Island of Common Ground

Abstract

In Skopje, the approach is to write and re-write the city. Within its architecture, a battle between oppositions is expressed. Neo-classical v Brutalism. Socialism v Nationalism. Macedonian v Albanian. The list goes on. Yet life continues amongst this and these binary oppositions do not represent the true life of Skopjans. The city’s image is showcasing an environment that does not reflect the life of its people, which is vibrant, multifaceted, everyday, normal. The built environment does not make it easy for social integration, with public spaces which are frequently bare and flat – dominating and monumental squares devoid of the layers needed to let life happen.
The contested and non-discript ‘island’ between the old bazaar (Albanian territory) and Macedonia Square (Macedonian territory) forms the location of my project. This no-mans land is a place without stigma and therefore provides a key opportunity to create spaces for integration between different communities. The island is made up of disparate built entities the paradigm for Skopje’s built fabric of opposing expressions. The site includes the old Hammam dating from 1500 during the Ottoman Empire, now the national gallery; the Macedonian Opera and Ballet from the Socialist era to the most recent development; Skopje 2014 museums positioned along the riverfront. These buildings work in isolation from one another and the public spaces are largely neglected. The site harbours great and un-realised potential to constitute as Skopje’s common ground – to improve integration and presence in public space, to provide the canvas for a vibrant, every-day life. The latent space possesses the existing ingredients, what is needed is the emulsion to make them function as a whole. ‘Island of Common Ground’ provides the glue between the disparate built entities, to celebrate Skopje’s complexity and encourage appropriation, integration and meaningfulness.
My graduation project provides a raised platform, spreading itself throughout the island of transition between the two core territories of Skopje. Beneath its canopy it will house spaces to activate the site and its existing buildings. These incorporate structures such as food market stalls, cafes, restaurants, bars and theatre spaces yet these are open to change and adapt according to community and stakeholder wishes. These form light-weight structures within the strong surrounding framework. The project sits between the blurred line of architecture and public space – it aims to provide the constant within which the flux of life can adapt and change.