Visuell kunst

Image: Peja, a city nestled at the foot of the Rugova Mountains in western Kosovo, is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The city is one of the oldest in Kosovo, with a history that dates back to ancient times. Peja is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the Patriarchate of Peć, a medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site, along with others in the region, underscores Peja’s historical significance and its role as a cultural crossroads in the Balkans.

The Peja Culture Pavilion competition is spearheaded by Collective Action for Culture in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Kosovo and the Municipality of Peja. Collective Action for Culture is known for organizing Rrugë Fest, a cultural initiative that rejuvenates urban spaces through artistic expression and community involvement. With the support from these partners, the organization aims to empower artists, engage residents, and transform neglected areas into lively cultural destinations.

Situated in the heart of Peja, Kosovo, the competition site is a historically significant area centrally located in the city. The site is characterized by its rich historical context, enveloped by the vibrant urban fabric of Peja. The proximity to significant cultural landmarks and the bustling city center provides a unique setting for the design. Despite its historical and cultural importance, the site has been neglected for years, falling into disrepair and disuse. The Peja Culture Pavilion competition aims to revitalize this area, transforming it into a vibrant public hotspot.

The focal point of the Peja Culture Pavilion competition is the ancient 15th-century water fountain, a historically significant artifact reflecting Peja's long and storied past. This water fountain, preserved over centuries, serves as a vital cultural and historical landmark. Participants are encouraged to propose new designs that integrate and celebrate this water fountain, making it a central and vital part of their overall design proposals.

There are no specific site restrictions for the Peja Culture Pavilion competition; however, the position of the 15th-century water fountain must be respected. Participants are free to propose any design for the fountain as long as it is preserved and integrated into the overall design.

The competition seeks innovative ideas to transform the site into a lively participatory public area. The primary objective is to design a flexible multipurpose pavilion and an engaging outdoor space that revitalizes the area. The pavilion should serve as a cultural center that not only integrates the 15th-century water fountain but also enhances its historical importance. The pavilion should provide a versatile environment for social events, art activities, and community gatherings. Additionally, the outdoor space should be designed to become a vibrant public hotspot, fostering social interactions and cultural engagement.

Design proposals should balance contemporary architectural advancements with historical conservation, emphasizing the water fountain's historical significance. Proposals should utilize environment-friendly materials and sustainable construction methods, ensuring the site honors its past while embracing modern needs.

Through this competition, the organizers aim to breathe new life into this historically rich site, making it a central point of community activity and cultural pride once again. The revitalized area will honor its historical roots, particularly the ancient water fountain, while paving the way for a vibrant and sustainable future.

Download the full competition brief for more information!

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.