Spanish architectural studio Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura has revealed renders of the Papuli Tower, a 190-meter skyscraper set to redefine the skyline of Tirana, Albania.
Designed as one of the city’s tallest buildings, the tower takes inspiration from the studio’s iconic La Fábrica headquarters in Barcelona, which was originally a cement factory repurposed into a dynamic architectural space.
Innovative Design Concept
The main concept was to adapt an industrial archetype into a flexible, mixed-use skyscraper at the heart of Tirana.
The design consists of four elongated concrete silos arranged around a square core, creating a distinctive four-leaf clover floor plan. This cylindrical approach, reminiscent of La Fábrica, ensures uninterrupted interior spaces by eliminating corners while maximizing panoramic views.
Mixed-Use Spaces
Papuli Tower will span a total floor area of approximately 80,000 square meters, housing 46 floors of commercial, office, and residential spaces. The ground floor will feature retail areas spanning 5,000 square meters, followed by ten floors of office space covering 20,000 square meters, while the remaining 35 floors will accommodate residential apartments, offering high-end amenities and modern interiors.
Architectural Features
The exterior is marked by pleated facades with elongated, slim glazed openings, reinforcing a contemporary yet industrial aesthetic. The design references Tirana’s historical role as Albania’s production hub, integrating an industrial yet modern approach that aligns with the city’s rapid transformation.
Interior and Finishes
Interior finishes will include terracotta flooring and oxidized concrete walls, maintaining a raw yet sophisticated ambiance. High ceilings and expansive windows will provide ample natural light, enhancing the living and working environment.
Tirana’s Urban Transformation
Papuli Tower is part of Tirana’s broader urban development strategy, with several unique skyscrapers under construction, reflecting the city’s ambition to emerge as a global architectural hub.
