Selected to participate in the international competition for Tirana's Center of Fairs and Exhibitions and mixed- use development, CHYBIK + KRISTOF unveiled their design for a multifunctional social hub safeguarding the city's identity. Following the competition’s initial selection round including Ensamble Studio, fala atelier, and Zaha Hadid Architects, CHK’s proposal was shortlisted as a finalist along with Studio Fuksas.
July 4, 2023 (Tirana, Albania) – CHYBIK + KRISTOF (CHK) present ODA Tirana, a competition entry for Tirana's Center of Fairs and Exhibitions and mixed-use development international competition, located at the heart of the capital. Inspired by ODA, the traditional space in Albanian culture for welcoming and meeting people, the mixed-use complex features residential, commercial, and public areas, celebrating communal and urban spaces, inviting the people of Tirana to engage with the city's new vibrant multifunctional meeting hub.
The Albanian capital has been growing into a modern and dynamic city for the past decade, following its mission to invest in infrastructure and high-quality space, improving the eminence of life for its residents alongside becoming an attractive point in the Balkans. Underlining the city’s active leadership efforts to elevate Tirana’s urbanism, the Laboratory of Urbanism and Architecture is being created. As a part of this reactivation and redesign of the city's center, establishing cultural and economic importance across the region, CHK's design for the international competition brings a fresh look to the project's central location, emphasizing the city's identity. Contributing to the expansion of communal spirit through a monumental building unifying and honoring the archetype of Albanian architecture, the new development would be nested between the New Boulevard and the New Central Park of Tirana on 10,000 sqm of prime land.
Significantly shaping the future of the capital, ODA Tirana features three towers, two of which are residential, standing at 180 and 160 meters high, while the third one houses offices and a hotel at 100 meters high. Together with a sequence of public and semi-public spaces, the building connects the Boulevard with the central park creating an all-around wholesome voluminous complex. The main point of the development, the exhibition center placed in front of the towers, is designed to be as flexible as possible, quickly transformed from one single vast space to several varied ones in size and scale, with separate entry points. This will enable the center to host various events and exhibitions, ensuring a diverse and lively use of the grand space. The distinguishable red concrete façade draws inspiration from the Albanian building tradition and regional materials, fostering a sense of belonging and familiarity, allowing for easier integration within the local community. This discernable façade comprises pre-set plates, allowing for passive shading and preventing the building from overheating. Certain locally sourced materials, such as stone, are used on some decorative surfaces and in detail, such as paving the piazza between the buildings.
CHK's proposal embodies multifunctional urban spaces, forming a lively meeting hub for Tirana's professionals, cultural enthusiasts, and locals alike through its interior and exterior. As an important marker of Albanian architecture, the arch element is seen in various significant national buildings. CHK places this prominent element as a focal point of the development at its base in the entrance area, providing a wholesome feeling of welcome to its locals all the while serving static purposes. Its monumental design is then replicated in the towers' facades rounded by luscious green terraces.
Rooted in local history and celebrating Albanian's national identity and cultural heritage, ODA Tirana is a multifunctional and harmonious urban meeting place and center at the service of its community, while its timeless design supports the identity of the new neighborhood.
'We are honored to have been a part of this prestigious competition and to have the opportunity to illustrate our vision in forging a landmark that celebrates progress and embraces diversity. Our proposal for Tirana's Center of Fairs and Exhibitions and mixed-use development embodies our belief in creating spaces that inspire, connect, and empower, where they become a catalyst for innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable growth,' says Michal Kristof, co-founder of CHK.
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About CHYBIK + KRISTOF
CHYBIK + KRISTOF is an architecture and urban design practice founded in 2010 by Ondrej Chybik and Michal Kristof. Operating with 60+ international team members and offices in Prague, Brno, and Bratislava, the practice aims at creating bridges between private and public space, transcending generations and societal spheres. Taking into account local histories and environmental specificities, the studio works on a wide array of projects, ranging from urban developments to public and residential buildings. Recent projects include: Lahofer Winery (CZ), Zvonarka Bus Station (CZ), Multipurpose arena in Jihlava (CZ), Ostrava Tower (CZ), House of Wine (CZ), Sugar Factory (CZ), Pearl Gallery (CZ), Manifesto Market (CZ) and Municipal Affordable Housing (CZ). The studio has been awarded a number of prizes, including the 2019 Design Vanguard Award from Architectural Record, and was recently amongst the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies 2019 40 Under 40 Award winners.
Image credits:
Image 1. Render Exterior View of ODA Tirana’s Exhibition Center. Courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF.
Image 2. Render Interior View of ODA Tirana Complex. Courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF.
Image 3. Render Exterior View of ODA Tirana Complex. Courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF.