Concept and construction MVRDV, the leading architectural firm responsible for the backstage planning of Downtown One, conceived the project as a symbol of Albania’s progress and growth. Strategically located in central Tirana on
Bajram Curri Boulevard, south of
Lana River, the rectilinear tower incorporates a striking design element: a series of cantilevered houses and offices on its main façades, creating a relief pattern that, when viewed from a distance, forms an abstract map of Albania, with each
cantilever representing a specific village or town. For residents and occupants, the projecting bay windows provide breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, while the terraces enhance communication and community, evoking the atmosphere of a
vertical village. The design even allows residents to identify their homes within the context of Albania’s geography. As the architects envisioned, someone might live in the
“Tirana pixel” while another resides in the
“Durrës pixel” and so on. At its base is the "7 Xhuxhat" park, featuring local vegetation and an educational playground. The building itself is divided into distinct layers: commercial spaces occupy the ground floor, while underground levels are designated for parking. The lower half of the tower is dedicated to office space, with the top 18 floors reserved for residential apartments. MVRDV partnered with local architects and engineers, adhering to the latest
Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards. Recognizing the region’s earthquake-prone nature, the project was built to meet the highest European standards for structural integrity and quality.
Arup served as the structural and MEP supervisor, with Albanian firms Elteknik providing MEP engineering and LEAL handling structural engineering. DEA Studio acted as local partner and co-architect. ==See also==