We have been collaborating with Lumbardhi Foundation since 2016 on the transitioning of the cinema into a cultural venue and this year Europa Nostra has awarded the efforts to preserve this urban collective memory in the category of ‘Citizens Engagement and Awareness-raising’. For our practice, the process has been one of learning and experimenting, building solidarity and friendship. We have been priviliged to work with and be supported by CHWB Kosova and Dokufest among other institutions such as UNDP, EU and Swiss Development Cooperation. Below you can find an excerpt from the award announcement:
“This is an exemplary project for the entire region of the Western Balkans and has been supported by a diverse set of partners. These include the Ministry of Culture of Kosovo*, the Municipality of Prizren, the Foundation for Arts Initiatives and Swiss Development Cooperation, Goethe International Relief, the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the Raiffeisen Bank, the Prince Claus Fund and several other smaller partnerships. The European Union has also provided significant support and has pledged funding for future restoration work of the cinema.
The revival of the open-air cinema (Kino Bahce) was undertaken between 2019 and 2020. A detailed design for the full restoration of the cinema will begin to be implemented in the autumn of 2022. The strategic renovation was led by Aslihan Demirtas of Khora Office.”
Honorable Mention: Gallipoli Historic National Park Focus Points Competition
We were awarded with an honorable mention for our entry to the Gallipoli Historic National Park Focus Points Competition.
Our team was one the 10 teams that were selected to continue to Phase II of the competition.
You can find the announcement along with other entrants here.
Team: Aslıhan Demirtaş, Selin Maner, Defne Akşin Akyol, Koray Özgen, Ali Cindoruk, Emrah Altınok
Advisor Team: Sibel Bozdoğan, Çiğdem Maner, Naz Beykan
with Seçkin Maden, Gizem Öneş, Athanasia Vasdeki, Doruk Özçiftçi, Zuhal Koçan, Gözde Şarlak
Honorable Mention: Kemal Kurdaş Memorial Tomb Competition
We won an honorable mention with our entry to Kemal Kurdaş Memorial Tomb Competition. Competition Team: Ali Cindoruk, Aslıhan Demirtaş, Seçkin Maden
Mustafa Kemal Kurdaş (1920 – April 19, 2011) was a Turkish economist who served as Turkish Minister of Finance, the IMF’s adviser to Latin American governments, president of the Middle East Technical University and deputy head of the Turkish Treasury.
He is best remembered for his work to develop Middle East Technical University (Turkish: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, ODTÜ), build a distinctive campus for it and create a forest in what was arid, eroding land. He helped found and expand a number of businesses. At the same time, he initiated archeological excavations, led the effort to salvage historical artifacts and monuments from flooding by the Keban Dam and supported the publication of findings that throw light on the Neolithic revolution. On the side, he wrote articles and books on economic policy.
His interests span archeology, architecture, business, economics, education and forestry. Kurdaş not only pursued these diverse interests but made a contribution in each area.
Find more info on Kurdaş here and the competition site here.