Game of Towers Vertical Growth - Horizontal Tensions
Authors
MSc. Erjon ÇOBANI, Department of Architecture and Design, POLIS University, Tirana, Albania,
Abstract
Tirana's urban landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years,transitioning from
a spread-out, low-rise style to a more concentrated, high-rise approach. This change has
affected not only the city's appearance but also its overall architectural look. This
transformation has led to increased population density and a more modern aesthetic, but has
also raised concerns about preserving the city's cultural heritage and addressing infrastructure
challenges, such as traffic congestion and inadequate public spaces.
The increase in high-rise buildings reflects changes in culture, economics, and design, as
housing and public spaces are rethought to accommodate rapid city growth, market demands,
and global architectural styles. These buildings aim to create a modern city image but often
clash with its history and traditional building styles. The completion of the 85-meter-high TID
Tower in 2015 symbolizes Tirana's shift towards modernity and new heights, but has sparked
debates about how to develop the city while preserving historic sites and public spaces. Some
argue that the construction of towers represents progress and economic development, as they
believe these modern structures attract investment, create jobs, and provide much-needed
housing for a growing urban population. But, at what cost? Howto define the balance between
preserving and evolving to meet the demands of the future?
As towers have changed Tirana's morphology and appearance, the purpose of this paper is to
examine how they have affected public spaces, created a new identity for the city, and been
integrated into the existing urban fabric. It questions whether these buildings help create a
unified city or break up its structure. By placing this within the larger discussion of urban
renewal, the research suggests a new approach on assessing the balance between modern
architectural goals and the need to protect historical heritage while maintaining consistent
building styles.
Keywords
Urban morphology, vertical urbanism, heritage and continuity, fragmented fabric, high-rise
architecture
