MVRDV Grand Ballroom Sphere in Tirana

A Luminous Sphere Illuminates the Sky of Tirana

A massive glowing sphere rises into the sky of Tirana, the capital of Albania, becoming an example of architectural boldness in Europe. This project represents a reimagining of the former Asllan Rusi Sports Palace site and is a unique creation by the Dutch firm MVRDV, renowned for pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation.

Integrating Multiple Functions in a Single Design

What sets this project apart is how it blends multiple functions that are often executed separately. At the heart of the building is a sports arena with a capacity of approximately 6,000 seats for basketball and volleyball. The building also houses hotel rooms, residential apartments, restaurants, and versatile public spaces.

Verticality as a Design Choice

While most architects prefer to separate these programs into distinct blocks, MVRDV chose to stack them vertically within the spherical shell. This strategy gives the building a prominent presence on the skyline while simultaneously making it a driver of urban life, as the different functions interact dynamically within the same structure.

Exterior view of MVRDV Grand Hall sphere illuminated above Tirana, showing its spherical design and urban context

Understanding the Gradation Between Public and Private Spaces

The organizational strategy within the building reflects a sophisticated understanding of how to transition between public and private spaces. At the ground level, where the spherical shell meets the earth, the design creates a distinctive impression on the urban landscape, highlighting the lower level, which forms the most accessible area for visitors.

Ascending Programming in Horizontal Layers

From the ground floor, the programming rises in layers, gradually transitioning functions from the communal arena spaces to the semi-public hotel facilities, and finally to the private residential units on the upper levels. This vertical arrangement ensures that each function occupies its optimal position while respecting the geometric constraints of the sphere, reflecting a balance between density and privacy in usage.

Facade and Geometric Form

The exterior shell demonstrates MVRDV’s attention to precise architectural details. The lattice shell, composed of vertical and horizontal elements, envelops the entire volume of the sphere, creating rhythmic openings that regulate light and views while maintaining the harmony of the spherical form. These openings serve a dual purpose: providing the necessary transparency for the various interior spaces and simultaneously enhancing the geometric purity of the sphere through a carefully distributed pattern on the surface.

Interior sports arena of MVRDV Grand Hall with seating for basketball and volleyball games

Redefining Tirana’s Architectural Identity

The Grand Ballroom arrives at a moment when Tirana is actively reshaping its architectural identity. In recent years, the capital has become a laboratory for contemporary design, attracting international architects to propose bold ideas. MVRDV’s sphere positions itself as a civic anchor, visible from across the city while engaging pedestrians at street level through its distinctive ground-level imprint.

Technical Ambition and Structural Innovation

The technical ambitions match the formal boldness of the building. Engineering a sphere of this scale requires advanced structural solutions, particularly when integrating arena seating, hotel rooms, and residential units within a continuous curved shell. The lattice facade serves a dual purpose: it is not merely an aesthetic feature, but also distributes loads across the entire surface, reflecting the integration of form and structure.

A Different Approach to Mixed-Use Spaces

The project departs from the conventional approach to mixed-use buildings, where architects typically group separate towers around a common plaza. Instead, MVRDV consolidated all functions within a single form, making the sphere a self-sufficient urban hub that combines a visual landmark with the functions of urban life.

The Sphere as a Symbol of Contemporary Innovation

The Grand Ballroom functions not only as a visual spectacle but as an architectural solution that accommodates density and programmatic diversity. It also underscores MVRDV’s willingness to embrace geometric extremes, demonstrating that even the simplest shape, the sphere, can hold the potential for radical reinvention in contemporary architectural practice.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

MVRDV’s Grand Ballroom Sphere project in Tirana can be seen as an architectural experiment attempting to integrate multiple functions within a single innovative structure. On the positive side, the vertical design offers an opportunity to explore the interaction of different programs within a limited footprint. It also provides a strong visual presence on the urban skyline, making the building a focal point for the city.

However, several potential challenges arise when studying this type of integration. Relying on a large spherical form imposes structural and engineering constraints that may limit the flexibility of interior spaces over time. Additionally, distributing diverse functions across vertical layers can complicate circulation within the building, particularly for visitors or residents who require frequent access to different facilities. Furthermore, consolidating all programs into a single mass reduces the potential for future expansion or adaptation of uses according to changing city needs, compared to the conventional approach of separate towers around a shared plaza.

Despite these caveats, architects and students can study the project to understand how to balance form and function within an unconventional structure. The experience can provide valuable strategies for vertical program distribution or for managing interactions between public and private spaces, while also considering flexibility and future diversity in the design of mixed-use buildings.