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# 01-522
Project for a new
parliamentary complex
/ tirana (Albania)
/ 2007
The new parliament structure is integrated into a Stalin-
era building constructed after the Second World War
under the supervision of the dictator Enver Hoxha.
Without wishing to diminish the historical resonances,
Philippe Samyn’s project fits into the older building in
the form of a
u
shape. In this way, it reflects Albania’s
movement towards the future, without erasing traces
of the past. Thus the new forms, neither aggressive
nor unassuming, reflect a new relationship between the
parliament and the executive branch. The rear facade
of the new parliament, situated along a boulevard, has
been changed into the front facade, and becomes the
principal point of entry to the complex.
The new parliamentary chamber on the first floor is
preceded by the large Citizen’s Hall, which is full of light
despite the presence of canopies, and is conceived of
as an authentic public meeting place. The chamber
itself consists of two seating areas facing each other,
which are reserved for members of the Parliament and
the Government. According to a recent memo from
the architect to the Academy, it will also be possible
to arrange the seating in the form of a semicircle.
The public galleries allow for a daily encounter with the
democratic process of a modern state. The construction
follows the principles of sustainability and takes into
consideration the extreme climate and limited energy
resources. Thus, there is a generous use of textile
partitions and wooden structures. More importantly,
a removable insulating canopy, which is easily stored,
has been planned for the existing facades for the
hottest and coldest months. Meanwhile, a passive
greenhouse heating effect helps to regulate the interior
temperature. Renovation and reorganisation of the exist-
ing spaces are also planned.