RESTORATION IN FACE OF AUTHENTICITY CASE STUDY OF “THE GRAND CAFÉ” IN SHKODER

Abstract

The conduction of this academic writing went through a process of derivation. The initial intention was to process and evaluate the architectural values of the monumental axis of “G’juhadol”, to help create a paradigm of the city’s identity through representative structures of western European influences in the cultural heritage of Shkoder. The author of the aforementioned architectural assemble, was the first known architect of the local context, Kole Idromeno. One of the most iconic buildings of this author, a cultural monument of the first category, “Kafja e Madhe”, was demolished during the period of this thesis conduction. As so, it would have been disingenuous to the purpose of this study to not provide a stance on this occurrence. The focus of this research has maintained cohesion in its intention of demonstrating the resilience of tangible and intangible cultural heritage that Idromeno has provided for the city of Shkoder. The subject, however, has been limited to the analysis of the urban symbol, that of “Kafja e Madhe” of Shkoder. Through the historical study of the structure, as well as analysis in terms of urban, architectural and social context, the thesis aims to reflect its cultural importance. This academic writing, furthermore, examines the deterioration of the architectural values of the symbolic building in question. By reflecting upon the principles and criteria of restoration, in local and international context, the study aims to induce a deductive reaction towards the “restoration” project that is to be implemented for the symbolic building of “Kafja e Madhe”.