Swiss architect Valerio Olgiati has unveiled a mixed-use development set to comprise “three totemic figures” in Tirana, Albania. Named Rruga Adem Jashari, this ambitious project promises to redefine the city’s skyline with its striking form and unique architectural language.
The development by Olgiati will include three skyscrapers reaching 150 metres, 192 metres and 266 metres, housing a hotel and apartment block. These imposing structures will be constructed from red-toned concrete blocks resting upon a substantial concrete base. This choice of material and its application are central to Olgiati’s vision. “The architectural idea is based on the archaic gesture of putting blocks on top of each other,” he explains. “This idea is expressed through the facade pillars, pigmented concrete blocks which follow a very precise structural logic.” These pillars, far from being mere ornamentation, “physically manifest the forces involved in the structure and the towers appear as three totemic figures,” giving the development its powerful presence.
Visualizations reveal the towers’ distinct form: they recess towards their summits, emphasizing the verticality and highlighting the structural concrete pillars that define their silhouette. This receding form, coupled with the rhythmic arrangement of the concrete blocks, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, further enhancing the sculptural quality of the towers.
Connecting the three towers is a plaza, which leads to a stepped pyramid structure rendered in white concrete. This central element serves as the heart of the development, housing a retail area that extends below ground. This ziggurat-like form, wrapped with protruding staircases providing access to the upper levels, creates a dynamic public space. Olgiati envisions this space as more than just a retail hub, aiming to integrate it seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
A key element of Olgiati’s design is the integration of nature. To emphasize a connection between the development and its neighbouring park, pine trees will be planted on the towers’ roof levels. This green intervention softens the hard lines of the concrete and introduces a natural element to the urban landscape. Moreover, pine trees will also be planted at each level of the central retail structure, so that “the whole building is perceived as a garden,” blurring the lines between built environment and nature. This commitment to green spaces extends beyond aesthetics; it aims to create a more sustainable and livable urban environment.
Inside, the spaces will be organized with a flexible arrangement and finished with exposed concrete and marble. “The floor plans are thought in a way that the structural elements allow a free and flexible arrangement of internal partitions,” Olgiati states. This adaptability ensures the longevity of the building, allowing it to adapt to future needs and uses. The combination of exposed concrete and marble creates a sophisticated yet raw aesthetic, reflecting the building’s structural honesty.
With construction set to begin in the autumn of this year, Rruga Adem Jashari promises to be a landmark development for Tirana. Olgiati’s design, with its powerful forms, innovative use of concrete, and commitment to integrating nature, offers a compelling vision for contemporary urban architecture. The three totemic figures will undoubtedly become a defining feature of the city’s skyline, a testament to the power of architectural vision.