Albania’s Architectural Renaissance Showcased at 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale

From May 10 to November 23, 2025, the Albanian Pavilion at La Biennale di Venezia di Architettura will present Building Architecture Culture, a powerful and timely exhibition examining the evolving role of architecture in Albania’s cultural and political landscape.

Curated by Anneke Abhelakh and commissioned by Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, the exhibition places a spotlight on Albania’s journey of self-definition through the built environment. With a population of roughly three million, Albania sits at a geographical crossroads between Southern Europe and the Balkans, its identity continually shaped by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and the Albanian Alps to the north.

A Nation in Transition: Architecture as a Mirror of Change

Since the fall of the authoritarian regime in 1992, Albania has undergone a radical transformation. Once dominated by rigid, state-imposed architecture, the country has gradually moved toward reclaiming individual identity and private space. Former Tirana mayor and current Prime Minister Edi Rama described this shift as a “reclaiming of individualism,” a necessary but traumatic move away from decades of repression.

In this post-dictatorial era, architecture in Albania is no longer simply about buildings—it has become a central player in a broader national dialogue about cultural renewal, public memory, and environmental stewardship.

Artistic Freedom Meets Environmental Responsibility

Albanian architects today find themselves in a unique position. Unencumbered by the tight regulations that often govern the profession elsewhere, they are free to explore innovative and experimental designs. However, this artistic freedom brings with it a heightened responsibility to the landscape. Albania’s relatively unspoiled natural environment—its mountains, rivers, and coastlines—is increasingly under the gaze of international tourism and development.

The architects profiled in the pavilion grapple with how to balance growth with sustainability. Rather than imposing their will on the land, many now seek to integrate architecture into existing ecosystems, acknowledging these landscapes as living systems with intrinsic value.

Architects as Advocates for Long-Term Vision

In a country still defining its development models, Albanian architects have taken on a broader advocacy role. Their influence extends beyond design studios to policy discussions, community engagement, and public education. They face the challenge of introducing long-term thinking into an industry often preoccupied with short-term economic gains.

As Albania’s urban centers modernize and rural areas face the pressures of globalization, architects are being called upon to navigate complex interests—from preserving cultural heritage to enabling inclusive growth.

The Albanian Files: Documenting Two Decades of Innovation

Coinciding with the Venice Biennale, a significant new publication will debut in October 2025. Titled The Albanian Files and published by Lars Müller Publishers, the book has been edited by Anneke Abhelakh with graphic design by Linda van Deursen. It compiles a sweeping overview of Albanian architectural projects from the early 2000s to the present, encompassing both completed structures and visionary proposals.

This compilation is based on more than 50 interviews conducted via Zoom with architects active in Albania. These conversations form the foundation for a film essay commissioned for the pavilion, offering insights into the evolving relationships between architecture, politics, and identity.

Public Discourse: Beyond the Exhibition

The Albanian Pavilion is more than a static exhibition; it serves as a temporary civic forum. It bridges architecture’s practice, academic exploration, and public debate. This “third sphere,” as the curators describe it, acts as the conscience of the profession, offering a platform where spatial ideas are scrutinized and shared.

To ensure accessibility beyond Venice, these discussions will continue through a podcast series created in partnership with Koozarch. This initiative invites broader participation, making it possible for those unable to visit in person to engage with the crucial conversations around architecture and cultural identity in Albania.