JA Joubert Architecture, has won second prize in an international competition for a new mixed-use building along the Rruga Durresit, the main road into Tirana, Albania. Breaking with the traditional box-like shapes, they filled out the space set by the urban regulations, and subsequently hollowed out this shape until the maximum allowed volume was reached. In doing so, the strong, recognisable outer shape, is contrasted by beautiful open inner spaces and at the same time the proposed shape allows for a flexible development in program between shopping, offices and housing. More information and images after the break.
