New Book 'The Albanian Files' Chronicles Albania's Architectural Transformation and Raises Questions
Anneke Abhelakh's book, 'The Albanian Files: Freedom and Architecture,' published by Lars Müller Publishers, dives into how international architecture firms have increasingly influenced Albania since the early 2000s. Spanning 800 pages, it highlights sixty architectural firms and includes significant works like OMA's Mangalem 21 and BIG's National Theatre design. The book has sparked protests against Prime Minister Edi Rama, with critics claiming it reveals a development approach that favors direct connections to him. Noteworthy architects, such as Chris Precht and Alejandro Aravena, have shared their experiences with Rama. Fatos Lubonja, an activist, is leading the charge against this, with lawyers gearing up to file a complaint with Albania's Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK).
Key facts
- The Albanian Files: Freedom and Architecture is a new book by Anneke Abhelakh, published by Lars Müller Publishers.
- The book documents the presence of international architecture firms in Albania since the early 2000s, featuring 60 practices.
- Projects include OMA's Mangalem 21, OODA's Bond Tower and Hora Vertikale, Stefano Boeri's Tirana 2030 masterplan, MVRDV's Pyramid of Tirana renovation, and BIG's National Theatre design.
- The book has become a flashpoint amid protests against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government.
- Critics argue the book reveals a development model based on direct access to the prime minister rather than competitive procedures.
- Several architects describe being personally contacted by Rama, including Chris Precht, Alejandro Aravena, and Sam Chermayeff Office.
- An open letter by OMA's Reinier de Graaf satirically suggests Rama become president for life, which has proved contentious.
- Writer and activist Fatos Lubonja has organized a group of around 600 people scrutinizing the book, with lawyers preparing a complaint to SPAK.
Entities
Artists
- Anneke Abhelakh
- Diogo Brito
- Chris Precht
- Alejandro Aravena
- Reinier de Graaf
- Fatos Lubonja
- Edi Rama
- Sali Berisha
- Jared Kushner
- Anna Solomon
Institutions
- Lars Müller Publishers
- OMA
- OODA
- Stefano Boeri Architetti
- MVRDV
- Bofill Taller de Arquitectura
- Luca Dini Design & Architecture
- NOA
- Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)
- Kengo Kuma & Associates
- Herzog & de Meuron
- Lina Ghotmeh Architecture
- Studio Precht
- Elemental
- Sam Chermayeff Office
- Tirana Times
- Wallpaper*
- Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK)
Locations
- Albania
- Tirana
- Durrës
- Vlorë
- Sarandë
- Sazan Island
- Zvërnec
- Butrint
- Albanian Riviera