Architecture as a Mediator: The Pyramid of Tirana in a Dialogue between Generations
https://doi.org/10.31675/1607-1859-2026-28-2-105-113
EDN: IATSXA
Abstract
The Pyramid of Tirana is of great historical importance not only for the city but also for Albania. However, works concerning this architectural object are very few, so the topic needs to be studied.
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show the role of the Pyramid of Tirana as a mediator.
Research findings: The paper presents historical studies of the Pyramid of Tirana and its role for the city and its residents. The paper compares the architecture before and after the reconstruction and changes in its functional content. Architectural techniques are identified to express the building function as a mediator.
Research implication: The identified techniques can be used in the reconstruction of other significant historical monuments.
About the Authors
V. A. Titova
Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Valeriya A. Titova, Student
6, Miklouho-Maclay Str., 117198, Moscow
O. Yu. Suslova
Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga Y. Suslova, PhD, A/Professor
6, Miklouho-Maclay Str., 117198, Moscow
References
1. Nurmammedov, A.Ya., Orazov, A.A., Poladov, Yu.P. Architecture of Pyramidal Forms and their Application. Vestnik nauki. 2024; 1(6): 1855–1858. (In Russian)
2. Between apathy and nostalgia: public and private recollections of communism in contemporary Albania. Institute for Democracy, Media and Culture (IDMC). Available: www.idmc.al/en/between-apathy-and-nostalgia-public-and-private-recollections-of-communism-in-contemporaryalbania/(accessed February 10, 2026).
3. Iacono, F., Këlliçi, K.L. Of Pyramids and Dictators: Memory Work and the Significance of Communist Heritage in Post-Socialist Albania. AP: Online Journal in Public Archaeology. 2015; (5): 97–122. DOI: 10.23914/ap.v5i0.66
4. Batbay, A. The interpretation of the Pyramid of Tirana: The influence of the changing social and political context in Albania on the interpretation of the Pyramid of Tirana. Student Report. Delft: Delft University of Technology. 2024. Available: https://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:af1853a6-8d1f-4a65-a256-ee41252959c8 (accessed July 28, 2025).
5. Pyramid of Tirana: MVRDV Transforms Albania's Most Controversial Building. Interior.ru; 2025. Available: www.interior.ru/architecture/19748-piramida-tirani-mvrdv-preobrazhaet-samoe-protivorechivoe-zdanie-albanii.html (accessed March 20, 2026). (In Russian)
6. Adam, T., Kuch, U. (Eds.) Tirana. Architecture as Political Actor. Weimar: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar; 2019. 80 p. DOI: 10.25643/bauhaus-universitaet.3995
7. Iacono, F., Këlliçi, K. Exploring the Public Perception of Communist Heritage in Post-Communist Albania. EX NOVO Journal of Archaeology. 2016; 1(1): 55–69.
8. Williams, A. Communist pyramid transformed into scalable tech hub with superb views. New Atlas. 2023. Available: https://newatlas.com/architecture/pyramid-tirana-mvrdv/ (accessed July 28, 2025).
9. Nientied, P., Janku, E. Ambiguous Memorial Landscapes in Post-Socialist Cities: The Case of Tirana's Pyramid. Italian Journal of Planning Practice. 2019; 9(1): 1–23.
10. Miho, E., Kumi, K., Demiraj, J. The Decommunization of the Pyramid in Tirana, the Mausoleum of Enver Hoxha. In: Proc. 23rd Int. Conf. on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies (CHNT 23), November 12–15, 2018, Vienna, Austria. Vienna: Museen der Stadt Wien, Stadtarchäologie. 2019. 11 p. ISBN 978-3-200-06576-5.
11. Maas, W., van Rijs, J., de Vries, N. The Pyramid of Tirana. MVRDV. 2023. Available: www.mvrdv.asia/projects/312/the-pyramid-of-tirana (accessed July 26, 2025).
12. Walsh, N. MVRDV to transform communist-era pyramid into center for art and technology in Albania. Archdaily.com; 2018. Available: www.archdaily.com/894779/mvrdv-to-transformcommunist-era-pyramid-into-center-for-art-and-technology-in-albania?ad_medium=mini-landing& ad_name=projects (accessed March 20, 2026).
13. Sochalin, O. Rethinking brutalist architecture - MVRDV transformed the museum of the former Albanian leader into a cultural and educational center. Architime.ru; 2023. Available: https://architime.ru/news/mvrdv_t/pyramid_tirana.htm (accessed July 28, 2025). (In Russian)
14. Frolova, N. Former museum of Albanian leader Enver Hoxha at the Tirana center reopened after reconstruction by MVRDV as an educational center and public space. Archi.ru; 2023. Available: https://archi.ru/world/99148/piramida-dlya-gorozhan (accessed July 27, 2025). (In Russian)
15. Khudaiberdieva, N.A., Seitmedov, I., Orazmuradov, K. Architectural Masterpieces of 2023: Innovation and Cultural Revival. Vestnik nauki. 2024; 4(6): 1472–1475. (In Russian)
16. Muradova, A.O., Khudaiberdieva, N.A., Ovezguliev, B.G. Preservation of Historic Buildings: Significance, Advantages, Challenges and Strategies. Vestnik nauki. 2024; 2(4): 671–674. (In Russian)
Review
For citations:
Titova V.A., Suslova O.Yu. Architecture as a Mediator: The Pyramid of Tirana in a Dialogue between Generations. Vestnik Tomskogo gosudarstvennogo arkhitekturno-stroitel'nogo universiteta. JOURNAL of Construction and Architecture. 2026;28(2):105-113. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31675/1607-1859-2026-28-2-105-113. EDN: IATSXA
Views:
113
JATS XML
Email this article 