Tirana, the capital of Albania, is undergoing a remarkable transformation fueled by an ambitious vision for the future outlined in the Tirana 2030 (TR030) Master Plan. This plan, devised by renowned Italian architect Stefano Boeri, aims to reshape the city into a sustainable, green, and inclusive urban hub, with a focus on increasing density while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Central to this vision are projects such as the creation of an "orbital forest" with two million trees, the revitalization of rivers with green corridors, and the redesign of public spaces like Skanderbeg Square, which has become the largest pedestrian area in the Balkans. According to The Guardian, these initiatives aim to reverse the sprawling urban chaos that followed the fall of communism and accommodate a population that has quadrupled since 1992, while prioritizing quality of life and accessibility.
At the heart of Tirana's transformation is a renewed focus on architecture as a tool for connection, combining cultural identity with contemporary design to create spaces that invite public interaction and engagement. Recent projects announced by renowned architects and international firms including Coldefy, OODA, Oppenheim Architecture, and CHYBIK + KRISTOF showcase a common thread of reimagining the rejuvinated city for the public. These designs emphasize social sustainability, cultural references, and accessible public spaces, redefining how residents and visitors experience Tirana's urban fabric. From mixed-use vertical villages and pedestrian-friendly streets to eco-conscious campuses and civic hubs, these new developments collectively highlight the city's ambition to position itself as a progressive model for urban renewal in the Balkans.
Read on to discover how Tirana's transformation is being shaped by architectural projects that use public engagement, cultural connection, and accessible design to reimagine the city for its residents.
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The Tirana Public Administration Cluster, designed by Coldefy in partnership with Atelier 4, represents an attempt to reimagine the relationship between government and citizens by centralizing over 20 government institutions in a single complex. The design incorporates features aimed at encouraging public interaction, such as a transparent ground floor with retail spaces, open plazas, and landscaped courtyards. These elements are intended to create a welcoming environment that blurs the boundaries between public and institutional spaces. However, the project's success in achieving meaningful public engagement remains uncertain, as it faces the challenge of balancing its dual role as a functional administrative hub and an open, accessible public space. Its ability to integrate into Tirana's evolving urban fabric will depend on how these spaces are utilized and maintained over time, as well as the public's willingness to embrace the new model of accessibility within a government facility.
Ndjara Building / OODA
The Ndarja Building by OODA attempts to engage the public within Tirana's urban core by incorporating a central square at the heart of its mixed-use design. This square, positioned between two distinct building volumes, acts as a gathering space that contrasts with the city's busy streets, while features such as integrated greenery and a transparent water mirror aim to enhance the public experience. Although the project aspires to create a functional and inviting urban retreat, its effectiveness in fostering meaningful public interaction will rely on how the space is managed and activated over time.
College of Europe Campus / Oppenheim Architecture
The College of Europe's new campus in Tirana, designed by Oppenheim Architecture, represents an experiment in creating a space that fosters academic, social, and diplomatic engagement while connecting with Albania's cultural and historical context. At its core is a central circular "agora," a multifunctional space inspired by Greco-Roman theaters and topped with a concrete dome referencing Albania's iconic bunkers. The agora serves as a symbolic and physical hub for lectures, performances, and dialogue, reflecting ideals of openness and democracy. Surrounding the agora are buildings dedicated to public programs, education, and diplomacy, designed to balance functionality with public accessibility through features like a library, museum, and loggias that promote openness.
Hora Vertikale / OODA
The Hora Vertikale Towers, designed by OODA, present an experimental approach to public engagement in Tirana through the integration of green public spaces and community-focused design. Envisioned as a "vertical village," the project includes a surrounding park and accessible green spaces intended to serve both residents and the wider public. By blending residential and public realms, the development aims to foster a sense of community and interaction within an urban environment. The challenge of this conceptual scheme lies in ensuring that the project remains accessible and inclusive, avoiding exclusivity or underuse, while contributing meaningfully to Tirana's public life and broader urban transformation.
Multifunctional Tower / CHYBIK + KRISTOF
The Multifunctional Tower by CHYBIK + KRISTOF seeks to contribute to Tirana's public realm by creating pedestrian-friendly spaces that connect key cultural landmarks, such as the New Boulevard and River Park, with the city's broader urban fabric. With its lower floors dedicated to retail and public use, the tower aspires to engage the community and enhance the vibrancy of the surrounding Cultural Hub. Ultimately, its ability to serve as a public asset will depend on how effectively these spaces are designed to invite and encourage daily public activity, rather than functioning solely as transitional or commercial zones.
This article is part of an ArchDaily curated series that focuses on built projects from our own database grouped under specific themes related to cities, typologies, materials, or programs. Every month, we will highlight a collection of structures that find a common thread between previously uncommon contexts, unpacking the depths of influence on our built environments. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we should mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.
