Downtown One

Downtown One
Map
General information
StatusUnder construction
TypeMixed-use, Residential, Office
LocationTirana, Albania
AddressBajram Curri Boulevard
Coordinates41°19′27″N 19°49′26″E / 41.32412°N 19.82386°E / 41.32412; 19.82386
Construction started2019
Topped-out2020
Completed2024 (scheduled)
Height
Roof150 m (490 ft)
Technical details
Structural systemConcrete
Floor count40 (+5 underground)
Floor area77,000 m2 (829,000 sq ft)
Design and construction
Architect(s)MVRDV
Structural engineerLEAL & Arup
Main contractorKastrati Group
Website
www.dt1.al

Downtown One is a mixed-use skyscraper under construction in Tirana, Albania. Topped out in 2020, the tower rises to a height of 150 m (490 ft) and comprises 40 floors, making it the tallest building in the country. Developed by Kastrati Group, its official opening is scheduled for 2025.[1][2][3]

Once completed, the building will host a hotel, serviced apartments and office space. Notably, it is the first structure in Albania to achieve LEED Gold precertification, highlighting the developer's commitment to sustainable design.[4][5][6]

Architecture

Concept and construction

MVRDV, the leading architectural firm responsible for the backstage planning of Downtown One, conceived the project as a symbol of Albania’s progress and growth. Strategically located in central Tirana on Bajram Curri Boulevard, south of Lana River, the rectilinear tower incorporates a striking design element: a series of cantilevered houses and offices on its main façades, creating a relief pattern that, when viewed from a distance, forms an abstract map of Albania, with each cantilever representing a specific village or town.

For residents and occupants, the projecting bay windows provide breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, while the terraces enhance communication and community, evoking the atmosphere of a vertical village. The design even allows residents to identify their homes within the context of Albania’s geography. As the architects envisioned, someone might live in the “Tirana pixel” while another resides in the “Durrës pixel” and so on.[1][7]

At its base is the "7 Xhuxhat" park, featuring local vegetation and an educational playground. The building itself is divided into distinct layers: commercial spaces occupy the ground floor, while underground levels are designated for parking. The lower half of the tower is dedicated to office space, with the top 18 floors reserved for residential apartments.

MVRDV partnered with local architects and engineers, adhering to the latest Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards. Recognizing the region’s earthquake-prone nature, the project was built to meet the highest European standards for structural integrity and quality.

Arup served as the structural and MEP supervisor, with Albanian firms Elteknik providing MEP engineering and LEAL handling structural engineering. DEA Studio acted as local partner and co-architect.[1][8]

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Downtown One.
  1. ^ a b c "MVRDV - Albania's tallest building, MVRDV's Downtown One, tops out in Tirana". Mvrdv.nl. 8 June 2021. Archived from the original on 24 May 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  2. ^ "MVRDV - Downtown One Tirana". www.mvrdv.nl. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 2022-10-08.
  3. ^ "Dokumenti i Rregullores së Veçantë" (PDF). 10 June 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Downtown One Tirana". CTBUH Skyscraper Center. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  5. ^ "DT1 Project Broshure" (PDF). Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  6. ^ "Kastrati Group | Downtown one". Retrieved 2024-07-06.
  7. ^ "Downtown One - MVRDV". architectmagazine.com. Architect Magazine. March 25, 2019. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  8. ^ Levy, Natasha (February 15, 2019). "MVRDV designs Albania's tallest building with pixelated facade". Dezeen. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
Records
Preceded by Tallest building in Albania
2024–present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent