The revitalization and re-functionalization of the former commercial enterprise "Mehanizacija" 1970, into an autonomous, social and cultural center for the community of Gjilan

This thesis elaborates the transformation of the abandoned modernist building “Mehanizacija”, which in its beginnings served as a automecanic store, now turned into an autonomous, social and cultural center serving the community.

The reuse of buildings helps to create a sustainable and livable city. This paper tries to make a contribution to the debate on the evaluation of the actions that need to be taken in order to make cities a healthier place in which we live. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the potential of abandoned spaces, focusing on the "Mehanizacija" building, the residents' reaction to artistic interventions and exploring ways of re-functionalizing the building, emphasizing the role of the community in this process.

The use of neglected spaces in different ways, by the community, could be the future of this city. The idea is to organize a variety of events, which are basically non-profit and educational. To create conditions for exhibition spaces, musical events, space for various workshops and lectures, cinema and theatrical performances. All these activities are run by volunteers, where people can go for lectures, meetings, various cultural, social events and activist activities. New ideas related to problems in architecture and achieving solutions through creative and innovative ideas will also be addressed.