Site-specific concept

Shkodra, one of theoldest and most culturally rich cities in Albania, offers a unique environment with its natural landscape and historical heritage. Its architecture reflectsits rich and diverse history. From ancient Illyrian and Roman fortifications, through Ottoman and Venetian influences, to neoclassical structures, the cityprovides a unique architectural context.

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Scaled icon for an urban future, for a human future

The location of the tower is privileged, providing the opportunity to create an architectural iconthat not only beautifies the urban skyline but also promotes economic and tourist development both in the city and in the region. Of course, the tower aims to be also a landmark in the world of modern architecture, but, and this is the most important part of our work, without losing the human scale that characterizes the city. Despite being a tower, a very meticulous work has been done to ensure that the building is perceived in a human scale in harmony with its surroundings. The success of the tower will be if the people feels that its part of them, if they adopt it and if finally, it ends belonging to the city, to this city

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Shaped by the landscape

The tower features three main facades oriented towards the most significant views of the surrounding landscape in the region: the Albanian Alps to the north-east, the Rozafa Castle and the Drin and Buna rivers to the south, and the Skhodra Lake to the north-west. The shape of the tower has been conceived to take full advantage of the spectacular views of the surrounding area. And in this way each lobe of the building acquires a specific character depending on its orientation and views: Lake view, Mountain view or River view. Residents need to choose which one is the best for them.

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Vibration, dynamim and light

The geometry of the tower is deliberately vibrating to visually lighten its volume and to create a series of dynamic facades that respond to the surrounding views. This fragmentation also allows for a smoother integration with the urban scale, avoiding the perception of a monolithic mass that could clash with the historical and natural environment. The fracturing of the geometry lightens the building but also allows for greater penetration of natural light and views from multiple angles. This design decision addresses the need to make the building lighter and less imposing, maintaining a visual and symbolic connection with the key elements of Shkodra's landscape, but also making the building completely different depending on the moment of the day, transforming it in a timing machine.

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