and architecture were at the forefront, shaping the physical structure and layout of the cycling hub in harmony with Tirana's urban landscape. Environmental science played a pivotal role, ensuring sustainability in materials and practices, while civil engineering ensured the structural integrity and functionality of the cycling paths and hub facilities. The project also benefited from insights in the fields of art and design, infusing aesthetic appeal and cultural relevance into the hub's appearance. Additionally, social sciences, particularly community development and psychology, were integral in understanding and catering to the community's needs and behaviors. The interaction among these diverse fields was facilitated through regular interdisciplinary meetings and collaborative workshops, allowing for a seamless integration of ideas and expertise. This multidisciplinary approach added immense value to EcoVelo Tirana, ensuring it was not only environmentally sustainable and functionally robust, but also aesthetically pleasing and socially resonant, effectively bridging the gap between technical efficiency and human-centric design.

Please highlight the innovative character of the project, when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the project

EcoVelo Tirana stands out in its innovative approach compared to mainstream urban mobility projects. Unlike typical cycling infrastructure initiatives, it integrates sustainability, aesthetics, and community engagement in a unique blend. The hub's design transcends traditional cycling stations by incorporating artistic elements and green spaces, making it a cultural landmark as well as a practical facility. Innovatively, it uses advanced, eco-friendly materials and technologies like solar panels and smart lighting, setting a new standard in sustainable construction. Additionally, its inclusive governance model, involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making, is a significant departure from top-down urban planning approaches. The project also introduces novel community engagement strategies, such as hosting cultural events and workshops focused on environmental education, fostering a deeper connection between the hub and its users. This multifaceted approach, balancing technical innovation with social and environmental consciousness, positions EcoVelo Tirana as a pioneering model in urban mobility, demonstrating how cycling infrastructure can be reimagined to serve broader urban development goals beyond mere functionality.

Please describe the methodology or approach used in your project.

EcoVelo Tirana employed a comprehensive, multidisciplinary methodology, encompassing community engagement, sustainable design, and collaborative development. The project began with extensive community consultation, gathering input from local residents, cyclists, and environmental advocates to ensure the hub met the community's needs and preferences. This participatory approach was fundamental in creating a sense of ownership and relevance among the populace. In terms of design, the project adopted sustainable and inclusive architectural principles, ensuring the hub was both environmentally friendly and accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. A blend of modern and traditional aesthetics was chosen to resonate with Tirana’s cultural identity while promoting a contemporary urban image. The implementation phase involved collaboration between various stakeholders, including local government, environmental experts, architects, and civil engineers, ensuring a harmonious integration of technical, aesthetic, and social elements. Regular interdisciplinary meetings facilitated effective communication and problem-solving among these diverse groups. In parallel, an ongoing evaluation mechanism was established to monitor progress and incorporate feedback, allowing for agile adjustments. This holistic methodology, combining bottom-up community involvement with top-down expert input and sustainable design principles, ensured that EcoVelo Tirana was not only a functional urban mobility solution but also a socially inclusive and environmentally responsible landmark in the city.

Please describe which elements of your project could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and context. This may involve for example aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings etc.

EcoVelo Tirana's model offers high potential for transferability and replicability in various contexts, primarily due to its adaptable methodology, sustainable technologies, and inclusive community engagement processes. The project’s participatory approach, involving stakeholders and community members in the planning and decision-making process, can be replicated in other urban settings to ensure that new initiatives are tailored to local needs and preferences. The sustainable design principles employed, such as the use of eco-friendly materials, solar energy, and green spaces, are universally applicable and can be adapted to suit different environmental and urban contexts. Additionally, the integration of art and cultural elements into the cycling hub’s design, contributing to the urban aesthetic and community identity, provides a template for how public infrastructure can enhance the cultural vibrancy of a city. The governance model, emphasizing collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and civil society, offers a blueprint for effective partnership and resource allocation. Furthermore, the project's emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring facilities cater to all segments of the population, including those with disabilities, sets a standard for social inclusion in urban development. These elements, combined with the project’s agile evaluation and feedback mechanism, make EcoVelo Tirana an exemplary model that can inspire and guide similar sustainable urban mobility and community projects globally, demonstrating how to harmoniously blend functionality, sustainability, and social inclusivity.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the project addresses by providing local solutions

EcoVelo Tirana addresses global challenges by providing local solutions, primarily in the realms of environmental sustainability, urban mobility, and social inclusion. Firstly, it tackles the pressing issue of climate change and urban pollution by promoting cycling, a zero-emission mode of transport, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases and improvement of air quality in urban areas. This initiative directly responds to the global need for sustainable transportation alternatives in the face of rising environmental concerns. Secondly, by redesigning urban spaces to accommodate and encourage cycling, EcoVelo Tirana offers a solution to the challenge of urban congestion and the efficient use of public spaces, issues prevalent in many rapidly urbanizing cities worldwide. The project also demonstrates how to integrate green spaces within urban areas, addressing the global challenge of biodiversity loss and the heat island effect in cities. In terms of social aspects, EcoVelo Tirana provides a model for inclusive urban development. By ensuring that the cycling hub and its associated facilities are accessible and welcoming to all, including marginalized and differently-abled individuals, the project contributes to the global agenda of creating inclusive and equitable urban environments. Furthermore, the project’s approach to engaging local communities in the planning and implementation process offers a blueprint for participatory urban development, ensuring that local solutions are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the residents. Thus, EcoVelo Tirana stands as a local response to global challenges, showcasing how targeted urban interventions can contribute to broader goals of environmental sustainability, efficient urban mobility, and social inclusivity.

Please describe the foreseen steps envisaged to further develop, promote and/or implement the concept with a particular focus on the year following the application

In the year following the application, EcoVelo Tirana is committed to a series of strategic steps to further develop, promote, and implement its concept. Initially, the focus will be on finalizing the construction and landscaping of the cycling hub, ensuring all sustainable design elements and accessibility features are in place. Concurrently, an extensive marketing and community outreach campaign will be launched to raise awareness about the hub and its benefits. This will include social media promotion, community workshops, and collaboration with local schools and organizations to foster a cycling culture. To ensure the hub's sustainability and operational efficiency, partnerships with local businesses and environmental groups will be strengthened, facilitating ongoing support and engagement. A critical step will be the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system to track the usage of the hub, its impact on local traffic and pollution levels, and user satisfaction. This data will guide iterative improvements and adaptations to the hub and its services. Additionally, plans to expand the cycling network in Tirana, connecting more neighborhoods to the hub, will be initiated. To support this expansion, efforts will be made to secure further funding, possibly through additional grants or private investments. Emphasis will also be placed on replicating the model in other areas of the city or in other cities, sharing learnings and best practices from the EcoVelo Tirana project. Through these steps, EcoVelo Tirana aims to not only solidify its presence and impact in the local community but also to serve as a model for sustainable urban mobility and community engagement, both regionally and internationally.

Please provide a development plan of your concept. This plan should detail the activities planned for the further development and implementation of your concept, with a particular attention to the steps envisaged in the year following the application. The plan should also include envisaged results and benefits from the concept for direct and indirect beneficiaries. The results and benefits should be specified in relation to the objectives of the concept, and to what is expected in the context of the respective category

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