The transformation of the Pyramid of Tirana is now complete
The metamorphosis of the 1980s brutalist Pyramid of Tirana in the Albanian capital into a youth-focused cultural hub is now complete. The Dutch architecture studio MVRDV converted the 11,835-square-metre pyramid in central Tirana into a “peoples monument” that contains cafes, studios, workshops and classrooms where free lessons will be available to young Albanians.
The new Pyramid of Tirana has become one of the largest digital centres in the Balkans. The most iconic, but already transformed facility of the capital will serve thousands of young people.
Built as a museum dedicated to former communist leader Enver Hoxha, the Pyramid of Tirana opened in 1988 but closed three years later following the collapse of Communism in the country. It was subsequently used as a temporary NATO base and a nightclub before being left to deteriorate being used as a canvas for graffiti, a place for socialising and a large slide.
“It is striking and interesting to see how the country struggled with the future of the building, which on one hand is a controversial chapter in the country’s history, and on the other hand has already been partly reclaimed by the residents of Tirana,” MVRDV’s founding partner, Winy Maas said.
The sloped facade and roof of the pyramid are lined with steps constructed using aggregate from the original stone tiles that covered the facade. Several additional enclosed classrooms were also built on the roof. Small structures inside and surrounding the design house cafes, classrooms and workshops.
Non-profit educational institution TUMO Tirana runs the Pyramid. It provides free afterschool education programmes for 12 to 18-year-olds covering various technology-related subjects like robotics, animation, game development, music, and film.
Source: Tirana Post
