The ‘International Spatial Design Competition for the Mobility Centre Project’ sought ideas for a new transport interchange and city spatial plan for the city of Ferizaj/Urosevac, situated in southern Kosovo. The objective was to produce a catalyst for the regeneration of the urban centre by integrating all modes of transport into a Mobility Centre - linking this regional city to neighboring capitals.

The competition attracted 43 entries from 22 countries.  First and Second place were awarded unanimously. Third place was awarded after attracting seven votes out of ten from the jury.

First prize: searle/waldron from Melbourne, Australia

Second prize: 9272 Architects from Malmo,Sweden

Third prize: XL Architects from Prishtina, Kosovo

Special Merit: Tower 151 Architects from Zagreb , Croatia

The winning design by searle/waldron investigates the urban redevelopment task of connecting a disjointed city severed in two by intercity railway lines. Entitled ‘in>crease’, the project envisions the two halves of the city conceptually compressed together - creating a ‘crease’ across which the city connects.  The resultant crumple zone acts to ‘increase’ mobility and metropolitan expansion.

Proposing a corridor of development over sunken railway lines, the new city spatial plan incorporates the Mobility Centre transportation hub, central park, city square and new commercial plots to boost development potential. Elements of the existing city are also modernised reviving the entire city centre; the city square is re-orientated to bridge to each side of the city; a bypass boulevard diverts car traffic from the congested centre; a pedestrian avenue through the existing commercial centre incorporates access to public transport and bicycle paths.

The Mobility Centre integrates inter-city trains, local and inter-city buses, taxis and parking into a single transport interchange.  The creased large span roof unites these functions with the spatial concept and is made of Teflon Fibreglass membrane allowing natural light to be emitted during the day. The centre is activated on three levels with train platforms and parking below ground, centre concourse and bus station at ground level and food outlets on the mezzanine.  The architecture of the proposal invites development under consultation with stakeholders.

Organised by UN-HABITAT Kosovo in conjunction with the Municipality of Ferizaj/Urosevac, the competition forms part of the UN’s initiatives in Kosovo’s post independence urban regeneration.

searle/waldron is a design practice lead by Nicholas Searle and Suzannah Waldron, currently based in Melbourne, Australia. They have had continued success in international design competitions over the past 12 months - most recently being one of four first round winners for the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (MoCAPE) in Shenzhen, China.

More information about UN-Habitat’s Kosovo mission can be found here.

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