The Pyramid of Tirana wins WAN awards EMEA 2024: A humorous approach to healing wounds
Once a symbol of dictatorship, the Pyramid of Tirana project has won the prestigious WAN Awards EMEA 2024 in the category of Publicly Accessible Buildings, with a bold initiative that has transformed the concrete monolith into a vibrant public space, earning recognition for its innovation and community-centric design.
Originally built as a museum glorifying the communist regime under Enver Hoxha, the Pyramid now stands as an open sculpture within a rejuvenated park, inviting visitors to explore its transformed interior. The addition of colorful boxes, housing diverse amenities such as cafés, studios, and start-up offices, injects vitality into the space while honoring its complex history.
According to esteemed architect Eva Jiřičná, who was part of the jury, the project’s transformation was such a good solution to teach the public that a sense of humour can heal even deep wounds. Despite the challenges posed by its varied past uses, the decision to repurpose rather than demolish the structure reflects the collective desire to preserve this symbol of victory over oppression.
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