The Albanian Concrete Mushroom Project Renovates Never-Used Havens
Vivian Lau — August 15, 2012 — Eco
The Albanian Concrete Mushrooms project is initiated by Gyler Mydyti and Elian Stefa, a graduate student duo who look to make better use of 75,000 inherited but tragically idle war bunkers.
The bunkers are made of solid concrete and steel and were once constructed to guard Albanians against an enemy that never arrived. Now these decrepit structures litter the country's coastal and inland scenery. Some are used to house restaurants while other masquerade as a jungle gym addition. The vision is to transform them into hostels so that backpackers may easily travel in a cheap and environmentally responsible way. A documentary feature and book has recently been released to underscore the steps of this ambitious plan.
The initiative is an admirable effort to up-cycle infrastructure to be better suited to the needs of both national and international citizens.
The bunkers are made of solid concrete and steel and were once constructed to guard Albanians against an enemy that never arrived. Now these decrepit structures litter the country's coastal and inland scenery. Some are used to house restaurants while other masquerade as a jungle gym addition. The vision is to transform them into hostels so that backpackers may easily travel in a cheap and environmentally responsible way. A documentary feature and book has recently been released to underscore the steps of this ambitious plan.
The initiative is an admirable effort to up-cycle infrastructure to be better suited to the needs of both national and international citizens.
Trend Themes
1. Bunker Reuse - The trend of creatively reusing abandoned bunkers as new infrastructure for tourism or alternative functions.
2. Sustainable Hostels - The trend of constructing hostels that are environmentally responsible and affordable while utilizing existing structures.
3. Upcycling Infrastructure - The trend of repurposing old, unused infrastructure for new functions instead of discarding them.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - The tourism industry can explore this trend by investing in the transformation of old bunkers into desirable accommodations.
2. Construction - The construction industry can benefit from this trend by developing innovative ways to convert and repurpose old structures.
3. Architecture - The architecture industry can lead the way in creative problem-solving to transform outdated structures into useful, modern designs.
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