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Hermann KAMTE

Hermann KAMTE

Yaoundé, CM

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E-CANVAS (Winners - First Prize: Tirana Architecture Week 2016 - Transformations That Matter)

WHAT’S E-CANVAS?
E-CANVAS is an ecological project with the goal to change the hub without any big 
transformation of existing layout. The aim is to involve lifestyle of people by a sum of 
little small actions on the Hub. People may see their life change after each action.

WHAT ABOUT ANALYSIS?
Smart study shows that the site is an unpredictable space. It seems at the same time 
insecure and calm. This hub present mainly damages and timeworn buildings probably 
because of maintenance lack or war. Several construction seems to be abandoned, 
but in real they don’t.

The scares on each building represent an historical event of this area. It is also a part of 
its cultural identity. Here, there’s no structuration of space and nothing about planning 
of building heights: buildings grow in anarchy where old coexist with new.
Maybe, it is important to mention that, there’s no space destined to social gathering. 
Any word is so powerful to describe this hub. What are the works of immediate 
urgency?
Certainly, the complexity of urban composing represent a real potential to develop the 
identity characteristics of inhabitants and the connection with surroundings is a good 
factor to revitalise the hub in relation to the Great Tirana.

But a few of weakness like a bad urban integration with damaged building and anarchy 
occupation of the area; a Bad traffic system with occupation of the highway with 
buildings and cars; the Lack of amenities and green lungs to favourite social gathering, 
relaxation or playing area for children or adults. Finally, the High densification of space 
without produce any advantageous floors destined for living is also a big mistake.

DOES E-CANVAS PRESERVED THE HUB?
E-CANVAS transform the hub without lost identity and integrity of people and their 
culture. It research to high light the characteristics of this quarter by multiplying 
experiment of a social gathering and green area.

PRESERVING THE HUB
Sometimes, the best solution to develop an area is to protect as long as possible 
historical marks of old buildings. In this case, transform the city is to add value to 
the existing constructions. The most damaged building are demolished; the rest are 
restored or renovated and new amenities are introduced into the hub. To replace the 
lack of space generated by creation of green space, two floors are added above most 
of buildings.

E-CANVAS don’t want to relocate but to preserve; don’t want to demolish but to build 
and add more. Each quarter or each city has its own cultural presence and the role of 
planners are not to destroy it, but to preserve it in spite of all.

This proposal explore possibilities to transform an urban area without changing its 
identity. It wants to demonstrate how city can travel over centuries by using small and 
smart actions. Maybe this jungle is the result of unusual occupation but today, this 
constitutes an important part of the old town and it must be integrated to the whole.

The project intervention consists of the revitalisation of public space by integration 
of greenery and green lungs; the reinvention of social gathering by the creation of a 
community area and playing zone for children; the Usage of the roofs to build more 
floors and to densify the hub, while produce some amenities. Ultimately, the site can 
contain more people and offers more convenience too. In the end, don’t forget the 
restoration and renovation of damaged buildings in the aim to reinsert it into the 
Great Tirana.

 
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Status: Competition Entry
Location: Tirana, AL
My Role: Architect
Additional Credits: HKA - Hermann Kamte & Associates
https://www.facebook.com/HermannKamteAssociates/

 
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