MVRDV Designs Spherical Landmark for Tirana's New Asllan Rusi Sports Palace

"Tirana, the capital of Albania, is experiencing a rapid transformation driven by the long-term urban strategy outlined in the Tirana 2030 (TR030) Master Plan. Developed in 2017 by Stefano Boeri Architetti, UNLAB, and IND [Inter.National.Design] through a competition organized by the Ministry of Urban Development, the plan's objectives include increasing urban density, improving public infrastructure, and integrating green spaces and open areas into the urban fabric."

"Where the spherical volume meets the ground, it creates a recessed plaza with steps and tribunes leading to a ring of retail spaces, cafés, and amenities that support the arena's operations. The main arena floor sits above this level, flanked by two hidden training courts beneath the stands. Two hotel floors rise above the arena, providing guests with direct views of the matches through room windows"

"The design's spherical shape serves multiple purposes beyond its striking appearance. Positioned along the main road linking Tirana's airport and city centre, the form offers a 360-degree presence with no rear façade, integrating harmoniously with its surroundings. By stacking residential and hotel functions above the arena, the project seeks to maximize density on a compact site while freeing space at ground level for public plazas and outdoor sports"

Tirana 2030 Master Plan guides urban transformation toward greater density, improved infrastructure, and more green open spaces. MVRDV won the competition to design the Asllan Rusi Sports Palace, The Grand Ballroom, a mixed-use spherical development over 100 metres in diameter. The project combines a 6,000-seat arena with residential apartments, a hotel, and ground-level retail. The spherical volume forms a recessed plaza and a retail ring. The main arena floor sits above retail, with hidden training courts beneath the stands and hotel floors cantilevering above to provide direct match views and a dramatic oculus. The 360-degree form maximizes presence along the airport-to-city road and frees ground-level space for public plazas and outdoor sports.

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