OODA Architecture: With above-ground area of 55,000 sqm and a height of 140m, the first building phase has been granted construction permit and is scheduled to break ground next spring.
Hora Vertikale is a new project in Tirana, featuring residential buildings arranged in a vertical settlement—’Hora,’ in ancient Albanian. Beneath, there is a vibrant new park, along with various amenities and opportunities for both residents and visitors. Additionally, the project aims to engage the neighbouring local community. It is conceived as a unique vertical village set amidst a large green city.
Intended to vertically portrait Tirana’s chaotic nature, the project places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Locally-sourced materials from Albania are used to minimize the carbon footprint and support the local economy. The result is a building that leaves a lasting impact on both city visitors and those who live there.
The design integrates urban and rural elements, with the towers expected to become iconic landmarks, offering a visually striking presence and a distinctly local atmosphere. From a distance, the buildings present distinct elevations and perceptions from different views around the city. Up close, the concept’s playful interplay reveals its secrets and the compositions step back from the main road towards the park at the rear, creating the most adequate transition in terms of scale.
Employing abstraction and synthesis as working tools, the project seeks to offer a specific interpretation of Tirana’s idiosyncrasies, presenting a distinctive yet substantial and authentic outline.
The entire project is developed using seven different types of cubes, each comprising seven stories - an average height characteristic of most buildings in Tirana. Each cube embodies a unique concept related to art and also inspired by local vernacular.
The initial building phase consists of thirteen cubes, each measuring 22.5m by 22.5m at three different heights, which gives the composition a fluid and dynamic profile.
