Public Space and Urban Identity. Tracing the Shifts of Epidamn Boulevard, Durrës

Abstract This research aims to investigate the transformation of one of the main axes of public, social, and cultural interactions in Durrës, the “Epidamn” Boulevard. Since its inception as a boulevard, it has undergone a series of functional and symbolic changes, influencing not only the urban shape but also the social life of its inhabitants. These changes were mainly dictated by political approaches, which were reflected directly in the public space. Through these morphological and comparative analyses of the boulevards across historical periods, this study identifies how public spaces are shaped and oriented by the relationships between built structures and public space. At the centre of this study is the evaluation of how urban and architectural interventions have influenced the shape and morphological aspects of public space. The findings suggest that “Epidamn” Boulevard serves as a pure reflection of the dynamic urban development of Durres, while also serving as a case study to better understand the relation between the urban form, local identity, and influence from political jurisdictions. By looking at how both form and function have changed, this research underlines not only the sustainability but also the fragility of urban public spaces as they evolve. In addition to these contextual observations, the study draws on existing literature about public space and urban form – most notably Kevin Lynch’s ideas on the image of the city, along with other works that examine boulevards and similar urban environments. Building on these theoretical perspectives, the focus here is to situate Durrës within a wider debate on urban form and spatial change, while stressing the importance of keeping the identity of Mediterranean cities intact in the face of fast urban growth and fragmented planning. By analyzing changes in form and function, this research highlights the sustainability and vulnerability of urban public spaces through their transformations. Besides these contextual analyses, this study also relies on literature about public spaces and urban form, including Kevin Lynch’s theories on the image of the city and other research that had in focus the same topic as boulevards and public spaces. While grounded in these theoretical frameworks, this study aims to place Durrës within a broader discussion on urban form and spatial transformation, focusing on maintaining the identity of Mediterranean cities facing rapid urban growth and fragmented interventions. In conclusion, the research proposes a regenerative approach that balances the preservation of historical and cultural values with the improvement of public access and reorganization of public space as a vital key component in civic life. Keywords Epidamn Boulevard, historic transformation, public space, urban identity, urban morphology