Nga Luiza Hoxhaj
From the series: Reflections on
urban agglomeration in Albania and the Balkans
A city on the brink of transformation
In recent years, the city of Vlora has been experiencing a significant demographic and spatial transformation. A combination of internal migration, investment in infrastructure, increased interest from the diaspora, and the rise of tourism has turned Vlora into one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Albania. But is this growth synonymous with sustainable development? Or are we facing a new chapter of urban agglomeration, with all its opportunities and challenges?
Agglomeration: A Double-Edged
Sword
Urban agglomeration refers to the geographic
concentration of people, firms, and economic activity. It often brings with it
increased productivity, access to services, and innovation. However, if left
unmanaged, it can also lead to congestion, unaffordable housing, social
inequality, environmental degradation, and reduced quality of life.
In Vlora, these dynamics are unfolding rapidly. The
coastline, a natural and economic asset, is under increasing pressure from
construction. Informal expansion into peri-urban areas raises questions of
spatial justice and adequate planning. Meanwhile, the historical city center,
with its cultural and architectural value, risks being overshadowed by real
estate development that is often detached from local identity.
What Makes Vlora Different?
Vlora’s transformation is not just a local story –
it reflects broader regional trends. But Vlora’s positioning as a coastal city,
a tourism magnet, and a strategic maritime hub gives its development a unique
character.
Unlike Tirana, whose urban sprawl is largely driven
by centralization and administrative functions, Vlora is shaped more directly
by its natural landscape, port infrastructure, and the seasonal rhythm of
tourism. As such, the city's growth must consider not only the volume of new
buildings but also their relationship to the coast, ecosystems, and cultural
heritage.
Risks of Unmanaged Growth
Some of the most visible risks include:
- Urban
sprawl without infrastructure: New residential areas, especially in the
suburbs, often lack water supply, sewage systems, green spaces, and public
transportation.
- Tourism-driven
overbuilding:
Seasonal demand is encouraging developments that remain empty much of the
year, putting pressure on land use without contributing sustainably to the
local economy.
- Loss
of identity: As
architecture becomes more standardized and less responsive to the
Mediterranean and local character, the city risks losing the essence that
makes it attractive.
Can Vlora Remain a Livable City?
The key question is not whether Vlora will grow –
that is already happening – but how it will grow. Urban planning must shift
from permissive expansion to a proactive and inclusive management of space.
Some strategic directions include:
- Strengthening
local governance:
Empowering municipal planning authorities and enhancing public
participation.
- Protecting
the coastline:
Enforcing clear regulations to safeguard beaches, dunes, and the marine
ecosystem.
- Prioritizing
public spaces:
Designing parks, pedestrian zones, and waterfront promenades that serve
both residents and visitors.
- Encouraging
mixed-use development: Reducing dependency on car-based mobility
and creating walkable neighborhoods.
Conclusion: Between Potential and
Responsibility
Vlora’s rise is a testament to its potential – a
vibrant city with natural beauty, cultural depth, and economic ambition. But
the pressure of agglomeration makes it more urgent than ever to plan for the
long term. Balancing growth with environmental protection, economic inclusion,
and social cohesion is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
In the Mediterranean, the cities that thrive are
not those that grow the fastest, but those that grow with vision, care, and a
deep understanding of place. Will Vlora be among them?
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💬 This article is part of a series of
reflections on urban agglomeration in Albania and the Balkans, with a focus on
coastal cities that are experiencing new development pressures. Read also:
“Tirana on the Rise: Urban Agglomeration as Challenges and Opportunities”
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