BIG wins international competition to design Albania’s “Faith Park” in Tirana

The Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the international design competition for Albania’s “Faith Park,” a landmark project that will transform a former military site in Petrela into a space celebrating interfaith harmony through nature and architecture.

Why is this important: Faith Park is envisioned as a symbol of Albania’s centuries-old tradition of religious coexistence, blending art, landscape, and spirituality. The park will draw on shared natural motifs — trees, fruits, and flowers mentioned in sacred texts — to create a living space of reflection, dialogue, and unity. BIG’s selection among 12 international finalists reinforces Albania’s growing role as a hub for forward-looking cultural and architectural projects.

Context: The competition brought together studios from the UK, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the initiative as one of Albania’s most meaningful cultural endeavors, describing it as “a living scripture of harmony” and “a space that invites everyone to marvel at the endurance of nature and the wisdom of coexistence.”

At the closing ceremony, Rama thanked all participants, saying: “This has been the most complex and inspiring competition we have held. Each project showed immense dedication and emotion. I wish we could build more parks like this — Faith Park is something we can all be proud of.”

What else: The project, supported by the Albanian Development Fund and inspired in part by the vision of architect Kengo Kuma, will begin construction in 2026. Faith Park will not serve as a religious monument but as a universal sanctuary — a living symbol of Albania’s interfaith harmony and civic spirit.