Round table „City Squares and Open Public Spaces of Kotor“, 4th July 2012

A round table entitled „City Squares and Open Public Spaces of Kotor“ was organized on Wednesday, the 4th July 2012 at 13.00 h in the Old Town of Kotor. It was held at the Gothic Hall of the Administration for the Protection of Cultural Heritage – Regional Unit Kotor.

The aim of the round table was to discuss the key issues, problems and possible solutions referring to the planning, use and management of squares and other open public spaces in Kotor, especially in the Old Town. It gathered all relevant stakeholders who have a direct influence of the planning, use and management of these spaces.

The round table was organized as a part of the project “Revival of City Squares in Balkan Cities”. The project aims to contribute to the revival of city squares as viable public places that foster cultural identity and promote diversity through enforcement of public policies and active community participation. The project is conducted in partnership by the organizations Co-PLAN and U-Polis from Albania, the Coalition for Sustainable Development from Macedonia and Expeditio from Montenegro. It is funded by the Swiss Cultural Programme in the Western Balkans (SCP) under the Regional Cooperation Projects programme line.

The round table was attended by 25 participants from various sectors, institutions and organizations. It began with a brief presentation of the project “Revival of City Squares”, the results of the research of Kotor squares, and the key topics indentified by architectural researches and a workshop. This was followed by discussions, in which all the participants expressed their views and comments regarding the four key topics proposed by a moderator:

Normative and institutional framework /procedures (legislative framework, plans, studies, strategies, bodies; roles and responsibilities; clearly defined procedures; transparency/visibility, implementation of Urban Project)

Contents/facilities/use (procedures and criteria; implementation of Urban Project; users / use by different target groups: local residents, tourists, children, old persons ...; the dynamics of use: summer / the rest of the year; multifunctionality)

Management (who performs management? Are all stakeholders involved?; In what ways? / mechanisms, procedures; incentives; safety)

Ambience (elements; the Old Town Planning Study; availability)

All the participants share the view that the topic of squares and other open public spaces in Kotor and their use is very important, and that the round table opening a discussion about this topic is a good initiative. Some positive examples of the use of squares were mentioned (such as outdoor concerts of the Brass Band of Kotor on different squares and various activities during the Kotor Festival of Children’s Theatre). However, it was noted that the majority of activities are concentrated during the summer season and that we should think of how the town squares could be active all year round. The participants discussed the current planning documents and their implementation and pointed out to the need to establish a Committee for the Urban Planning of the Town. This body was anticipated in the Urban Project for the Old Town City but it has never been formed.

A report from the round table will soon be posted on the website.