31. Promenade

"Each subculture needs a centre for its public life: a place where you can go to see people, and to be seen"
A promenade should be placed at the heart of every community which links the main activities and placed centrally, so each point in the community is in walking distance. Two main attractions should be placed at either ends to keep constant movement. (Alexander 1977)

Ruga AntiPatrea

Berat, Albania

Berat's promenade connects the old town to the new, keeping pedestrian movement constant. The end of the promenade is Berat's main stadium but also features a vista to the snowy peaks beyond. One side of the promenade is lined with Street Cafes where people catch up for their morning Turkish coffee. On the other side, the park is filled with street furniture. Here the men gather to play chess, sit and people watch. The generous width of the promenade also accommodates for bikes.