The winners of an open international competition to revitalise and transform a neglected public space in the centre of Peja, Kosovo have been announced Open to everyone and organised by Buildner, the anonymous competition sought proposals to revitalise the site of a 15th-century water fountain which has played a crucial role in the social and cultural history of the settlement but has fallen into disrepair in recent years. Alexandra Ilinca Domnescu, Daria-Alexandra Pirvu, and Mario Eduard Peiciu from Romania won first prize and a student award for their ‘Trace’ proposal featuring an oval amphitheatre and a cultural pavilion. The winning concept features mirrored elements intended to enhance visual continuity with tiered seating designed to improve acoustic performance during events. Second place and the sustainability award went to Jiongyuan Chen from China while third place was awarded to Shpend Pashtriku, Sarah-Alexandra Agill, and Kaltrina Pashtriku from the UK. The €50,000 project, backed by Collective Action for Culture which specialises in rejuvenating urban spaces through artistic expression and community involvement, aims to upgrade the site and deliver a ‘flexible multipurpose pavilion and an engaging outdoor space’ which integrates and celebrates the water fountain. The winning entries will be considered for construction by the project backers. Located in the Rugova mountainous region around 70km west of Pristina, Peja is the fourth largest city in Kosovo with a population of 96,500 people. Local landmarks include the Kinema Jusuf Gërvalla which was constructed in the 1950s and reconstructed following the war at the turn of the Millennium. The Peja Culture Pavilion contest focused on the site of a neglected water fountain located on the city’s main boulevard close to the river and central square. The project aims to revitalise and enhance the site by delivering a new pavilion that provides a ‘versatile environment for social events, art activities, and community gatherings.’ Key aims of the project include transforming the dilapidated public space into a ‘vibrant public hotspot’ and achieving a balance of ‘contemporary architectural advancements with historical conservation.’ Proposals for the €50,000 intervention were required to include a 50-70m² pavilion structure suitable for exhibitions and community meetings, an outdoor amphitheatre, a central feature around the water fountain, green spaces and public art. Competition site: Peja Culture Pavilion, Kosovo