Conference Proceedings: ISSUES OF HOUSING…

Albania, along with other Western Balkan countries, has undergone significant economic, social, and political changes in recent years. As a result, housing, planning, and the resilient management of territorial development have emerged as critical issues. This is because these regions face sig- nificant challenges in providing affordable housing, addressing the impact of urbanization on the environment, fostering evidence-based decision-making on the territory, and bringing forth the commitments towards climate neutrality. The organizers use the term “multi-modality” to define complex situations (in matters of territo- rial planning, management, architecture, housing, public space, technology, etc.) that have histor- ically encompassed Western Balkans and Mediterranean cities in a logic of coexistence and value co-creation. A combination of knowledge and heritage that throughout time and history have given life to civilization in this region of Europe. The active involvement of Albania in the existing network of the Mediterranean Basin and the EU, through a joint action plan with UN / UNECE, and the Albanian and regional authorities, including reputable scientific bodies such as the Acad- emy of Sciences of Albania, makes this conference even more intriguing to explore fascinating areas of research. The conclusions, to be considered as a stage for open innovation, will include recommendations for further scientific and applied research, projects, and events. The geographical focus of the conference covers three dimensions: i) Albania; ii) the Western Bal- kans; iii) Euro-Mediterranean countries. POLIS University aims to focus on the above-mentioned research areas that are of common interest to both Western Balkans and Mediterranean cities, including, but not limited to: housing policies, urban history and architecture typology, innova- tion and digitalization in urbanism, energy efficiency, resilience and environmental sustainability, governance and smart technologies for city management, education and gender aspects in urban planning research. In this regard the main aim of this international conference is to bring together scholars, policy- makers, and practitioners to examine the pressing issues of housing, planning, and land develop- ment in these regions, in a context of transition fatigue, climate challenges and post-pandemic realities.