Tirana, Albania

How can local culture be a catalyst for global appeal and economic opportunities?

As Albania looks towards the future, with sights of integration and the prospect of capitalizing on new economic opportunities, it is crucial to unify the ambition to be a global attraction with Albania’s vast and rich cultural history, letting the past serve as a springboard to innovation. Expo Albania takes root from a study of the traditional Mirdita outfit, a vibrant and distinctive expression of Albanian culture that reflects the region’s unique identity. A visual triumph, the brightly colored Mirdita showcases intricate embroidery in a plethora of patterns which highlight Albania’s many diverse regions and communities. These patterns are crafted with meticulous detail and vibrant colors, reflecting the artistic prowess and creativity of Albanian artisans and serves as a form of visual storytelling, preserving ancestral knowledge and celebrating the diverse heritage of the country, essential characteristics to bring forward to the future.

This art of traditional embroidery provides the inspirational basis for our design proposal, reimagining these patterns into a three-dimensional tapestry serving as a venue for future stories to unfold amongst the backdrop of captivating mountain peaks. The design provides a range of flexibility and diverse experiences, both inward-focused for events being hosted at Expo Albania, but also open and expansive, framing views and celebrating the beauty of the magnificent Albanian landscape. The site design functions to organize the complexity required of this ambitious project, having clear access for visitors, areas for drop-off, loading and logistics spaces, and parking.

While being functional, the landscape also works as an agent of culture to link between the expo and the surrounding communities. The entire site is functions at multiple scales and can be activated every day, every month, and throughout the entire year. While large events will certainly draw crowds, the site also serves as a park, creating a space for the community to take pride in as part of the neighborhood. It is a place to take an evening stroll, a venue for recreation, a respite on weekends, while also a hub hosting many exhibitions, fairs, concerts, seasonal celebrations, and international meetings.

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