Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the “Tirana Fountain Plaza” project in an international competition that presented architectural visions for Tirana 2030 from five international studios.

The jury described the winning project as ambitious and distinctive. It said the proposal offers a strategy not only for the required program, but also, and particularly, for the relationship between architecture, landscape and the city itself.

According to the jury, the winning project transforms the site into a broader civic and urban landscape while creating a unified identity.

The jury also described BIG’s proposal as a strong foundation for further development. It recommended that the developers work with the government and the city to maintain the park.

The jury said BIG’s project presents a strong concept connecting the urban context with nature. It also positions the project as a gateway to the city.

The jury further praised the building’s upper volume for bringing in natural light, while the surrounding landscape allows nature to remain an integral part of the site.

The cloud-like façade and the project’s integration with Rinia Park, which would turn the area into a civic destination, represent another key strength of the proposal, according to the jury.

Besides BIG from Denmark, the international “Tirana Fountain Plaza” competition included architecture studios Barozzi Veiga from Spain, Cobe from Denmark, l’AUC from France, and JDSA – Julien De Smedt Architects from France.

/a.c/