Designing for Emotional Continuity; an Exploration of Adaptive Reuse in Interior Spaces by Drilon Gashi.

from Designing for Emotional Continuity; an Exploration of Adaptive Reuse in Interior Spaces

**RILINDJA**
Photo: Ilir Kasneci, Collage: Drilon Gashi

**Prishtina Map in 2022**
Source: Google Earth

Re-purposing is often not merely a matter of choice but a necessity born out of the evolution of cities and communities. As we progress and expand, societal norms and functions undergo transformations, leaving an indelible impact on our environment.

Prishtine, a vibrant city in its own right, has been no exception to this remarkable growth. From a population of approximately 70,000 in 1971, it has burgeoned to an astonishing quarter of a million residents in the year 2023. Such rapid urban development demands a thoughtful response to repurpose existing structures, breathing new life into them to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the community.

**Rilindja Tower Aerial Image**
Source: Google Earth, Collage: Drilon Gashi

Rilindja Tower occupies a prime and strategic location at the heart of the city, positioning it as a significant focal point for urban connectivity. Situated at the intersection of key thoroughfares like Garibaldi Street, Tirana Street, and Kosta Novakivic Street, the tower enjoys unparalleled accessibility and visibility. Its strategic placement facilitates seamless movement and ensures a steady flow of people from various directions, making it an ideal hub for social interaction and cultural exchange. Furthermore, the tower's advantageous proximity to notable architectural landmarks, such as the Grand Hotel, Palace of Youth, and the Newborn Monument, enhances its significance within the urban fabric. These iconic structures, just a short walk away, collectively contribute to a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.

In the realm of architectural conservation and adaptive reuse, the Rilindje Tower stands as a poignant symbol of missed opportunities and the loss of emotional continuity with our built heritage. Though a recent renovation attempted to breathe new life into the structure, it regrettably fell short of respecting its storied past. Stripped of its historical essence, the tower lost its ability to connect with the collective memory of the community it once served. However, within the realm of imagination and visionary design, an alternative narrative emerges - a narrative that speaks of a more meaningful and inclusive approach to revitalization. In envisioning the 16th floor as a vibrant communityart and literature space, mydesign project resounds with the notion of what the tower could have become; a testament to the inherent power of adaptive reuse when executed with utmost care and reverence.

Through my vision, the tower tells a tale of a lost opportunity to create a transformative space that would have fostered a deep and profound connection with its surroundings.

Within the context of repurposing the Rilindja Tower, it is crucial to acknowledge that the transformation into office spaces was driven by a genuine need to accommodate the evolving demands of the city. However, reflection upon the project prompts contemplation on what could have been done differently to honor the tower's original essence.

One key aspect lies in staying true to the authenticity of the building's design and materials. Concrete, as the fundamental component of its construction, holds both historical and aesthetic significance. Embracing and preserving the original elements would have ensured a seamless continuity with the towers past, fostering a stronger emotional connection to its heritage.

Furthermore, when replacement materials were necessary, a more thoughtful approach could have been taken to select materials that evoked the same sense of timelessness and emotional resonance. For instance, replacing the carpet with terrazzo flooring could have upheld the tower's character while offering a practical advantage in terms of ease of maintenance. Terrazzo, with its unique blend of durability and artistic flair, has long been associated with iconic architectural landmarks, and its implementation would have added a touch of elegance and longevity to the redesigned spaces.

By recognizing the value of the original plan, materials, and their inherent emotional significance, a better approach to the tower's redesign could have been achieved. Such an approach would have not only respected the building's architectural heritage but also allowed for a deeper connection between its past, present, and future, fostering a sense of emotional continuity that would resonate with the community.

In the heart of the redesigned Rilindja Tower, a captivating main space unfolds, blending the nostalgic echoes of its printing heritage with the spirit of creativity. As one enters this multifaceted area, a sense of reverence permeatestheair, atributeto theTower's rich past as the place of Rilindja Newspaper. The siting area welcomes visitors with comfortable seating arrangements, inviting them to unwind, engage in conversation, and immerse themselves in the ambience of literary appreciation.

Adjacent to the sitting area, a dedicated reading area beckons with shelves lined with carefully curated books, celebrating the written word in its myriad forms. Here, amidst the soft glow of light, book lovers can lose themselves in the immersive world of literature, connecting with diverse narratives and exploring the depth of human imagination.

In the workshop area - a homage to the art of printing and bookmaking is payed. Stations equipped with specialized tools and materials cater to the needs of creative enthusiasts seeking to delve into the realms of printing techniques, zine production, and bookbinding. Workshops conducted by skilled artisans and artists inspire participants to master the craft, cultivating a community of book lovers and creators who revel in the tactile beauty of paper and ink.

A subtle aroma of ink and freshly printed pages lingers, evoking a tangible connection to the past while invigorating the present. In this captivating main space, the essence of paper and printing intertwines with the spirit of artistic exploration, fostering a haven for bibliophiles, creative souls, and seekers of knowledge.

In a nod to the dynamic nature of intellectual exchange and engaging discussions, the auditorium space within Rilindja Tower takes on a unique and inclusive design; a circular forum arrangement centered around a traditional rug, evokinga sense of unityand collaboration. This innovative layout encourages participants to gather in a circular configuration, symbolizingequalityandopen dialogue. As attendees find their places, the seating arrangement envelops themin asense of togetherness, eliminating hierarchical boundaries and emphasizing the importance of every individual's voice. The circular design fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity, where ideas flow freely and participants feel connected on an equal footing. This distinctive auditorium space is a testament to the Tower's profound legacy of intellectual discourse and further inspires meaningful conversations within the space.

**Exhibit Space(Depicted: Containporary)**
Render: Drilon Gashi

The exhibit space within Rilindja Tower stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of political activism and artistic expression. In an act of protest and cultural empowerment, the space annually showcases the prestigious Kosovo Venice Biennial artwork, bringing the acclaimed pieces to the local community who are unable to travel to Venice due to visa restrictions. Bydisplaying these artworks, Rilindja Tower boldly asserts theright of Kosovarpeopleto experienceand appreciate their own cultural heritage, makingapowerfulpolitical statementagainst external barriers. Alongside the Biennial showcase, the exhibit space also hosts a variety of other exhibitions throughout the year, fostering dialogue and celebrating the diverse expressions of human creativity.

**Exhibit Space (Depicted: Permanent archival exhibit)**
Render: Drilon Gashi

Adjacent, a projector brings scanned archival works of Rilindja to life. Through the projector's display, vivid images and captivating headlines adorn the walls, offering a glimpse into the newspaper's significant influence on Kosovo's political, social, and cultural landscape. In this room, thetowerhonors thelegacyofthepublication and provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with the timeless narratives and visuals that have shaped the collective memory of Kosovo. Within Rilindja Tower, a dedicated space now houses Rilindja Archive. This area safeguards historical treasures such as original newspapers, photographs, and manuscripts, signifying a poignant tribute to the lasting impact of the publication. By preserving these invaluable materials, the archive becomes a vital resource for researchers and historians, immortalizing Kosovo's socio-political narrative.

**Co-working space**
Render: Drilon Gashi

Acknowledging the ever-changing needs of the community, an energetic co-working space has been integrated within the confines of Rilindja Tower. This inclusion demonstrates a progressive mindset, attuned to adaptabilityand collaborativeefforts in the contemporary era. The space acts as a central nexus for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creative individuals to convene, motivate one another, and cultivate groundbreaking ideas. An environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, nurtures a sense of togetherness and offers unwavering support for individuals to engage in their work, expand their networks, and prosper. With its focus on versatility, ingenuity, and collective advancement, the co-working space truly embodies the ethos of Rilindja Tower as a vibrant catalyst for progress and empowerment.

In conclusion, my design project for Rilindja Tower represents a respectful homage to the building's rich history and the vision of its original architect, Georgi Konstantinovski. Rather than extensively altering the structure, I aimed to enhance its inherent character by carefully preserving and reimagining its spaces. Bypayingtribute to the building's past, mydesign seeks to honor the legacyit carries, allowing it to gracefullyevolve and adapt to contemporaryneeds.

In the process of renovation, I believe they should have chosen not to mask the building with superficial enhancements, but rather to reveal its authentic essence. Like when borrowing a book from a library, I believe we should enter old buildings with a sense of reverence, quietly and respectfully revitalizing them, and leaving them ready for the next generation to cherish. When we borrow a book, we read it, we use it, but we do not annotate it, it’s not ours to do it.

In the course of my research and design exploration, I have come to deeply contemplate the ever-changing world we inhabit. It has become evident to me that our planet is not simply a collection of individual needs and desires, but a shared heritage that belongs to all of us. We are interconnected, bound by the responsibility to preserve and nurture the spaces we occupy, not only for our own benefit but for the generations yet to come.

As architects and designers, we should better understand that we are temporary custodians of the built environment. Like guests on this Earth, we have the privilege and dutyto tread lightly, leaving a positive imprint during our brief presence. It is our role to carefully consider the impact of our actions, both in the renovation of existing structures and in the creation of new ones.

While some may perceive my approach as blending into the background or being overly attentive to the building's past, I believe that in the face of rapid urbanization, evolving societal needs, and environmental challenges, it is essential to sometimes embrace a selfless perspective.

Ultimately, our purpose as architects and designers goes beyond individual achievements. You know - David Chipperfield says; isn't it valid for an architect to suppress their ego for a while and polish somebody else’s? It is about recognizing our place in the grander scheme of things and acknowledging the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. By designing with empathy, respect forhistory,and acommitmenttosustainability,wecancontributetoamoreharmonious coexistence between humanity and the built environment. Through our designs, we can strive to create spaces that honor our collective past, cater to our present needs, and inspire a sustainable and inclusive future.

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Designing for Emotional Continuity; an Exploration of Adaptive Reuse in Interior Spaces