Swiss architecture practice Herzog & de Meuron has won the international competition to redevelop the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. The proposal combines the restoration of one of the city’s most significant public buildings with a new mixed-use tower, public landscape interventions, and upgraded cultural facilities. The Albanian government selected the project as part of a broader effort to modernize key civic landmarks while preserving their historical significance.
Originally completed in 1986 during Albania’s socialist period, the Palace of Congresses was designed to host political assemblies and state functions. Over time, the building evolved into a major venue for conferences, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and public events. The complex contains a 2,100-seat main auditorium along with several smaller halls that continue to support cultural and institutional activities.
Adaptive Reuse Strategy Preserves the Existing Landmark
Herzog & de Meuron’s proposal focuses on targeted interventions that improve performance, functionality, and accessibility while retaining the building’s architectural identity. The architects describe the Palace of Congresses as an important witness to both Tirana’s urban development and Albania’s recent history, positioning preservation as a central aspect of the project.
The redevelopment reorganizes key public interiors and introduces upgraded cultural infrastructure within the existing structure. A large central atrium is envisioned as a flexible public space for exhibitions, gatherings, and circulation. The main auditorium will also be renovated with improved acoustics, contemporary finishes, and a redesigned ceiling element that introduces filtered daylight into the performance space.
Competition requirements called for the modernization of aging infrastructure and the integration of contemporary technological standards while preserving the building’s historic character. The proposal responds by concentrating new architectural interventions only where necessary, allowing the original structure to remain the defining element of the complex.
New Palace Garden Strengthens Public Connectivity
A major component of the scheme is the redesign of the surrounding landscape by landscape architect Michel Desvigne. The project introduces a series of terraced public spaces that gradually descend towards the entrance of the Palace, creating what the design team describes as a “Palace Garden.”
The landscape strategy transforms the existing forecourt into a more accessible space framed by trees, pedestrian routes, and gathering areas. These terraces establish a gradual transition between the city and the cultural complex while enhancing ground-level permeability. Public activity is encouraged through direct connections between indoor cultural spaces and the surrounding landscape.
The new public realm is intended to support both everyday use and large-scale cultural events, reinforcing the role of the Palace within Tirana’s urban fabric.
Mixed-Use Tower Expands the Programme
Alongside the restored Palace of Congresses, the project introduces a multifunctional tower containing office spaces and a hotel. The tower emerges from a podium integrated with the broader cultural complex, creating additional activity beyond the building’s event-based programming.
According to the architects, the tower’s form draws from vernacular construction principles while adopting a contemporary structural expression. A repetitive grid and faceted geometry define its appearance, distinguishing it from the existing landmark while maintaining visual and spatial connections through landscaped terraces and stepped public spaces at its base.
The redevelopment site covers approximately 4,760 square meters and will deliver a total gross floor area of around 55,000 square meters once completed. The combination of cultural, hospitality, workplace, and public-realm functions positions the project as a mixed-use urban destination within Tirana’s rapidly evolving city centre.
The winning proposal treats the Palace of Congresses as both a historic structure and an active public institution. By upgrading cultural facilities, introducing a new public landscape, and adding complementary mixed-use programs, the project aims to extend the relevance of the landmark while preserving its architectural presence within the Albanian capital.
Palace of Congresses Project Details
Project: Palace of Congresses
Architect: Herzog & de Meuron
Location: Tirana
Landscape Architect: Michel Desvigne
Existing Building Completion: 1986
Site Area: Approximately 4,760 sq m
Gross Floor Area: Approximately 55,000 sq m
Status: Competition-winning proposal
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