Documenting Change: Architectural Transformation in Albania

A new publication titled The Albanian Files: Freedom and Architecture highlights the architectural evolution of Albania over the past two decades, showcasing the contributions of 60 international practices. Curated by Anneke Abhelakh and published by Lars Müller Publishers, this extensive 796-page volume serves as both an archive and an ongoing dialogue about the nation’s dynamic built environment since the fall of communism.

The book is structured into 60 distinct 'files,' each representing an architectural practice that has played a role in shaping Albania’s landscape. Notable contributors include renowned firms such as Herzog & de Meuron, Kengo Kuma & Associates, and Elemental, all of which collaborated with local architects. This focus underscores the collaborative nature of architectural projects, moving beyond individual authorship to emphasize the relationships and negotiations that define the creation of space.

Abhelakh emphasizes that while the book documents an ongoing architectural transformation, it also raises critical questions about narrative ownership. Recent protests in Tirana remind readers that the voices of Albanians are essential in this story, even if their experiences are not fully captured within the pages. As such, The Albanian Files invites readers to reflect on who has the authority to tell the story of a nation still in flux.

Featuring approximately 1,500 illustrations, the volume encompasses a wide spectrum of projects—from luxury resorts and cultural institutions to social housing and urban planning. This variety illustrates the diverse interests that intersect in the development of Albania’s architectural identity. The foreword by Prime Minister Edi Rama further contextualizes the significance of these contributions in relation to the country's broader social and political changes since 1990.

Designed by Haller Brun, the book effectively straddles the line between an architectural survey and a professional archive, capturing a pivotal moment in Albania’s history. As international architects continue to leave their mark, The Albanian Files provides a multifaceted view of how these interventions are reshaping the fabric of Albanian society.

Source: www.designboom.com