cultural center in Tirana, Albania

project: cultural center
location: Tirana, Albania
Architect: BIg



Bjarke Ingels Group — in collaboration with Martha Schwartz
Partners, Speirs + Major, Buro Happold, Lutzenberger &
Lutzenberger, and Global Cultural Asset Management — won
a competition to design a new 290,625-square-foot cultural
complex in Albania’s capital, Tirana. The project consists of a
mosque, Islamic center, and a Museum of religious Harmony.
The perforated facades were inspired by mashrabiya
screens, which provide shade and privacy while still allowing
views out. The firm’s winning scheme was announced May 2.