Off the record: Buildings in oblivion

The contextualization of the architectural aspect of cultural heritage connects us to the city’s history; taking into consideration the value of old buildings for the aesthetic aspect of the city. Without putting aside these structures, they play a role in creating the feeling of belonging and connection to the past. The buildings that once marked the main points of Prishtina, today are wrapped in oblivion. This oblivion becomes active, especially when these buildings’ fates are determined by processes begun with big words and promises of revitalization, but end up being the opposite: Going toward degradation and even extinction. 

For many years, Kino Rinia, the Grand Hotel, and the Rilindja building, have been victims of these fates. But, these buildings are not only a collection of bricks. They are identity markers of the city and its inhabitants, our past, our collective memory — and where — not only the past stands, but the present and future are built every day.

Abandoned, degraded, unused, and turned into many judicial letters, documents and bureaucratic processes, the spaces that once united citizens and welcomed their liveliness — risk extinction. While more than a few of them do not even resemble what they once were, be it their physical appearance or function. 

When oblivion accelerates and care toward these buildings slows down — their fate is held by a thread. So in our attempts to face this oblivion, on June 11 at 18:00, Kosovo 2.0, Shtatëmbëdhjetë, and Kino Armata, are organizing the conversation “Off the Record: Buildings in oblivion.”

This conversation comes as part of a series of conversations, “Off the Record” that Shtatëmbëdhjetë began last year within the Metamorphosis project. Additionally, this activity is organized simultaneously with the publication of the multimedia story, “The Ghosts of Privatization” by K2.0 within the “Citizens Engage” project, financed by the European Union Office in Kosovo, implemented in partnership with GAP Institute. This is only the start of a chain of activities on this topic.

See speakers in the section below:K