public after all

One of the key pillars of Manifesta, the European Nomadic Biennial, is its strong focus on urban development within its Host Cities.
The Urban Vision functioned as both pre-biennial research and a long-term plan to identify possible strategies, sites, communities and key topics for the city. The Urban Vision informed how Manifesta 14 will take shape within the local context, but most importantly it is commissioned to develop how the city of Prishtina could be transformed by reclaiming public space by its citizens.

Manifesta 14 Prishtina is an initiative of International Foundation Manifesta, Amsterdam and the Municipality of Prishtina and is organized by Foundation Manifesta 14 Prishtina.
https://manifesta14.org/

Project developed by CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, in collaboration with Kosovo Architecture Foundation and MIT Senseable City Lab

CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati Team: Carlo Ratti, Daniele Belleri, Erzë Dinarama, Emma Greer, Juan Carlos Romero

MIT Senseable City Lab Team: Fabio Duarte, Fan Zhang, Yuhao Kang

Kosovo Architecture Foundation Team: Bekim Ramku, Zana Bokshi, Gresa Morina, Bardha Meta, Marigona Dërguti

University of Prishtina, Faculty of Architecture: Ilir Gjinolli, Ardita Byci, Rron Beqiri, Anita Shatri, Rreze Kurteshi, Vanesa Orana, Elitë Morina, Endrit Mecini, Gjelil Gashi, Tringa Krasniqi, Valza Berisha, Lira Avdiu, Lea Hoxha, Kosovare Hulaj, Valesa Jahmurataj, Edon Millaku, Faik Beqiri

Photo credits: Atdhe Mulla, Majlinda Hoxha, Ivan Erofeev

More info: www.manifesta14.org/programme/urban-vision/, https://www.economist.com/
culture/2022/07/29/manifesta-14-reinvigorates-neglected-spaces-in-kosovos-capital

The aftermath of the Kosovo War in 1999 resulted in cultural, legal, and political paralysis, leading to a loss of public space and a lack of recognition of what is considered common. The Urban Study for Manifesta 14 Prishtina, explored how the city of Prishtina could be revitalized by reconstructing, redefining, and reclaiming public space. This research involved mapping, bottom-up analysis of public space, interviews with local experts and activists, and tactical urban interventions. Recognizing that a city is an evolving process, the mapping process aimed to identify existing qualities within the city's fabric and enhance them through small-scale, inexpensive, and temporary interventions. This approach provided citizens with the opportunity to discuss these spaces. This exercise was particularly significant in Kosovo, where "public space" is not legally defined, and very little public space has been developed since 1999.