Stefano Boeri to Design Archaeological Park in Durrës, Albania

Stefano Boeri Architetti and SON Architects have won an international competition to transform the archaeological site of Durrës, one of the most significant in the Mediterranean, into a major cultural park and hub in Albania. The project, commissioned by the Albanian Ministry of Culture and the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), aims to interpret, present, and enhance the Roman amphitheater, Byzantine forum, and Roman baths, while creating new urban pathways connecting the waterfront and port to the city's main attractions. The amphitheater, covering 2,530 square meters, will become the focal point, alongside the 700-square-meter baths featuring a caldarium and pool. The initiative is part of a long-term vision outlined in Durrës's Integrated Management Plan. Albanian Minister of Culture Elva Margariti emphasized that the amphitheater symbolizes the city's past glory and must be restored to its full grandeur. This is not Boeri's first archaeological project; his studio previously worked on Domus Area in Rome and the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica. In Albania, Boeri is also involved in Tirana's Vertical Forest, the city's master plan, and the Blloku Cube multifunctional center.