Lake Views Tirana – Undulating Mixed-Use Towers by JA Joubert Architecture

Dutch studio JA Joubert Architecture has completed the Lake Views development, a striking mixed-use complex beside Tirana Park Lake in Albania. Covering 135,000 square metres, the project includes 1,150 residences alongside public and commercial spaces, blending urban density with landscape sensitivity. The design employs undulating forms to integrate harmoniously with the lakeside terrain, minimizing repetitive building blocks while offering expansive views and ample natural light. This approach combines visual interest, functional diversity, and ecological awareness, reflecting contemporary priorities in urban residential design.

The development embodies a thoughtful balance between private and communal spaces. Cascading planted terraces mimic the surrounding mountains, providing green vistas for residents and fostering a sense of place. Public courtyards and pedestrian-friendly paths create lively, accessible streetscapes. The project represents a holistic vision for urban living, demonstrating how mixed-use architecture can enhance social interaction, connectivity, and sustainability, while responding to local topography and climatic conditions.

Site Layout and Tower Composition

Lake Views is composed of two primary sites. On the larger site, four towers rise from a sinuous, three-storey podium containing commercial functions. Apartments are arranged in a staggered configuration above, while a three-storey underground parking facility optimizes land use. The smaller site features two towers on an S-shaped volume with a single commercial floor at ground level. All towers feature glazed facades and protruding terraces lined with planters, enhancing visual diversity and residents’ connection to greenery.

Component	Description	Purpose
Towers	Undulating forms with cascading terraces	Maximize light, views, and visual interest; reflect surrounding landscape
Podium / S-Shaped Volume	Three floors of commercial space (larger site) / single commercial floor (smaller site)	Support mixed-use functionality and create urban base
Underground Parking	Three-storey subterranean facility	Reduce ground-level congestion, optimize site footprint
Glazed Facades with Protruding Terraces	Floor-to-ceiling glazing and staggered terraces	Enhance daylight penetration, connect residents with exterior greenery

Public and Landscape Design

At ground level, pedestrian-friendly courtyards and pathways connect the towers, integrating greenery throughout. Public spaces are designed to be accessible and serene, with twisted building layouts creating calm areas for residents and visitors. Landscape architecture includes planted terraces, trees, and open lawns, reinforcing the relationship between built form and natural surroundings. This design encourages social interaction, promotes wellbeing, and strengthens community identity.

Element	Feature	Function
Cascading Terraces	Planters lining end apartments	Provide green views and link buildings to the surrounding mountains
Pedestrian Courtyards	Paths lined with vegetation connecting towers	Create calm, accessible public spaces
Green Roofs and Open Areas	Landscaped terraces and lawns	Enhance biodiversity, provide communal leisure spaces
Integration with Terrain	Undulating tower forms sloping into lakeside site	Reduce repetitive blocks and integrate with natural topography

Architectural Analysis

From an architectural perspective, Lake Views demonstrates how urban density can harmonize with natural topography. The undulating tower forms reduce monotony and create visual connectivity across the development. Cascading terraces reinforce a biophilic approach, connecting residents to greenery while echoing nearby mountains. Pedestrian-focused courtyards and communal pathways enhance social sustainability. The integration of glazing, modular grids, and staggered volumes reflects thoughtful design logic, balancing aesthetic dynamism with functional performance in a dense urban environment.

Project Importance

Lake Views represents a benchmark for mixed-use urban developments in Albania and similar emerging cities. By addressing issues of liveability, resilience, and community engagement, the project showcases how architecture can create democratic, sustainable neighbourhoods. Its design approach provides a model for blending private and public spaces, enhancing connectivity, and introducing ecological elements within high-density housing. The development contributes to ongoing discussions on integrating landscape, architecture, and urbanism to improve residents’ quality of life.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Lake Views highlights the potential of undulating forms and terraced façades to create both visual interest and functional urban spaces. While the scale could risk overwhelming its surroundings, the careful modulation of building heights, integration with terrain, and use of greenery maintains human-scale intimacy. This project demonstrates how architecture can merge high-density housing with environmental and social sustainability, offering lessons for future urban developments.

Conclusion

Lake Views in Tirana exemplifies the synthesis of architectural creativity, urban planning, and ecological sensitivity. The development’s undulating towers, cascading terraces, and pedestrian-focused landscapes create a vibrant, sustainable community while respecting the surrounding lakeside terrain. By combining mixed-use functions with strong visual identity, the project reinforces the role of thoughtful architecture in shaping urban experiences and fostering social cohesion.

The project underscores the importance of holistic design strategies that address density, public accessibility, and environmental integration. Lake Views provides a reference for future developments seeking to balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, demonstrating that innovative architecture can meaningfully enhance both the built environment and residents’ daily lives.

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