Vlora Marina Competition

Project Vision

The proposal reframes the Vlora waterfront as an intertwined promenade, a landscape ribbon that merges marina infrastructure with parks, culture and everyday life. The braided geometry generates shaded paths, lookouts and civic rooms along the edge, while protecting and enhancing the beach.

Site & Strategy

Resilient edge mixing soft and hard protections; new piers double as event decks.

Continuous promenade linking the north and south waterfronts with 3.2 km of walkable edge.

Green armature of dunes, pine groves and coastal planting to buffer wind and waves.

Public anchors: marine museum, hydroplane pier, sports lawns and beach terraces.

Marina & Piers

Reorganized berths and service docks improve navigation and safety, while new public piers extend the city into the bay.

Urban Park

Amphitheatre, play fields and gardens form a green civic heart adjacent to the waterfront.

Culture Line

Lightweight pavilions host exhibitions, markets and seasonal events along the promenade.

Beach Renewal

Dune restoration, new shade structures and accessible ramps improve the bathing experience.

Mobility & Access

Vehicular traffic is calmed on a parallel boulevard; the waterfront edge is prioritised for people. A continuous cycling lane, last‑mile shuttle stops and generous crossings knit the city to the sea. Service access for the marina is maintained behind the public realm to keep the promenade car‑free.

Sustainability

Native, salt‑tolerant planting to reduce irrigation and stabilise dunes.
Permeable paving and bioswales to manage stormwater and protect water quality.
Dark‑sky compliant lighting with low energy demand and minimal glare.
Timber/steel modular decks for quick construction and future adaptability.

Phasing

Phase 3: Cultural pavilions, museum fit‑out, landscape maturation and wayfinding.

Phase 1: Core promenade, beach access, cycling lane and temporary pavilions.

Phase 2: Park and amphitheatre, marina reconfiguration, two public piers.