Architecture, Exhibition, Film & Design
A CITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Architecture, Art and Social Resilience:
Exploring Tirana’s Built Environment as the city undergoes rapid densification Change and Construction
The workshop's theme focuses on exploring the contemporary, historical and trans disciplinary interconnections between architecture, art and the importance of storytelling in the field of artistic research. Investigating the role of the architect with its trans disciplinary predisposition and the intersection of architecture with social issues, climate change, urban fabric changes, difficult cultural and architectural heritage, collective memory and identity will enhance participatory efforts for achieving a livable and a resilient city which is currently under construction and rapid transition.
The unique challenges faced in Tirana as the city goes under rapid densification and construction with its complex history in combination with investigative analysis of the general theme at hand will lay the foundation for better understanding the complex issues of a city in transition and will enhance collaborative efforts for a reinvigorated and vibrant architectural fabric and built environment.
Students will engage in research, field studies, and creative problem-solving to explore these themes deeply. The workshop aims to inspire students to think critically about the role of the architect in shaping sustainable, equitable, future proof, diverse, and vibrant urban environments and architectural spaces which reflect clearly upon the collective memory of the people in relation to the context and its complex history.Themes to be investigated are:
Themes to be investigated are:
Architecture and Politics from an artistic perspective.
Gender inequalities in experiences of public spaces.
Difficult architectural, artistic and cultural heritage in the urban and rural fabric of Tirana and its cultural, artistic and revulsive manifestation by humans and non-humans.
Students have produced four films one game and one comic strip. See the projects below
Student film 01
Followed by meter
By: Verona Sojeva, Ani Rama, Vanesa Selimi, Kantonisa Boci
FOLLOWED BY METER addresses the rapid urban changes that have taken over the Albanian capital in recent years. It presents a detailed overview of the city’s architectural evolution, focusing on the new constructions rising in height and density. The film reflects on the contrasts between rapid urban development and the challenges that come as a result of the reduction of green spaces and the increase of new buildings.
Amid images of Tirana’s traditional and modern architecture, the film portrays the dramatic transformation of the urban landscape. Once a city characterized by low-rise buildings and abundant public spaces, Tirana today appears as an expanding metropolis, where high-rise towers and modern residential complexes have begun to dominate the skyline. This rapid development has led to narrower streets, increased traffic, and a reduction of green areas, directly affecting the quality of life of its residents.
Student film 02
Like a child
By: Dhespina Cani, Barije Alla, Fabiola Kabashi, Enaldo Metoshi
LIKE A CHILD explores the impact of architecture on the emotional state of the individual, focusing on the person’s experience in large urban spaces and their confrontation with monumental facades. By using a simple language the video examines the feelings of smallness and insecurity we experience when observing large buildings from a bottom-up perspective.
This point of view creates a clear contrast between the massive scale of structures and the physical scale of the individual, suggesting that these imposing spaces often make us feel like children: confused, small, and unprotected.
Through this project, we aim to emphasize that architecture is not merely a practice of construction, but also a psychological force that profoundly shapes one’s perception of themselves and of the world. Buildings are not just walls and windows; they are structures that shape the way we experience and interact with public and private spaces.
Student film 03
Through my Eyes
By: KIARA TROKTHI, KEJSI BABASI, ELONA KONI, SARA CUFE
THROUGH MY EYES With this project, the aim is to create an authentic artistic work, distanced from the usual cinematic references, avoiding the use of well-known quotes and instead focusing on a unique personal approach. The central theme addressed is the shared importance of reality among the many cities of the world. Instead of using traditional narrative solutions, the project focuses on building a new visual language, where abstract elements take on the main role of communication. The artistic exploration will include experimentation with camera movement techniques, design of interactive spaces, and the interplay between them in order to provoke new emotions and offer fresh perspectives. This is an attempt to create a freer form of expression, where unexpected discoveries can inspire deep reflection in the viewer.
Student film 04
Contrast and Harmony
By:
CONTRAST AND HARMONY is a student film set in Tirana that explores the coexistence of architectural structures from different eras. By juxtaposing historic landmarks with contemporary buildings, the film reflects on the dialogue between past and present. Through a human-scale perspective, it examines how these contrasting forms shape social life, influence collective memory, and contribute to the city’s artistic identity.
Student project 05
Game Desogm
D.U.M Tirana
By: Enald Noka, Jon Braha, Rabina Qamili, Toni Koci
DISCOVER URBAN METROPOLIS (D.U.M.) is an interactive platform designed to make the city more engaging, offering a parallel and alternative way of experiencing urban life in response to the constant transformations of cities like Tirana.
Its structure draws inspiration from MMO video games, but here it takes shape as an MMOIRL (Massive Multiplayer Online In Real Life). Much like Pokémon Go, one of the first mobile games to merge digital play with real-world movement, D.U.M. requires players to physically be present at points of interest in order to advance. These points of interest include landmarks, NPCs, objectives, and more. They also function as hubs—gathering spots where players can meet, exchange ideas, and build connections. Through these interactions, the game nurtures a unique D.U.M. culture, whose ultimate goal is to foster deeper interaction both between players themselves and between players and the city.
Moments from the Workshop
