A hierarchical definitional framework for a heterogeneous context: housing typologies in Tirana, Albania
ISSN: 0168-2601
Article publication date: 17 November 2021
Issue publication date: 29 April 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The proposed definitional framework can be used to define housing typologies of cities in developing countries. It aims to define housing typologies in the capital city of Albania, Tirana, using the proposed hierarchical framework within the dynamics of four political periods: Ottoman, establishment, socialist and postsocialist.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes a new definitional approach for the housing typologies through a hierarchical framework that defines the typologies based on their political period and legality statuses departing from the case of Tirana, which is featured by a heterogeneous context. Such context is characterized by uncontrollable urban development, making typology definition problematic. Furthermore, beyond the form, spatial and functional features, it presents their exterior distinctiveness as an innovative element. The methodology used in the study includes archival research, image documentation, spatial, functional and exterior distinctiveness analysis of housing typologies and exploration of housing form features in different political periods.
Findings
The study identifies urban formal housing typologies in Tirana detached houses, apartments, mass housing, social housing, gated communities, informal detached houses and housing with in/formal additions.
Originality/value
This definitional approach can be used to define housing typologies for cities featured by heterogeneous urban context.
Keywords
Citation
Manahasa, E., Özsoy, A. and Manahasa, O. (2022), "A hierarchical definitional framework for a heterogeneous context: housing typologies in Tirana, Albania", Open House International, Vol. 47 No. 2, pp. 254-281. https://doi.org/10.1108/OHI-07-2021-0157
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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