Oryginalny wieżowiec w Tiranie

In Tirana, Albania this bizarre new tower designed by architectural firm NOA has been dubbed the “puzzle building” due to its unusual architecture. The innovative structure, inspired by the archetypal village house with a gabled roof, multiplies and stacks these traditional forms in a dizzying vertical puzzle. Tirana, officially designated as Albania's capital in 1920, has undergone a century of dramatic change. Its architecture has often reflected the shifting political landscapes, serving as a medium for propaganda during the communist era. Following the regime's collapse in 1991, the city expanded rapidly, albeit often without proper planning. The election of Edi Rama—first as mayor in 2000 and later as Prime Minister in 2013—marked a turning point, ushering in a wave of urban renewal and attracting renowned architects to the city. NOA’s new project is located on Rruga Medar Shtylla, near Tirana’s city lake in a dense urban area. The mixed-use building will replace an older structure, providing 160 apartments, a hotel, and a large commercial area. Spanning a rectangular site of 75 by 25 metres, the tower is set to become a landmark in this vibrant part of the city. "Walking through Tirana, I experienced a city rich in history, with its architectural fragments telling stories of a turbulent past," says Lukas Rungger, founder of NOA. "The urban landscape feels like a puzzle where old and new coexist in a fascinating interplay of contrasts." The tower embodies this duality. Its design transitions from rural houses to urban apartments, symbolising the rapid transformation of the city. The structure rises as a "metropolitan village," featuring dynamic facades composed of house-shaped modules with gabled roofs. These elements vary in size, orientation, and colour, creating an intricate and visually striking composition. “In our design, we sought to depict the meeting—and at times the clash—between rural and urban life,” explains Rungger. “The building’s core is rational and optimised to accommodate diverse spaces, while the facade is intentionally dynamic, embodying a sense of chaos that is, in fact, meticulously arranged.” The tower’s house-shaped modules extend from 0.5 to 3 metres, forming hybrid spaces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor areas. These spaces serve various functions, including hanging gardens, loggias, open-air cinemas, and even pools and saunas. “The houses act as puzzle pieces,” says Rungger. “They rotate and fit together until they click into place within the structure.” The building’s four facades are equally dynamic, designed to interact harmoniously with the surrounding urban context. A triangular entrance leads to the ground-floor shopping centre, creating a vibrant gateway for visitors. Nature is a key element of the design. Local plants and shrubs are integrated into the projecting sections of the modules, forming hanging gardens that enhance the facade. On the lower floors, sculptures add an artistic dimension, creating a unique pathway along the exterior. “The facade elements extend into the building’s interior,” adds Andrea Dal Negro, another architect involved in the project. “The inner courtyard fronts, which span the first two floors dedicated to commercial spaces, are also shaped like inverted houses, defining the circulation areas.” As Tirana continues its transformation, this ambitious project stands as a symbol of the city’s evolving identity—a place where the past and future converge in a bold architectural statement. Where: Tirana, Albania When: 21 Nov 2024 Credit: NOA/Atelier/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**