A new chapter in Albania’s urban transformation is unfolding with the revitalization of the industrial port of Durrës, led by the internationally recognized firms Rojkind Arquitectos (Mexico) and Multiplicities (Germany). This mixed-use development is more than a design intervention; it represents a model of contemporary architectural practice rooted in deep collaboration, cultural dialogue, and shared authorship.
Bringing together architects, urban planners, engineers, and local professionals, the project reflects a growing trend in architecture where place-making is inseparable from relationship-building. It is a reminder that impactful architecture often arises not from singular visions but from collective understanding.
Rojkind Arquitectos, known for bold, emotionally resonant forms, and Multiplicities, with its urbanist and research-driven focus, bring complementary strengths to the table. Their partnership signals a deliberate merging of design innovation with contextual intelligence.
The inclusion of Albanian partners such as SON Architects, alongside structural engineer Dhimitri Papa, underlines the commitment to grounding the design within local knowledge systems. The involvement of AKPT (Albania’s National Territorial Planning Agency) and First Wood Albania further reflects a coordinated, multiscalar effort that aligns public ambition with private initiative.
In an era where global design efforts can often risk feeling disconnected from place, this initiative offers a counterexample: a collaborative, grounded, and culturally attentive approach. The team’s emphasis on co-creation with local professionals and the acknowledgment of long-standing friendships forged through the process suggest a project grounded not just in form-making, but in shared values.
Described by the design team as “far more than a project,” the undertaking reflects a shared ethos of architecture as a bridge between spaces, and also cultures, disciplines, and people.
Renders by visual artist Javier Abadán.
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